J-1 High School Exchange · 2027–2028 school year
High School Exchange in the USA (J-1)
Spend a semester or a year at an American high school with a J-1 high school exchange in the USA, living with a host family in…
J-1 High School Exchange · Application and Fees
High school exchange cost and application: every step, every fee
From the first meeting to the first day of school, the application moves through six clear steps. Know the timeline, the documents and exactly what makes up the high school exchange cost from day one.
- $220 SEVIS fee (Sept 2026)
- $185 visa application fee (Sept 2026)
- Sep–Mar ideal window to apply for 2027–28
On this page
- When to apply: the 2027–2028 timeline
- How to apply for a high school exchange in 6 steps
- Application file checklist
- The host family letter: the heart of the application
- Host family placement, the DS-2019 and the visa
- High school exchange cost: what you pay for
- Pocket money and personal budget
- A quote tailored to your child
- 6 questions to ask when comparing quotes
When to apply: the 2027–2028 timeline
For the school year starting in August 2027, the best window to apply is September 2026 through March 2027. Because matches happen throughout spring and summer, students with an early, complete file get in front of host families sooner. For the spring semester starting in January 2028, the timeline shifts a few months later. Starting early also gives you time to compare quotes and plan the high school exchange cost with no surprises.
The steps below describe a typical process; exact dates depend on the sponsor and the placement. For an overview of the program, see our high school exchange in the USA page.
How to apply for a high school exchange in 6 steps
Your path from the first meeting to the first day of school:
-
Introductory meeting (student + parents)
We look at age, grade, school record and English level together, then choose the intake and sponsor option that fit your goals.
-
English test and interview
The student takes an English test such as ELTiS and introduces themselves in a short interview. We prepare for both together.
-
Application file
Transcripts, teacher references, a letter to the host family, photos, a health form and parental consent.
-
Host family and school placement
The sponsor shares the profile with host families; placement is confirmed once a family is matched and the school gives its written acceptance.
-
DS-2019, SEVIS and visa
The sponsor issues the DS-2019; you pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview in Ankara or Istanbul.
-
Orientation and departure
After the pre-departure orientation, the student flies to the U.S. and meets their host family.
Application file checklist
We build the file together, step by step. A typical application includes:
- Transcripts from the last three years, with English translations
- Teacher references for English and other subjects
- A personal letter from the student to the host family
- Photos of the student, their family and everyday life
- A health form completed by a doctor, plus vaccination records
- A parent letter and consent forms
- English test results and a valid passport
The host family letter: the heart of the application
Host families often choose their student by reading profiles and letters and looking at photos. That makes the letter the most personal and most powerful part of the file. A good letter describes the student's family, daily life and hobbies, and what they hope to experience in America, in a warm and specific way.
Writing "I've played the violin for five years and would love to join the school orchestra" instead of "I like music" brings a student to life in a family's eyes. Students write their own letters; we help them strengthen the structure. See how life with a host family works in our host family and school life guide.
Host family placement, the DS-2019 and the visa
Once the file is complete, the sponsor shares the student's profile with host families. When a suitable family and school are found, the school's written acceptance is secured and the placement is confirmed. Students receive their host family and school details before they leave, which is an important reassurance for parents.
Next, the sponsor issues the DS-2019 (the program eligibility form); you pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and book the visa appointment. We walk through every step in our J-1 visa guide. The visa decision rests with the consulate; we prepare students for the interview with practice sessions.
Start your 2027–2028 application now
Students who start in the fall enter the matching process sooner. Let's build your personal timeline in a short call.
