The J visa program is actually an "exchange program" and not necessarily a student-based program. However, by far, students seeking their medical degrees in the United States are the most frequent users of the visa. The J visa is preferred over the F by some students since the spouse of the J-1 is allowed to work in the United States (albeit in a limited capacity). Conversely, many students due to the foreign residency requirements imposed on certain J-1 visa-holders disfavor the J visa.
You may enter the US in J-1 status if you are going to participate in a USIA program as a bona fide student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, specialist, or leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill. Foreign medical graduates seeking further training in the US may only do so via the J-1.
Participants must have sufficient funds to cover all expenses or must have a sponsoring organization that will provide full support, required education for the particular program they are entering and must have a good understanding of the English language, or must be entering a program for non-English speakers
The persons who are entering the US under this program are required to return to their country of residence and stay there for a period of two years. There are a few exceptions to this.
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