How to Apply for a J1 Visa
- Find a J Sponsor. When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to find a designated sponsor to accept you into their program.
- Apply for the DS-2019. Once you have applied and been approved by a designated sponsor organization, the next step is to submit the DS-2019 Form, also known as ...
- Pay Your Fees. ...
- Interview with a U.S. ...
What are the necessary steps to obtain a J1 visa?
Your application must include the following documents:
- Form DS-3035 (with the barcode);
- Copies of every Form DS-2019/IAP 566 that you have received incident to your J-1 status;
- Two self-addressed, stamped legal-size envelopes;
- The application fee ($120 at the time of this writing, plus an additional $930 if you are also required to file Form I-612.) The application fee must be submitted by ...
Is it really that easy to get a J1 visa?
The list provides plenty of scope for flexibility. J1 visas are also quite easy to get approved. The length of stay depends on the type of activity. Those pursuing academic study may get a visa for up to three years, while camp counselors will typically only get a 3-month stay. Extensions are also variable, depending on the category of visa. We ...
Do I need a sponsor to get a J1 visa?
When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to find a designated sponsor to accept you into their program. Regardless of their physical location, many of these sponsoring organizations can place participants throughout the United States. The United Stated Department of State has the official list of designated sponsor organizations here.
What are the requirements for the J1 visa?
- You have a no-objection statement from your country.
- You have a request for work by an interested US federal government agency.
- You may be persecuted if you go back to your country.
- Your US citizen spouse and children may suffer exceptional hardship if you go back.
- You have a request to stay from the Conrad State 30 Program.
How do I apply for J-1 in USA?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a J1 visa:Find a J Sponsor. When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to find a designated sponsor to accept you into their program. ... Apply for the DS-2019. ... Pay Your Fees. ... Interview with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Is it possible to apply J-1 visa?
Acceptance in Exchange Visitor Program - The first step is to apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization in the United States. Visit the Department of State J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn about program requirements, regulations, and more.
Can I apply for J-1 visa from another country?
Anyone with a Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) from an exchange visitor program sponsor can apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in his or her home country. You must be physically present in order to apply there. You can normally apply any time before your program begins.
How long does it take to get a J-1 visa USA?
between 6-10 weeksHow long does it take to get a J1 Visa? The waiting period for a J1 U.S. Visa is usually between 6-10 weeks. Although it does depend on your country's cooperation with the American consulate.
Who qualifies for J-1 visa?
In order to qualify for a J-1 exchange visitor visa, you need to be coming to the U.S. as a student, scholar, trainee, intern, au pair, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate, or international visitor.
Is it hard to get J-1 visa?
J-1 visas are also quite easy to get approved. The length of stay depends on the type of activity. Those pursuing academic study may get a visa for up to three years, while camp counselors will typically only get a 3-month stay. Extensions are also variable, depending on the category of visa.
How much money do I need for a J-1 visa?
The US State Department charges a Visa Application fee for every applicant. Currently the fee is $160 USD, however the fee is subject to change and applicants are advised to check on the US Embassy website prior to their embassy interview for the most up-to-date fee.
How long does J-1 visa take after interview?
Please see “Administrative Processing” for further information. If you were advised at the interview that a waiver of ineligibility is required before the visa can be issued, you can expect your application to take up to 8 months to process from the date of the interview.
How much is J-1 visa fee?
J-1 Visa Application Fee The $160 visa application processing fee is not unique to the J-1 or J-2 visa. Almost everyone who applies for a non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa has to pay this fee.
Does J-1 visa require interview?
Almost every J-1 visa applicant will be required to undergo an interview before their visa can be approved. If an applicant is older than 13 but younger than 80, it will be mandatory.
Can I stay in the US after my J-1 visa expires?
Remember: Though you are allowed to travel in the USA during the Grace Period, you may NOT exit and return to the USA during the Grace Period, because your J-1 visa expires on the program “end date” on your DS-2019 form – and you will not be allowed back in to the USA with an expired visa (to finish traveling or to ...
What is a J-1 program?
A J-1 program organization is any private or public entity approved by the DOS to act as an exchange program sponsor. There are many of them offering different categories of programs, so you will need to choose the one that relates to your intended program.
What is a J-1 exchange visitor?
