Additionally, the dependents (spouses and children) of J-1 visa students are permitted to work and study in the US full time. The dependents of F-1 students cannot work, but can enroll in part-time study. Funding source —J-1 students have programs funded by an accredited educational or nonprofit institution.
Can a J1 visa holder work in the US?
People on J1 visas don’t need a J1 EAD to be eligible for employment in the U.S. A form DS-2109 for a student, professor, researcher or specialist will serve the purpose of a J1 visa EAD. Their spouse or dependents on J2 visas do, however, need a J2 visa EAD before they can work.
Who is eligible for a J2 visa?
A J2 visa is given to someone who is dependent on a J1 visa holder (like a spouse or dependent children) and who needs to travel with the J1 visa holder to the U.S. Not all J1 visa categories and programs allow for dependents to join them on a J2 visa, so eligibility will largely depend on the J1 visa holder’s purpose for being in the U.S.
What is ds-2109 for J1 visa?
A form DS-2109 for a student, professor, researcher or specialist will serve the purpose of a J1 visa EAD. Their spouse or dependents on J2 visas do, however, need a J2 visa EAD before they can work.
Do you need a J1 EAD to work on J1 exchange?
J1 exchange visa holders filed a form DS-2019 as part of their application process. Professors, researchers, and specialists are allowed to work according to the details of their DS-2019. You, therefore, don’t need a J1 EAD in order to work on a J1 exchange visa.
Can J-1 dependent work in USA?
Can I work on a J-2 Visa? In most cases a J-2 Visa holder can seek employment. To work, a J-2 Visa holder must obtain an Employment Authorization Document from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Money earned by a J-2 cannot be used to support the principal J-1 Visa holder.
Can you bring dependents on J-1 visa?
If a J-1 exchange visitor has a spouse and/or unmarried children under 21, those family members are eligible to come to the U.S. as J-2 dependents. Each J-2 dependent must have a Form DS-2019. ISO issues DS-2019s for all dependents listed on the initial J Visa Request form.
Can a J-1 visa holder work for a non sponsor employer?
J-1 research scholars are eligible to work for a non-sponsor employer in a closely related research program for a maximum duration of six months provided that the program has been approved (written authorization required) by the original sponsor.
Is J-1 visa a work permit?
After obtaining permission to work, J-1 visa-holding students may seek student employment OR academic training. Student employment includes on-campus jobs that are both related or unrelated to the individual's field of study. J-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours a week at these jobs during the school year.
Can J1 visa bring spouse?
Your dependents (your spouse and/or unmarried children who are under the age of 21) may be able to obtain J-2 Visas to accompany you in the United States during your J-1 program.
What is the benefit of J1 visa?
A J1 Exchange Visitor improves a host of their professional skills: Learn the latest industry innovations, technologies and methodologies. Future Career Path Preparation: The J1 internship helps you prepare yourself for accelerated success in your chosen discipline thus enjoying a fast track career to the top.
Can you work 2 jobs on J-1 visa?
No, you are forbidden to have any other source of income in the USA while on your J1 Exchange Visitor Program. The J1 Visa is issued only and specifically for your approved Internship / Training Program.
Can I buy a house on a J-1 visa?
Typically, you can get a loan as a J1 visa holder. Meanwhile, buying a home can be difficult, and you might stumble across several obstacles. But that doesn't mean it is impossible. You can access a mortgage as an L1 visa holder, or as a TN visa holder.
What is J-1 visa rules?
In order to be eligible, participants must be between the ages of 15 and 18.5 by the first day of school. They must not have completed more than 11 years of primary and secondary school (excluding kindergarten), and they must not have previously participated in a secondary school exchange program in the US.
What jobs can you do on J-1?
The most common jobs are in resorts, restaurants, cafes, bars and amusement parks. Some J1ers choose to work in retails sales jobs in local shops as shift work can be the most flexible way to get a few days off at a time to do some travelling to nearby locations.
Can I apply for green card on J-1 visa?
J-1 Waiver to Green Card Process. Technically, J-1 visa holders are not eligible for the U.S. green card. In order to obtain a J-1 visa, you need to demonstrate that you have ties to your home country (such as family or assets) and that you fully intend to return once your J-1 stint has ended.
How can I stay in USA after J-1 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.
How many categories of people are eligible for a J1 visa?
There are 14 different categories of people who are eligible to apply for a J1 visa. J1 visas are only granted to people who have an authorized sponsoring agency (a U.S. employer, school, or a government institution).
What is a J2 Visa?
