
How to apply for a J-1 visa?
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. ...
Can I Change my J1 status to a visitor visa?
Please note that you are not eligible to change your status if you are a J-1 Exchange Visitor subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement. However, you may be able to obtain a J-1 visa waiver and remain in the United States.
Can I change J1 visa employer?
Change J-1 Employer. You may transfer your J visa status to another hospital or to a university. Transfer to or from another program requires communication between the current and future international offices, the current hospital department, and you as the J-1 Exchange Visitor. Ask your prospective employer’s international office to Contact ...
Can J-1 visa get rejected?
Reasons for J1 Student Visa Rejection. Although J1 visa denials are quite uncommon, they do occur. There are various criteria that the US embassy uses to determine whether a candidate is eligible for the visa. Some of the most common factors that lead to denial of the J1 visa include: Lack of proper financial documents. Failing to pass the security check.

Can J1 visa be converted to green card?
Is it Possible to Transfer from J1 to Green Card Status in the U.S.? Yes, transitioning from a J1 visa to green card status is possible, but not all J1 visa holders will be eligible for a green card. There are a number of problems with attempting to transition from a J1 to a green card.
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.
Which is better J-1 or H1B?
The H-1B visa offers the following advantages over a J-1 visa: H-1B status lasts for three years and can be extended for three more years. If you remain in the U.S. and work for the entire six years, you will be eligible to apply for a green card. The H-1B visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for longer than a J-1 visa.
Can I convert my J1 visa to f1?
Applications to change to F-1/J-1 status may be submitted to the USCIS up to six months in advance of the start date on Form I-20/DS-2019, but may not be approved by the USCIS until 120 days or less before the start date.
Can I change J-1 visa to working visa?
How to transfer your J1 Visa to an H1B Visa. To transfer your J1 visa to an H1B visa: You must obtain a job offer from a US employer before you can apply. You must go through the H1B visa application process.
How long is J-1 visa valid for?
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.
Can I buy a house on a J1 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.
Can I change from J-1 to H-4?
you can change j1 to H4, if you are sure you do not need j-waiver or exempted or you already got one, then you can easily do it on your own--by filing i-539. As long as you file j1 extension or J1-to-H4 change of status or J1-to -I-485 -before expiring your current J1, then you can remain in US including without work.
Is J-1 a good visa?
The J1 visa is a great option for people who want to visit the United States. This visa allows you to gain experience by receiving on-the-job training, teaching, or conducting research. The J1 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States to participate in programs performing as: an au pair.
What is the 2 year rule for J-1?
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 a J-1 visa be extended?
J-1 Visa Extension Process If the government accepts J-1 visa extension, 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 also cover them.
Can a J-1 visa holder apply for asylum?
If your J-1 visa has expired and you have never returned to your home country after coming to the US you may be able to apply for asylum. However, you must file for asylum within one year since you entered the U.S. otherwise you must explain why you are filing for asylum past the one year deadline.
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 I apply for tourist visa after J-1 visa?
Application process In order to change your J-1 status to B-1 or B-2 status (Visitor for Business or Pleasure), you have to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and submit all necessary documents.
How to transfer J1 visa to H1B?
To transfer your J1 visa to an H1B visa: You must obtain a job offer from a US employer before you can apply. You must go through the H1B visa application process. Firstly, your employer must submit a Labor Condition Application (form ETA-9035) to the United States Department of Labour to be certified. The Labor Condition Application (LCA) ...
What is an H1B visa?
An H1B visa is used by US employers to recruit foreign graduate and specialist employees. It is a non-immigrant, temporary worker visa which requires an offer of employment from a US employer.
How many H1B visas are there in 2019?
The H1B annual visa cap limits the number of H1B visas that are made available each year. The regular cap for 2019 was 65,000 , with an additional 20,000 visas available to applicants holding a master’s degree.
How long can an H1B visa be used?
An H1B visa permits the holder to stay and work in the USA for up to three years, with the option of extending your stay to a total of six years, provided you continue to hold qualifying employment.
What degree do you need to get an H1B visa?
The duties involved in the job are so complex and specialised that they require a knowledge level generally associated with a person who holds a bachelor’s or higher degree . A key consideration will be the likelihood of being granted an H1B visa.
Who pays for H1B?
There are numerous costs associated with the H1B application process, some of which will be paid by the employer or sponsoring company, while others will be the responsibility of the employee. The employer is legally required to pay the following petition fees: Basic Filing Fee. ACWIA Fee.
Who is responsible for paying for visa application?
The employee has the responsibility of paying for their visa application at their local US embassy or consulate.
What is a J1 Visa?
J1 visas are only for a specific group of non-immigrants who are mainly in the U.S. to take part in work- and study-based visitor exchange programs. J1 visa holders are in the U.S. for programs that regard the promotion of knowledge and skills or for exchange in the fields of education, sciences, and arts.
Why are H1B visas needed?
H1B visa owners are in the U.S. because of a specialized skill. There is a large need in the U.S. for the skill set that makes an individual eligible for an H1B visa. Naturally, you should be able to find great job opportunities when you are eligible for a J1 to H1B visa change.
How many people can apply for H1B visa in 2019?
