Being approved for a visitor visa by a US visa office overseas immediately after finishing a J-1 program is a real long shot. But I also agree that your visitor change of status application will need to show a very string reason for spending more time in the US, and a strong motive for returning to your home country.
Can I travel outside of the US with a J1 visa?
If you are applying for a J1 visa extension, you can still travel outside of the U.S., you just need to make sure you have a valid J1 visa stamp on your passport. If this visa stamp has expired, you must get a new visa before you travel.
What are the requirements to apply for a J-1 visa?
The requirements state that before you can apply for a J-1 visa, you must have a program sponsor and have been accepted into their Exchange Visitors Program. This applies to both students and workers who wish to work in the U.S. under J-1 status.
Do I need to renew my J-1 visa after it expires?
If you do not plan to travel outside the U.S. and your visa has expired, then you don’t necessarily need to renew your visa. However, if you do travel outside the country and your J-1 visa is expired, you need to apply for a new one in your home country before you can reenter the U.S. to finish your program.
Do you need a sponsor to apply for a J-1 visa?
The requirements state that before you can apply for a J-1 visa, you must have a program sponsor and have been accepted into their Exchange Visitors Program. This applies to both students and workers who wish to work in the U.S. under J-1 status. What are the extra fees required to obtain a J-1 visa?

Can I apply for another visa after J-1 visa?
The program sponsor has a specific officer who is able to determine the applicant's eligibility through documentation. If the J-1 visa extension has been accepted, the applicant must obtain a new DS-2019 form with a new expiration date. This date will be recorded with SEVIS.
What visa can you get after J-1?
J1 Visa coming to an end? What's next after a J1 Visa?You can only apply for an H1-B visa once a year on a specific date, April 1st. ... This Non-Inmigrant Visa allows you to stay in the USA for 3 years (can be extended up to a maximum of 6 years)Partner and children under 21 can apply for an H-4.
Can I visit the US after J-1?
Once you have obtained your J-1 visa, you are ready to travel to the U.S. Immigration regulations allow you to enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the start date of your program indicated in Section 3 of your SEVIS Form DS-2019.
Will my B1 B2 visa be Cancelled when I apply for an J-1?
Can B1/B2 visa be cancelled at a J1 visa interview? A US consular officer can cancel any visa for cause. So if you clearly misused a B1/B2 then yes, it can be immediately cancelled by the officer who is interviewing you for a different visa category.
How can I stay in USA after J1 visa?
Visitors can transition from the J-1 visa to permanent residence in two different ways. They can also decide whether or not they want to take advantage of consular processing and make a status adjustment. An adjustment of status requires the joint cooperation of the visitor's employer and the visitor.
What is the 2 year rule for J-1?
Overview. Some exchange visitors with J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. It requires you to return home for at least two years after your exchange visitor program. This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e).
Can I stay in the US after my J-1 visa expires?
Grace Period: J-1 Visa Holders have a 30 day grace period after the end date on their DS-2019 Form. The Grace Period is a benefit of the J-1 status to allow J-1 visa holders time after their status to remain in the US.
How long can you stay in US after J-1 visa?
Length of Time Business and Industrial Trainees Can Stay in the U.S. on a J-1 Visa. Business and industrial trainees may be issued J-1 visas for a maximum of 18 months.
What happens if I overstay my J-1 visa?
If your SEVIS (or DS-2019) is terminated OR you overstay your grace period, you could be accruing unlawful presence. This can lead to arrest and deportation proceedings. Accruing unlawful presence may result in being barred from the U.S. for many years or even permanently.
Can you switch jobs on J-1 visa?
It is possible to change employers during the 3 year J1 visa waiver period, so long as the following may need to be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the US Immigration Service: Extenuating circumstances based on hardship exist.
Can I apply for B1 B2 visa now?
We have now resumed routine B1/B2 processing, however due to high demand, we are experiencing extended wait times across all visa categories.
Is U.S. giving tourist visa now?
U.S. Embassy Manila has resumed all routine visa services. Wait times for interviews are longer than before the pandemic, except for immediate relatives. For nonimmigrant visas, the embassy is prioritizing applicants with urgent travel needs.
What is a J-1 visa?
Let’s start with a brief rundown of the J-1 visa. This nonimmigrant category is for program-based immigration rather than employer-based. A government-approved sponsorship program will provide you with a completed DS-2019 form to be filed with the USCIS.
How to request a J-1 visa waiver?