The J-1 exchange visitor program involves three parties: the participant (you), the sponsoring organization, and the United States government. It may also involve a fourth: your home country’s government. Being a temporary visa, the application process requires every applicant to complete a DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application.
Who pays SEVIS I-901?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Some sponsoring organizations include it as part of their program fees while others keep it as a separate payment. You will be informed by your sponsor if you are to pay it separately. If your sponsor has made the payment on your behalf, they will need to provide you with a receipt for the payment as it will be asked for during your interview.
Do J-1 visas require fees?
The only exception is if your program is going to be funded by the U.S. government, your country’s government, or an organization. As part of your application process, you may be asked to provide proof that you have the capacity to pay the fees and your general financial needs throughout your stay.
How To Apply for a J-1 Visa?
To apply for a J-1 visa, you have to follow the steps listed below, but keep in mind that the order in which you follow the steps will change based on where you are applying from:
How Much Does a J-1 Visa Cost?
A J-1 visa costs around $160. However, this fee is not the same for all countries, and will most likely change depending on what category of the J-1 visa you have applied for.
How Long Can I Stay With a J-1 Visa?
You can stay with a J-1 visa for up to two or three years. However, the length at which you are allowed to stay in the US under J-1 visa changes depending on what program you applied for.
What Is the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement?
A J-1 visa is issued with several conditions attached, one of which is that after your program is over and your visa expires, you have to return to your home country and live for two years. You are subject to this condition if you are a part of a:
How to schedule an appointment for a visa interview?
After you fill in the application form, you must schedule an appointment with your local embassy or consulate, to attend your visa interview – you can find the nearest visa office here. The waiting time to set a date for the interview varies depending on many factors such as the influx of applicants, the staff at hand, the season, and the location.
Where to submit DS-3035?
You must submit Form DS-3035 online at the J-1 visa waiver website. You must not download the form and then submit it, but complete it online. After you submit it, you will receive a barcode with your information and case number. You must print the barcode and the Form DS-3035.
What do you need to be a J-1?
As an international visitor, you must take part in consultations, observation, research, training, or demonstration of special skills and you must be a recognized individual in a special field.
How many steps are involved in getting a J-1 visa?
Getting a J-1 visa from within the U.S. involves four major steps, each of which is described further along in this article:
What is an I-134 form?
Form I-134, Affidavit of Support from a U.S. friend or relative, or a letter from a friend or relative promising support.
Does I-539 cover spouse?
One Form I-539 and fee will cover you, your spouse, and all your children, if they are in the U.S. with you and in the same visa status or accompanying beneficiaries of your current visa status. But be sure to complete the I-539 Supplement for your spouse and children.
Does the date on my I-94 card go by?
the date shown on your I-94 card has not yet gone by.
Are You Truly Eligible to Apply for a Change of Status in the U.S.?
is not necessarily enough to allow you to request a change to J-1 (or any other) status. People who are undocumented, for example, are ineligible to apply for a change of status, regardless of whether they have been accepted by an exchange program.
What is the form for J-1 student visa?
Certificates of eligibility —When applying for a J-1 student visa, students are required to submit Form DS-2019. This form outlines program details and other important information, including a cost breakdown, start and end dates for your program, and options for financial support. F-1 students are required to submit an I-20 form, which contains the same information.
How long can you work in the US with an F-1 visa?
With a F-1 student visa, students can apply to work for up to 12 months in the US in a related field via Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. For STEM degrees, F-1 students can request two additional years of work in their field.
What are the different types of student visas?
The most common types of student visas are a F-1 visa and a J-1 visa. F-1 and J-1 visas are necessary for different types of programs and have different conditions, requirements, and benefits. This is why it is important to understand each type of US student visa in detail before you apply to study in the US.
How to get an interview for a US visa?
For your application to be accepted, you will be interviewed by a consular officer at your local US Embassy or Consulate. You should schedule your appointment as early as you can, as waiting times can vary depending on your country. If you have dependents, you can also schedule an appointment for them to accompany you for your interview.
Do I have to submit an I-20 for F-1?
F-1 students are required to submit an I-20 form, which contains the same information. Post-graduation work and training —J-1 students are eligible for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program for up to 18 months after graduation.
Do I have to pay for SEVIS?