Every year there are more people applying for H1B visas than the total H1B visas granted by the government. The 2019 cap is 65,000 with an additional 20,000 for Master’s degree holders.
How many hours can an F1 work?
They do not need permission from authorities to work those 20 hours per week. During holidays and recess, the F1 visa holder can work full time on campus (40 hours per week). After the first year of studies, the F1 visa holder can apply at the USCIS for the permission to work at other jobs off-campus.
What form do I file for a non-immigrant?
Once the LCA has been approved your employer will file the petition for a non-immigrant worker (form I-129).
How long do you have to stay outside the US to change your visa?
This means you need to stay outside of the U.S. for two years (preferably in your home country) before you can apply for a change of status, for example a J1 to H1B change of status.
How long does a J1 visa last?
Your J1 visa has a grace period upon the completion of your program. The grace period usually lasts for 30 days which will give you time to return home.
How long do you have to stay outside the US on a J1 visa?
If either your DS2019 or J1 visa is annotated that you are subject to 212 (e) then you need to spend 2 years outside US or get a waiver.
Can an employer file for H1B in 2016?
Yes. But, if H1B company is a for profit organization you need to be cap counted. There is a cap limit each year on cap subject H1Bs from for profit organizations. The cap limit for this year has reached. So, an employer can file for you only in April 2016 with a start date in Oct 2016.
Giacomo Jacques Behar
H1Bs are evaluated in April for October start. L1 requires massive preparation. It is hard to see how you would convert smoothly after your training. Of course you may be eligible for one or both. Your employer's immigration attorney is in the best place to advise you...
Andrew John Bartlett
No visas are not currency. They cannot be converted. You might be able to change status from J to H or L if you are not subject to INA 212e; petitioned successfully by the qualified employer and are still in J1 status when the H or L status comes into effect.
Alexander Joseph Segal
If you are being transferred to the U.S. from your employer in India, then yes, you can change for a J1 to L1. If you have a bachelor's and a job offer in your specialty, you can change to H1b. If you are subject to 212 (e), you cannot.
Stephen D. Berman
It is possible to be in the US in J-1 status and file a petition to change your status to H or L if you, the position, and your employer qualify for those visa categories. Consult an experienced employment immigration attorney to determine if you meet the qualifications.
Alexander M. Ivakhnenko
I do not know of any successful H1B or H2B immigrant visas approved for any truck drivers in the United States.
Eugene J. Glicksman
Mr. Berman is absolutely correct in his assessment of your current possibilities regarding H1B and H2B nonimmigrant visas. As to whether you may be eligible for any other nonimmigrant visa category, I would strongly suggest that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney to get expert guidance and assistance.
Stephen D. Berman
You don't need a bachelor's degree to be a truck driver and H1b's are gone until the next fiscal year. For H2b you would need to prove that this is seasonal employment, which is unlikely or impossible for a truck driver.
How to apply for H4 to H1B?
To apply for H4 to H1B conversion, the applicant must submit the following documents along with those required for H1B application. You must also submit all of the documents required for H1B visa. For more information, H1B Documents Required.
What form do I need to submit for H1B?
The H1B sponsoring employer will need to submit the following along with Form I-129.
What is an H4 visa?
H4 visa holder has an employment offer from an H1B petitioning employer and is selected in the H1B visa lottery.
Can a nonimmigrant convert H4 to H1B?
In order for a nonimmigrant to convert H4 to H1 B visa status, he or she must follow a series of steps for H4 to H1 change of status.
Is H4 visa exempt from H1B?
H4 visa holder had previously applied for H1B and was selected in the H1B lottery and is now therefore exempt from H1B cap.

Advantages of H-1B Status
- Individuals often weigh the advantages and disadvantages before electing to apply for an H-1B visa or a J-1 visa. One of the major advantages of an H-1B visa is that it permits a max period of stay of six years whereas a J-1 visa for researchers and professors is valid for a period up to fiv…
J-1 to H-1B Processing Time
- There are disadvantages as well when it comes to obtaining H-1B status. For instance, it takes longer for processing time as compared to J-1 status – about six months. On the contrary, however, you can elect for premium processing for an H-1B petition for an additional fee to speed up the process to just 15 calendar days. Keep in mind, though, that premium processing will not …
Advantages of J-1 Status
- There are a number of advantages when it comes to opting for a J-1 visa over an H-1B visa. First of all, it does not require an LCA (which the H-1B requires) which as a result means there is no need for a Prevailing Wage determination. Another significant advantage is that an alien can apply for a J-1 visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate Abroad directly after receiving the DS-2019 form wherea…
Disadvantages of J-1 Visa
- Remember that based on the regulations of the J-1 visa you are not permitted to work for another company while on J-1 visa status unless you have received special authorization. To determine if you are eligible for this special authorization it’s necessary to ask your J-1 visa lawyer alongside your exchange program sponsor. On the other hand, the H-1B allows you to work full-time, part-ti…
Key Distinction Between J-1 and H-1B Visas
- J-1 exchange visas are really intended for individuals who will participate and/or promote knowledge, skills or interchange in the field of education, sciences, arts. These categories include scholars, scientists, college students, medical graduates, professors, etc. In order for it to be an interchange, it’s expected for the individuals to exit the United States once the program has reac…