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The J-1 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) but the J-2 (spouse) income may not be used to support the J-1 visa holder. Conversely, the J visa is disfavoured by many students due to the foreign residency requirements imposed on certain J-1 visa-holders. You may enter the U.S. 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 U.S. may only do so via the J-1.

CONDITIONS OF ADMISSIBILITY:

Every exchange alien must enter the U.S. to participate in a designated Exchange-Visitor Program: An intending program sponsor must obtain from the Director of USIA (United States Information Agency) designation as an Exchange-Visitor Program and an assigned program number.
Participants must have sufficient funds to cover all expenses or must have a sponsoring organization that will provide full support.
Participants must have the required education for the particular program they are entering;
Participants must have a good understanding of the English language, or must be entering a program for non-English speakers;

Employment while in the United States as a J-1:

Employment options are dictated by the nature of your particular program.
You may accept employment if you program involves paid employment like on-the-job training, teaching, research or other such activities.
If you program does not inherently involve paid employment then you may not accept outside employment.

EXCHANGE VISITORS ARE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE U.S. ONLY ON THE CONDITION THAT THEY EXIT THIS COUNTRY FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS AFTER THEIR PROGRAM IS COMPLETED… THIS IS TRUE EVEN IF THE FOREIGN NATIONAL HAS MARRIED A U.S. CITIZEN DURING THE COURSE OF HIS OR HER STAY IN THE U.S. THERE COULD BE EXCEPTIONS; SOME J1 VISA HOLDERS MAY OBTAIN WAIVERS.