High school exchange cost: what you pay for
Official fees with their current amounts, and what the other items depend on:
| Item | Paid to | When | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program (sponsor) fee | Sponsor organization and advisory services | At the enrollment and placement stages | Varies by sponsor, length and package |
| Room and board | Host family (volunteer) | Throughout the program | No payment; provided by the host family |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | U.S. Department of Homeland Security (online) | After the DS-2019, before the interview | $220 (as of September 2026; subject to change) |
| Visa application fee (MRV) | U.S. visa application system | After the DS-160, when booking the appointment | $185 (as of September 2026; subject to change) |
| Visa reciprocity fee | – | – | None for Turkish citizens on a J visa |
| Health insurance | Provided or approved by the sponsor | Before the program starts | Varies by sponsor and package |
| Airfare | Airline (included in some packages) | After placement and the visa | Varies by date and route |
| Passport, translations and medical check | The relevant offices | During the application | Varies by document |
| Monthly pocket money | The student's own budget | Throughout the program | Depends on needs and activities |
Official fees are as of September 2026 and may change; we'll confirm the current amounts together when you apply.
Request your 2027–2028 quote
We'll prepare a quote for your chosen term and sponsor options, with every included and excluded item clearly listed, and get back to you within 1 business day.
Pocket money and personal budget
When you plan the high school exchange cost, factor in a personal budget too. Since room and board come from the host family, most spending in America is personal. For monthly pocket money, think about clothes and personal care, a phone plan, school activities (sports gear, the yearbook, prom), outings with friends and personal expenses on family trips. We review the sponsor's recommended monthly budget with you at the quote stage.
A quote tailored to your child
High school exchange program fees vary with the length of the program (a semester or an academic year), the sponsor organization and the services included in the package. That's why the most accurate comparison comes from a written quote built around your child's situation. Our quote shows clearly what each item covers, when it's due and what the refund terms are.
6 questions to ask when comparing quotes
When you review a high school exchange quote, ask for clear answers to these:
- Which services does the program fee include, and which does it not?
- Is health insurance included, and which dates does it cover?
- Is airfare included in the package, and who books it?
- At which stages are payments due?
- Which fees are refunded if placement isn't possible or the visa is refused?
- If there's a problem while our child is in America, who do we contact, and how?
Free consultation
Your personal 2027–2028 quote
Leave your details and we'll call you within 1 business day to go through the timeline, documents and itemized fees with parent and student.
- We help you pick the right program
- We check your eligibility and plan your timeline
- We share every cost item in writing
Prefer to talk right now?
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much does a high school exchange in the USA cost?
The total cost is made up of the program (sponsor) fee, the SEVIS and visa fees, airfare, insurance and monthly pocket money. Because the program fee depends on the sponsor and on whether you choose a semester or a full academic year, a single number would be misleading. There's no charge for room and board, since host families are volunteers. We prepare an itemized quote for you in writing.
What is the application deadline for a 2027–2028 high school exchange?
Deadlines vary by sponsor. For the school year starting in August 2027, we recommend completing the file by February–March 2027; matches happen throughout spring and summer, so applying early gives you more time. Later applications can still be considered, but options may narrow. We map out your personal timeline in the initial consultation.
How much are the SEVIS and visa fees for a J-1 exchange student?
As of September 2026, the SEVIS I-901 fee for J-1 high school exchange students is $220 and the visa application fee (MRV) is $185; amounts may change. There's no additional reciprocity fee on a J visa for Turkish citizens. The SEVIS fee is paid after the DS-2019 is issued, and the visa fee after the DS-160 is completed, when you book the appointment.
Do parents attend the J-1 visa interview with their child?
The student attends the interview and answers the questions personally. Since most students are minors, parental consent and documents showing the family's financial situation may be requested; the details follow the consulate's instructions at the time of application. We help you prepare the documents in full and help the student feel at ease in the interview.
Are fees refunded if no host family is found?
Placement depends on the availability of host families and schools, and no consultancy can guarantee it. Which fees are refunded if placement isn't possible or the visa is refused is set out in the sponsor agreement. Official payments such as the SEVIS and visa fees are non-refundable. We show you the refund terms in writing at the quote stage.
Keep exploring
You might also like
J-1 High School Exchange · Requirements
High School Exchange Requirements
High school exchange requirements for the USA: age 15–18½, grade level, GPA, the ELTiS English test and interview. Check your…
J-1 High School Exchange · Host Family and School Life
Living with a Host Family in the USA
Life with a host family in the USA and at an American high school: how families are chosen, house rules, classes, clubs and local…