J-1 Program Fees & Other Costs
All costs are listed in $ USD
Sponsor fees, US Embassy visa fees, SEVIS fees (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) are all covered by Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley for all our J1 visa holders.
Estimated State & Federal taxes:Wages in the United States of America are subject to Federal and State income taxes withholdings, and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Deductions. Depending on the country of citizenship of the J-1 Visa Holder, they may be eligible for certain tax treaty benefits. Please refer to the IRS regulations and guidance. J1 visa holders on their first J1 visa in the USA are generally exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes for the first two calendar years.
Estimated Living Expenses in Berkeley and the East Bay Monthly Estimate per personJ1 visa holders are responsible for all living expenses, such as housing, food, transportation, etc. The following expenses are estimates of monthly costs a J-1 Visa Holder can expect to pay while residing in Berkeley and in the surrounding East Bay area; these estimates are based on one person and may vary based on lifestyle choices:
RENT (Private one-bedroom rental) * Rental deposit generally equal to one month’s rent |
$2,000 and up |
RENT (Shared rental) |
$900 to $1,400 |
UTILITIES |
$80 and up |
GROCERIES |
$350 to $500 |
INTERNET |
$50 and up |
CELL PHONE |
$50 and up |
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION |
$80 and up |
TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT |
Varies based on your needs and budget |
*The estimated cost of living increases with each added dependent.
Insurance Requirements
Prior to leaving the home country and for the duration of the Exchange Visitor Program period as indicated in the DS-2019 Eligibility Certificate, a visiting teacher must have the following insurance coverage pursuant to 22 CFR Section 62.14:
• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000
• $500 deductible or less per accident or illness