Can a J-1 visa be used to go to a public high school? (urgent question)?

Question

I have a good friend from Europe who wants to continue his studies in the U.S. (Currently in high school, would like to finish in U.S.) He did research on the student visas, and saw that there are some restrictions for the F-1 student visas such as paying a "per capita" fee/tuition to the school which ranges anywere between $3000 to $10,000. This would be too costly for him. So, my question is, could he apply for a J-1 (exchange student) visa and use it to go to a public high school and live with his aunt there? Any info. would be really helpful! Thanks!

I have already visited most immigration sites and didn't find the answer to my question (I only found that J-1 visas are used for "exchange programs, but what he is doing isn't really "exchange" since he will be living with a family member who is a resident in the U.S.).

Answer 1

Yes, a j-1 means he does not have to pay tuition IF the high school does not charge tuition for Foreign Exchange Students. No, he cannot live with his aunt - he has to find an agency and pay about $5000 to $10000 to come to USa on j-1 See committee for safety of foreign exchange students

Answer 2

Research the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students at www.csfes.org It is going to cost the same because the exchange placement agencies charge $4000 to $15,000 to get him an application for J-1 visa . Only the United States Department of State can issue a visa not the agency. Watch out because more applications are given that there are host families or schools. Check out colleges where he won't get his money stolen and forget the high school idea. Check out the committee's website - lots of good information.