To request a J-1 visa waiver, you will need to file a DS-3035. The form must be completed with relevant information, which includes your SEVIS number, the date you entered the U.S. under J-1 status, and information about your J-2 dependents (if any). You will also need every DS-2019/IAP-66 ever issued to you as well as supporting evidence to prove that you meet the requirements for the waiver. The J-1 visa waiver filing fee is $120.
What to do if you are seeking a change of category related to your J-1 visa extension?
If you are seeking a change of category related to your J-1 visa extension then you must clearly demonstrate that it is closely related to your original exchange objectives and necessary as the result of extraordinary circumstances.
What is the grace period for J-1?
J-1 Traveling Grace Period. There is a travel grace period which may be important for you to understand. As indicated on DS-2019, there is a grace period that USCIS allows for individuals completing the United States to depart the country.
Does the J-1 visa have an extension?
The program sponsor has a specific officer who is able to determine the applicant’s eligibility through documentation. If the J-1 visa extension has been accepted, the applicant must obtain a new DS-2019 form with a new expiration date. This date will be recorded with SEVIS. If the J-1 visa holder has children or a spouse on J-2 status, the extension will cover them as well.
How to apply for an exchange visitor visa?
Once you obtain a Form DS-2019 from a Sponsor, you may apply for an exchange visitor visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Also, if you are married, your spouse and any children can apply for an exchange visitor (J-2) visa when you apply, or join you after you are in the United States if the exchange category in which you are participating permits an accompanying spouse and/or dependents (i.e. regulations prohibit an accompanying spouse in the categories of Camp Counselor, Summer Work Travel, Au pair and Secondary School Student). In some cases an individual sponsor’s program will not permit a spouse or dependents to accompany their participants. If you are married and/or have dependents who you wish to bring to the United States with you, inquire about this issue when seeking a sponsor.
How long does it take to get an exchange visa?
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that exchange visitors beginning new programs may not enter the United States more than 30 days before their program start date.
Is an exchange visitor visa valid?
Your current Exchange Visitor Visa is ONLY applicable for your current exchange program and under your current program sponsor. Upon completion of your current Exchange Visitor Program, you are expected to depart the United States.
Can an exchange visitor visa be used for exchange?
An Exchange Visitor Visa holder is only allowed to perform the activity listed on his/her Form DS-2019 and as stated in the regulations for that category of exchange.
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.
What are the requirements for a J1 visa?
In short, the requirements for a J1 visa are: 1 You have to qualify for the program you are applying to according to its criteria 2 You must maintain a foreign residence and have no intention of abandoning it 3 You must be able to finance your whole trip 4 You must have sufficient medical insurance for yourself and your family 5 Must have a good understanding of the English language
What is a J1 visa?
A J1 visa is a non-immigrant program-based visa (as opposed to being employer-based, like the H-1B visa). You will apply to a specific government-approved sponsorship program which will provide you with a completed DS-2019. You must file this form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What if Your J1 Visa Extension is Denied?
If your J1 visa extension application is denied, you will have to go back to your home country. You have a 30 day grace period from the date of completion indicated on your original DS-2019 to do this. If you stay in the U.S. after this 30 day grace period, you may be regarded as “out of status.” This can have serious consequences if you try to apply for a green card or visa in the future.
What happens if your visa stamp expires?
If this visa stamp has expired, you must get a new visa before you travel. If you travel on an expired stamp, you will not be allowed back into the U.S. As mentioned above, you have a 30 day grace period after the completion date as indicated on your original DS-2019. This is regarded as a travel grace period.
How long can you be a J1 professor?
If you are a J1 professor or research scholar, you can be granted a J1 extension of up to 6 months by your program sponsor without requiring the U.S. Department of State’s approval. This can, however, only be granted if the extension is necessary to complete a specific research project or program.
How long do you have to stay in the US after DS 2019?
You have a 30 day grace period from the date of completion indicated on your original DS-2019 to do this. If you stay in the U.S. after this 30 day grace period, you may be regarded as “out of status.”. This can have serious consequences if you try to apply for a green card or visa in the future.
What is the purpose of J1?
The purpose of the J-1 Intern Visa is to bridge of the gap between academics and professional experiences. Therefore, a J-1 Intern may participate in multiple internship programs. To qualify for a repeat J1 Internship, the Intern must meet the following requirements:
What is the purpose of J-1 training?
While we know the purpose of the J-1 Intern and Trainee visa is to “ enhance the skills and expertise of exchange visitors in their academic or occupation fields through participation in structured and guided work-based training and internships to improve participants’ knowledge of American techniques, methodologies and technology.” (22 CFR 62.22); the general rule for repeat J-1 internships/trainings, the new training cannot duplicate previous training or experience. Second programs need to show advancement in training and cannot have same tasks or be in the same “position”. If the program is not different, at the same host site or contains similar tasks, it would not appear as bonafide training, but potential labor. When drafting a more rigorous training outline, remember to clearly define differences between prior training and the new training.
