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J-1 Program Fees and Refund Policy

GRAVITY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS FEES
REFUND POLICY
J-1 VISA PROGRAM LIVING EXPENSES
  PRICES DESCRIPTION
  SEVIS I-9 Form Fee Payable to the Department of State Fee $220.00
  Up To 18 Months Training Program Fee $2,600.00
  Up To 12 Months Training, Intern or Specialist Program Fee $2,100.00
  Up To 6 Months Intern, Specialist or Training Program Fee $1,600.00
  Up To 3 Months Intern, Specialist or Training Program Fee $1,100.00
  J-2 Visa Program Fee    
  J-2 Dependent Program Fee This is the application fee for issuance of the DS-2019 Form for the dependent of J-1 visa applicant (J-2 visa). J-2 Visa term is dependent on the Primary J-1 Visa Holder’s term. $600.00
  Additional Fees + Services (these may be required)    
  New Host Company Site Visit Fee   $500.00
  Travel Validation Fee   $50.00
  DS-2019 Replacement   $200.00
  J-1 Visa Program Extension Fees Please contact GIP at least 30 days prior to the expiration date. Up to 3 additional months. $750.00
  3 to 6 additional months Please contact GIP before your original program end date. $900.00
  Over 6 additional months Host Company Transfer Fee $1,250.00
  Expedited Fees + Services (if applicable)    
  Expedited J-1 Visa Processing Fee Five business day processing or complete applications $1,500.00
  Expedited Host Company Validation Cost This fee applies to any new company that requests the required site visit to take place within five business days of application submission. $1,500.00
  Expedited J-2 Visa Extension Processing Fee Please contact GIP at least 30 days prior to the original program end date. $1,000.00
  Medical and Health Insurance Cost    
  J-1 Visa Health Insurance Insurance provided by TaiAn Insurance - Approx. Monthly Fee $50.10
  J-2 Visa (Family Member) by month $50.10
  • All program fees are listed in U.S. Dollars.
  • J-1 visa applicants must pay the DS-160 visa application fee directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • No refunds will be issued once the DS-2019 Form has been generated.
  • The SEVIS I-901 fee is non-refundable once the DS-2019 Form is issued.
  • Partial Refunds in Case of Visa Denial: If a participant is denied a J-1 visa by the U.S. Consulate after receiving the DS-2019 Form, 50% of the program fee may be refunded. To qualify, the participant must submit:
  • The original DS-2019 Form
  • A copy of their passport
  • An official letter from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate stating the reason for denial
  • No Refunds Will Be Issued If: The participant withdraws after the program start date, regardless of the reason or the participant is dismissed, or the program is terminated by the Host Company or GIP
  • If the participant has already received a J-1 visa, no refund of the program fee will be granted.
  • Refund Request Process: All refund requests must be submitted in writing through our online platform or approved refunds will be processed within 30 days of receiving a complete request. If the program fee was paid by bank wire transfer, a $50 processing fee will be deducted from the total refund. 


J-1 Visa Program: Estimated Living Expenses

To help you better prepare for your time in the United States, we’ve outlined estimated living expenses for a single participant during a typical J-1 program. These figures are approximate and will vary depending on your location, lifestyle, and housing preferences. Our goal is to help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected financial burdens.

  1. Initial Expenses: Approximate cost for transportation from the airport to your host city and a 3-night hotel stay: $500.00
  2. Housing: 
  • Estimated monthly rent: $1,200.00 to $2,500.00
  • Housing in major cities can be expensive; however, affordable and safe options are available.
  • It is recommended to stay in a hotel upon arrival to conduct your housing search in person.
  • You can use our housing platform to search for roommates.
  • Important: Most landlords will require:
  • First month’s rent
  • Security deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent)
  1. Utilities: Average monthly cost for gas, electricity, internet, and phone: $100.00
  2. Food: Estimated monthly cost: $250.00 to $350.00 or more, depending on whether you cook at home or eat out frequently.
  3. Transportation
  • Estimated monthly cost: $50.00 to $100.00, based on the use of public transportation or personal vehicle.
  • Note: If you lease, rent, or purchase a vehicle, car insurance is required, which may add significantly to your monthly expenses.
  1. Personal Care Products: Average monthly cost: $25.00
  2. Miscellaneous / Entertainment: Estimated total for the duration of your program: $100.00 to $1,000.00, depending on your personal preferences and activities.

Use the cost-of-living calculator below to estimate and personalize your expected monthly expenses based on your specific host city:
https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living