is there a reason why you are going with the J-1 visa versus the M-1 visa?
while there are more conditions which make you eligible for a J-1 visa, there are similarities to the M-1. For example, both visas correspond to various educational reasons for obtaining the visa.
To answer your last question, J-1 visas depend on the reason for visiting the country of an extended period of time, namely:
# Foreign medical graduates or physicians to pursue graduate medical education or training at accredited schools of medicine or scientific institutions
# Foreign students participating in exchange programs to promote the sharing of knowledge and skills in education, arts and sciences
# Research scholars to teach, conduct research, observe, or consult on research projects
# Au Pairs to live with an American host family
# Foreign nationals to pursue business and industrial training programs in the U.S.
# Professors to teach, lecture, conduct research, or consult at educational institutions, museums, libraries, or similar institutions in the U.S.
# Employees of International Communication agencies
# Research assistants sponsored by the national institute of health
# Foreign nationals to serve as counselors in U.S. summer camps
# Foreign nationals to obtain further academic qualifications or gain practical experience/training in a specific area of knowledge or expertise
# Foreign nationals who are recognized as potential leaders or experts to engage in observation tours, discussions, consultation, professional meetings, and training
# U.S. organizations authorized by the Department of State (DOS) to sponsor foreign nationals for training
See also though that M-1 visas are issued for:
* Foreign nationals to attend a full course of non-academic study at colleges, universities, or conservatories in the U.S.
* Foreign nationals coming to the U.S. to attend a full vocational course
So in my opinion you are probably eligible for an M-1 visa.
This might make your decision easier