A J2 visa is given to someone who is dependent on a J1 visa holder (like a spouse or dependent children) and who needs to travel with the J1 visa holder to the U.S. Not all J1 visa categories and programs allow for dependents to join them on a J2 visa, so eligibility will largely depend on the J1 visa holder’s purpose for being in the U.S. The validity of a J2 visa and/or renewal is dependent on the J1 visa. A J2 visa will only be valid for as long as the original J1 visa is in place.
How long is a J2 EAD valid?
Dependency on J1 Status: Your J2 EAD will be valid as long as your J1 spouse’s visa is valid or until the EAD expires (which ever happens first). An EAD extension is possible if your J1 spouse maintains their J1 status.
How many hours can a J1 student work?
J1 students living and studying in the U.S. are allowed to work for 20 hours per week on campus and only within the field of their studies. They do not need a J1 visa EAD to be employed on campus, they only need written consent from their RO (Responsible Officer). In rare circumstances, a J1 student will be allowed to work off campus ...
How many categories are there in the J1 visa group?
There are two categories in the J1 visa group:
Can a J1 visa be extended?
Credentialed professors, researchers, and specialists are allowed to get a J1 visa on the basis of the mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in their dedicated fields. Professors and researchers’ stay can be extended for up to five years. Specialists typically only get a year to be in the U.S.
Can I work on campus with my J1 spouse?
You will obviously not be eligible for jobs that are only reserved for U.S. citizens, but you can work anywhere else. Even on the campus where your J1 spouse is working. Social Security Number: You can now apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). You need to present your valid passport, visa, form I-94, Form DS-2019 ...
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.
How long do you have to live in your home country to get a residency?
Meet home residency requirements —Upon completion of your program, you must return to your home country and live there for at least two years.
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 to Apply for J-2 Employment Authorization
J-2 dependent spouses and J-2 children from ages 16-20 may apply for employment authorization, also known as Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD), from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work and/or volunteer for an U.S. employer.
After the J-2 Employment Authorization Has Been Submitted
After the J-2 submits the EAD application to USCIS, the J-2 can then travel internationally while the employment authorization application is pending.
Extension of J-2 Employment Authorization
Form I-765 must be completed again to request an EAD extension. Form I-765 and instructions are located in the "Immigration Forms" section of www.uscis.gov
What is the form I-94?
Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status and Form DS-2019 with the responsible officer’s endorsement.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 a J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa is also used by U.S. employers that want to hire workers to either receive on-the-job training or to take part in an internship. (You'll find the laws and regulations on this in the Immigration and Nationality Act at I.N.A. § 101 (a) (15) (J), and in the Code of Federal Regulations, at 8 C.F.R. § 214.2 (j).)
What are the programs that are available for J-1 visas?
Typical programs for which J-1 visas are issued include the Fulbright Scholarship program, specialized training programs for foreign medical graduates, and programs for foreign university professors who will be teaching or performing research within the United States.
How long do you have to return to your country of origin before you can get a green card?
Participants in certain types of programs may be required to return to their country of origin for at least two years before applying for a green card, a change to another nonimmigrant status, or approval of an L or H visa petition on their behalf.
What do you need to do before applying for a visa?
Well before applying for the visa, you must apply to, and gain acceptance from, one of these programs.
Can a spouse on a J-2 visa work?
Spouses and children on J-2 visas may apply to USCIS for permission to work, so long as they prove that the money is not needed to support the J-1 visa holder.
Can a spouse and children get a J-2 visa?
The main visa holder's spouse and children may receive J-2 visas to also come to the United States.
Do J-1 Visa Applicants Need a Lawyer?
Nevertheless, a lawyer can provide valuable services, particularly you've had trouble getting visas in the past, overstayed your permitted time on a U.S. visa, or are from a country thought to sponsor terrorism.
What is the J-2 Visa?
J2 Visas are designated for spouses and minor children of J1 Visa holders. J1 Visas are for Exchange Visitors. J2 Visa holders are dependent on the J1 Visa holder’s status. If their status ends, so does the J2 Visa eligibility.
How can I apply for the J2 Visa?
Similarly to the first step in obtaining a J1 Visa, spouses or dependents of the J1 visa applicant must get their own Form DS 2019 from a sponsor program to start the application process. For more details on finding the right sponsor program, please visit the official J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Program site.
Other J2 Visa Benefits
In addition to the ability to accompany a J1 Visa spouse while he or she is in a sponsored exchange program, J2 Visas also grant the following privileges:
