As per the USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system. It is a successor to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which was dissolved by the Homeland S…
Who is authorized to issue a J-1 visa?
Only State Department-designated sponsors are authorized to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019), which is the basic document to support an application for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 Visa).
What happens if my J-1 visa expires?
Please be aware that if you travel outside of the United States during your current exchange visitor program and after your J-1 visa has expired, you must apply for a new J-1 visa in your home country in order to re-enter the United States to continue your program.
Can I do an internship on a J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa includes a residence permit as well as a permit to partake in internship activities within a U.S. company. Without a J-1 visa, you will be denied entry into the USA and not be able to complete the internship.
Can a J-1 student work in the US?
This can be done for a period of six months and requires a written approval from the original sponsor. When this is done, the J-1 holder can lecture and consult at institutions that are not listed in the IAP-66. J-1 students, when they meet the following conditions, are eligible for employment:
How much does it cost to sponsor a J-1 visa?
Fees for New J-1 ApplicationsJ-1 sponsorship fee – 15 business days$2,110Required SEVIS fee (effective June 24, 2019)$220Expedited processing – 5 business days (optional)$800J-2 dependent sponsorship for accompanying family members (if applicable)$750
Can I apply for a J-1 visa myself?
When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: DS-2019 Form, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. DS-7002 Form, A Training/Internship Placement Plan (for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants)
How do I get a J-1 sponsor?
So you should search for a sponsor only once you have scheduled your first job interview with a company that may hire you, not before. If you don't have any interviews scheduled with a company yet, check the J-1 open jobs listing, apply, and land an interview before going any further with your sponsorship search.
How much money do I need for a J-1?
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 fast can I get a J-1 visa?
Although visa processing time is typically fifteen (15) business days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.
How long does it take for J-1 visa to be approved?
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. Incomplete applications will take longer.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sistersU.S. permanent residentUnmarried children4 more rows
How much bank balance is required for US J-1 visa?
Section 1. J-1 Scholars are required to demonstrate at least $2,000 per month, plus $500 per month for each J-2 dependent to meet J-1 visa status requirements. These funds must be provided for the entire duration of the UCI J-1 program. Any changes to a scholar's funding must be reported to the International Center.
Can you go on a J1 without a job?
You can apply for the J1 without a job but your J1 Work Papers will not be issued until you have a job that has been vetted and approved by the US Sponsor. You will need to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) through a designated sponsor organisation.
Is it too late to apply for a J1?
They can be any nationality studying in Ireland, an Irish or Northern Irish national studying in Great Britain, or an Irish national on Erasmus. Applicants must also be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of their application or by May 15, 2022.
Step 1. Find A J Sponsor
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, ma...
Step 2. 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 the “Certi...
Step 3. Pay Your Fees
You will be required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of your J-1 visa application - or this fee may a...
Step 4. Interview With A U.S. Embassy Or Consulate
In order to have your J-1 visa application accepted, you will need to have final approval by a consular officer at a US embassy or consulate. Depen...
Who Can be a J1 Visa Sponsor?
Sponsor organizations are appointed by the Secretary of State. They can be any of the following entities:
What is the requirement to sponsor a J1 visa?
To be eligible as a J1 visa sponsor, an agency must demonstrate its capability to comply and remain compliant with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations , as mentioned in 22 CFR Part 62.
What are the Requirements to be a J1 Visa Sponsor?
But they must meet certain requirements before they can become one. They have to meet two main requirements. Those are:
What does an agency need to demonstrate to sponsor a visitor program?
The agency should demonstrate that they’re legally capable of satisfying the obligations demanded by a visitor program. Each program varies, and you need to look into the specific program for the exact numbers. After an agency successfully becomes a sponsor, they will administer an exchange program.
What is a J1 sponsor?
J1 Visa sponsor is an independent organization which sponsors the above group of people for the J1 Visa. Then, they can work for a specific company or organization. Today, they handle over 500,000 J1 visa holders who come in from over 200 countries.
How many exchange visitors do you need to sponsor a J1 visa?
To remain eligible as a J1 Visa sponsor, you must successfully administer at least five exchange visitors annually. Federal agencies are an exception to this.
What is J1 administrator?
After an organization or agency has been approved as a J1 visa administrator, they’ll be responsible for a whole lot of things. Generally, an agency will be tasked to carry out a specific category of an exchange program. Take the example of the American Immigration Council.
How to get a J-1 visa?
In order to have your J-1 visa application accepted, you will need to have final approval by a consular officer at a US embassy or consulate. Depending on where you are located, waiting times to get an appointment can vary so it’s important to schedule early to ensure that you have sufficient time before your program begins.
How to apply for a J1 visa?
When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: 1 DS-2019 Form, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status 2 DS-7002 Form, A Training/Internship Placement Plan (for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants) 3 Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application 4 A passport valid for travel to the U.S with validity six months after the intended period of stay in the US 5 One 2x2 photograph
How much is the nonimmigrant visa processing fee?