Who should I reach out to if I have concerns regarding my J-1 visa or J-1 waiver?
You should contact your supervisor whose name/phone is listed on Form DS-2019.
What are the extra fees required to obtain a J-1 visa?
In order to successfully obtain a J-1 visa, you are responsible for the visa issuance fee if your current country charges U.S. citizens for a similar type of visa. For instance, the United Arab Emirates charges U.S. citizens $52 to obtain a J-1 visa for the UAE.
What are the J-1 visa waiver supporting documents?
You should submit your application with copies of all DS-2019/IAP 566 forms issued to you as well as your application fee. Others include proof of eligibility under the waiver basis you are applying for (e.g. the No Objection Statement from your home country or proof of persecution).
What is the J-1 visa waiver processing time?
The estimated processing time can be four to eight weeks under recommendation bases like State Public Health Department, Interested U.S. Federal Government Agency, and No Objection Statement. For Persecution and Exceptional Hardship, the processing time ranges from three to four months, so it’s important to plan accordingly and submit your waiver request with enough time to spare.
What is the duration of a J-1 visa program?
However, for professors, scholars, and other specialized professionals, the duration period is usually up to five years.
What do I do if my visa has expired during the program?
However, if you do travel outside the country and your J-1 visa is expired, you need to apply for a new one in your home country before you can reenter the U.S. to finish your program. Keep in communications with your J-1 visa sponsor because it’s their responsibility to assist you in those matters.
Are there any other requirements to get a J-1 visa?
for only a limited period and have the necessary monetary funds to cover all expenses within the country as well as social/economic ties to their home country.
How long can I stay in the US with a J1 visa?
If you successfully complete your J1 program, you remain in J1 status for 30 days (the grace period) after the completion of the program.
How to determine the length of stay for a J1 visa?
The applicant’s length of stay for the program can be determined by the IAP-66 or Certificate of Eligibility. The maximum time of stay cannot go beyond the total amount indicated by the program. The program and program sponsor must consent to the J1 visa extension.
Does visa type matter in lottery?
Win the Lottery: your visa type does not matter.
Does visa type matter when marrying a US citizen?
marriage: you are marrying a US Citizen or a Green Card holder. Your visa type does not matter.
Can I stay in the US if my visa is expired?
Whether your visa is expired or not is completely irrelevant when you are inside the US. What determines your ability to stay in the US is your status, as given on your I-94, and governed by the regulations regarding your status. People in J1 status are almost always admitted for “D/S” on
Can a company hire an employee overseas?
A company based in the U.S. will have a few options in front of them when deciding to hire an employee overseas. The first option is to set up a foreign entity in that specific cou(Continue reading)
Can I file an I-539 for B2 visa?
If you have completed your J1 program, you are not transferring to another J1 program, you wish to stay in the US longer than the grace period without leaving the US, and your J1 doesn’t have the 2-year home residency requirement, you can file I-539 for Change of Status to B2 visitor status in the US. Whether you have a B2 visa is irrelevant to this, as visas are only for entry, and you are not entering. Your valid B2 visa is only helpful if you first leave the US, and then use the visa to re-enter.
How long do you have to leave the J-1 visa?
If you "complete" your program successfully, you get a 30-day grace period before you have to leave. Otherwise (if you leave the program early), you have to leave immediately. Note that the question is asking about a visa that expires "during the program" -- because J-1 status is dependent on your remaining in the program.
How long do you have to leave the country after your visa expires?
According to the Common Questions you have 30 days to leave the country after your program is over. However, this implies that you may not work unless you have obtained an extension to your program. The answer that you quote seems to mean that if your visa expires but the original program is still continuing, then you can stay. Otherwise you have to leave within 30 days.
How to stay in the US after a program?
Your real question, though, is how to stay in the US working after your program finishes, so you need to find a nonimmigrant status that will allow you to do that. You also need to find an employer willing to sponsor you. This can be difficult, depending on your qualifications.
How long do you have to leave the country after a program is over?
3. According to the Common Questions you have 30 days to leave the country after your program is over. However, this implies that you may not work unless you have obtained an extension to your program.
Can a J status change to another status?
Some J-status nonimmigrants may be eligible to change into another nonimmigrant status without leaving the US. For more information, see https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united-states/change-my-nonimmigrant-status-category/change-my-nonimmigrant-status.