Aside from your program fee, there are multiple fees you may need to pay during the application process. One is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee and it must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Depending on the program or your sponsor, this fee may or may not be a part of your program fee, so be sure to check with your Responsibility Officer.
How much does it cost to obtain a USA J1 visa?
The application fee for a US J1 visa, like other non-US immigrant visas, is $ 160. If your sponsor is a US government agency, you will be exempt from paying this fee. When you are selected in the exchange visitor program, the sponsor will issue a DS-2019 form. In that case, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security. Your sponsor can provide you with details on all payments. You must bring all the payment receipts with you on the day of the interview.
How can the USA J1 visa be extended?
Holders of a US J1 visa can extend their stay in the US. Sponsors decide whether the applicant can stay longer than the allowable date for the category. Participants can also request for more than the allowed period for their category. The sponsor must apply to the US Department of State and pay $ 367. This fee is non-refundable. This fee is non-refundable. The sponsor must explain why the participant wants to extend their stay in the US.
What are the documents and conditions to obtain this visa?
Applicants will need a sponsor in the J1 visa application process. Sponsors select eligible participants for each category based on the program-specific criteria. Additionally, applicants must be fluent in English and have insurance. Program information is provided to participants by sponsors. Sponsors will also assess participants’ progress during the program.
How to apply for this visa?
Applicants for this visa need a sponsor. If you want to participate in J-1 visa programs, you must first contact a designated sponsor. On the official website of the US Department of State, you can find the sponsors’ addresses and locations. Sponsors have various tasks. In the following, we will explain their responsibilities in different categories.
What are the US J1 visa interview questions?
As part of the pre-visa process, applicants must attend an interview at the US Consulate or Embassy in their home country. The waiting time for the interview is different for each applicant. Therefore, an early visa application is strongly encouraged.
How long does it take to assess documents and issue a US J1 visa?
The waiting time of the interview and processing time for an Exchange Visitor Visa visa varies depending on the country of applicants and the individual circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended that you take action as soon as possible to prevent problems.
How long is a US J1 visa valid?
Whenever a visa expires, people cannot stay in the US for longer. When the US J1 visa expires, the US government gives the visa holder 30 days to return home. If people want to return to the US under this visa, they must stay in their home country for at least two years and then apply again. This is a Two-Year Home Residency.
How long does a J1 visa last?
Typically, J1 visa holders are told upon applying for their visa whether or not they are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement. This information will be listed on your Form DS-2019, where the consular officer should indicate your status relevant to the two-year rule. Your visa stamp should also contain information on whether or not this restriction applies to you.
How to get a J1 waiver?
Submit your immigrant petition together with your J1 waiver, along with proof that you did not initially have immigrant intent upon obtaining your J1 visa. Submit your J1 waiver first, wait until it is approved, and then submit your immigrant petition. Submit your immigration petition first, wait until it is approved, then submit your J1 waiver. ...
How long does it take to get an I-140?
Finally, adjusting your immigration status also involves filing a Form I-485, which takes an average 6 months of processing time along with the I-140 and PERM certification.
How many options are there for a J1 waiver?
Once you have obtained a J1 waiver, you have three different options for submitting the waiver. Which is the best option for you will depend on your particular immigration status, whether or not you are subject to the two-year foreign residence rule, and if you can prove a lack of immigrant intent. Consulting an immigration attorney can help you determine which of the three following options gives you the best chance of success:
Can a visa sponsor revoke a J1 visa?
Another obstacle that may arise in obtaining a J1 waiver is that your visa sponsor may revoke your J1 visa once you petition for a green card. This goes back to the issue of immigrant intent. A J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, and visa sponsors don’t want a reputation with the U.S. government as a J1 program that noncitizens use to transition to green card status. Having an immigration attorney with expertise in demonstrating a lack of immigrant intent may be helpful.
Can a J1 visa be changed to a nonimmigrant visa?
Many J1 visa holders seeking permanent resident status also first change their visa status to a nonimmigrant visa with dual intent, like an H-1B. This lets them avoid potentially violating the terms of their J1 visa and the problem of immigrant intent.
What do you need to transition from J1 to green card?
If you seek to transition from J1 to green card, you will have to show that your desire for permanent residence arose from unexpected changes in your personal circumstances. This can include, for instance, if you have married a U.S. citizen.