Another fee you will be required to pay is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee, which is $160 and can be paid by visiting the Department of State’s Fee for Visa Services. Those participants who are part of a program with the U.S. Government, Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a U.S. Government funded educational and cultural exchange program are exempt from the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee as part of their J-1 visa application.
Do I need to get approval for a practical training program?
There is no need for approval from the DOS or the USCIS for a practical training program. Students who are applying for a practical training program must submit an approval letter from an exchange program officer, passport, completed IAP-66, and I-94 forms.
Can a J1 visa holder work for a sponsor?
As per the USCIS regulations, the J1-visa holder can work only for the sponsor employer. However, in some cases, if the individual meets the eligibility criteria for the category for which they are applying, then they are allowed to work for a non-sponsor employer.
What happens if your sponsor terminates your exchange program?
If your sponsor terminates your participation in their exchange program for just cause, the sponsor will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States immediately. You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30-day period because you did not successfully complete your program.
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.
What is the DS 2019 form?
A SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 is required when applying for the J-1 Visa. The DS-2019 is a controlled form provided to you by your program sponsor. It documents your acceptance to an exchange program sponsored by a State Department designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor.
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.
Who sponsors the exchange visitor program?
government, academic, research, and private sector organizations designated as Exchange Visitor Program sponsors by the State Department’s Office of Private Sector Exchange in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Do sponsors have to have a plan in place for a natural disaster?
Though not a regulatory requirement, sponsors should have a plan in place in the event of a natural disaster or national emergency for contacting and providing information, assistance and instructions to exchange visitor participants and their accompanying spouse and dependents.
Does the State Department sponsor foreign nationals?
Yes. The State Department designates U.S. government, academic and private sector entities to conduct educational and cultural exchange programs. To participate in the Exchange Visitor Program, foreign nationals must be sponsored by one of the State Department-designated sponsors.
Can exchange visitors extend their status?
Some exchange visitors may extend their status. If you have questions about any exchange visitor’s continued employment authorization, contact the responsible officer whose name and telephone number are on the employee’s Form DS-2019.
Does USCIS issue EADs to J-1 exchange visitors?
USCIS does not issue EADs to J-1 exchange visitors.
Can dependents of J-1 exchange visitors work?
Dependents of a J-1 exchange visitor are classified as J-2 nonimmigrants and are only authorized to work if we have issued an EAD to them. A J-2 nonimmigrant’s foreign passport and Form I-94 are not evidence of identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes.
Why is it important to pick up a J-1 visa?
This is why it is advisable to pick up J-1 visa employment that will give you a learning experience and valuable skills in your field of study.
What is the purpose of J-1?
It is very important to note that the primary purpose of the J-1 program for an international student is to study . The opportunity to work is just to help you gain practical experience and supplement your finance. This is to ensure that your job does not affect your course work.
What is an AT visa?
Academic Training (AT) is another J-1 visa employment opportunity. It is a program designed to give international students practical experience in their field of study. The rules surrounding AT vary from school to school, so be sure to ask the program contact for your school.
Do international students need to take tests?
Some on-campus employment like teaching assistantship might require international students to take some tests for which you will need to prepare.
Can a J-1 Student Work As Volunteer?
However, you must be sure you can distinguish between unpaid labor and volunteering. Volunteering in the U.S. as a foreign national can be complex and has requirements as laid down by the U.S. Department of Labor. Before you work as a volunteer, make sure you are aware of the regulations guiding the specific volunteering role you want to offer to avoid violating labor and immigration laws. Violating these regulations could result in penalties for you and the organization for unauthorized J-1 visa employment.
How many years of experience do you need to get a J-1 visa?
Alternatively, a J-1 trainee visa is also possible if you have at least 5 years of professional experience in the same field. In general, an age limit of 35 years applies. Additionally, the internship must be directly related to your academic/professional career.
What is the J-1 program?
The J-1 program provides participants and Americans with the opportunity to exchange ideas, opinions, and share experiences to promote relationships between the U.S. citizens and people from other nationalities and cultures. The intercultural component during the stay gives participants the opportunity to experience American culture and interact with society outside of their internship while sharing their own culture with U.S. citizens. This promotes respectful collaborations with diverse cultures and the opportunity to discover difference and similarities.
What happens if your visa is rejected?
If your visa is rejected by the US Embassy, you can recover part of the visa costs, however, some restrictions and condition apply. For further information, please refer to our price list, which is available for download after your free registration in your online account.
How to apply for DS-2019?
In order to apply for a DS-2019 you need an internship offer first , which is checked according to strict criteria. If the internship offer is well received, approved, and all further program points are fulfilled, the DS-2019 is issued. Only after this can you apply for a J-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy.
How much does a consulate charge for a visa?
The U.S. Consulates charge a consular fee for each visa processing. The current fee is $160.00 USD and is due before the interview. This consulate fee is non-refundable.
How long does it take to get a visa?
From our experience, it takes about 8-10 weeks to apply for a visa.
Where to make an appointment for a visa?
Please make an appointment with the consulate, preferably in your home country or country of legal residency.
