can j1 visa holder work in the us

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).

Full Answer

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 ...

More items...

Can an employer revoke a J1 visa?

Yes, in case your employer is your J1 visa sponsor as well, he can revoke your J1 visa. However, if your employer is not your sponsor, then you can request your sponsoring agency to intervene, even if the employer doesn’t wish to continue your J1 status. I am sure you’ll find a way. All the best!

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.

Can I travel outside the US on a J1 visa?

While you are studying at IUPUI you may want to travel outside the United States: But, before you pack your luggage, there are some steps you need to take to protect your J-1 status. Before you leave the country, make sure you have a valid travel signature from an OIA advisor or your program sponsor on your DS-2019.

How can I work in USA after J-1?

If approved, you'll only be able to start working on October 1st....The eligibility requirements will be the following:Have completed a Bachelor's Degree.Have a university degree obtained abroad that is equivalent to the university degree of bachelor or postgraduate in the United States in the occupation of specialty.More items...

Can a J-1 visa holder work for a non sponsor employer?

J-1 visa holders can work only for their program sponsors. However, in some situations, J-1 visa holders may work for non-sponsor employers provided they meet eligibility requirements, which vary depending on the applicable category.

How long can you work on a 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. (See 22 C.F.R. § 62.22(k).)

Can J-1 visa work two jobs?

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 you change from J-1 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.

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.

Can J-1 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.

What jobs can you get with a J-1 visa?

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.

How can I stay in USA after J-1 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. If you travel on an expired stamp, you will not be allowed back into the U.S.

Can you earn money on a J-1 visa?

J-1 students may work part-time and earn an income during their courses in order to supplement their finances. You may engage in either on campus or off campus work. Most universities in the U.S. have various employment positions for their students which are located on the school's campus.

Can I drive Uber on J-1 visa?

No. You must have a US driver's license for at least one year. Uber does not consider international driving experience.

Can I change job with 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.

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.

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.

What is the form I-94?

Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status and Form DS-2019 with the responsible officer’s endorsement.

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.

What is a J1 visa?

The J-1 visa in the United States is for people who wish to take part in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the U.S. These programs are sponsored by an educational or other nonprofit institution, which must be accredited through the Exchange Visitor Program designated by the U.S. State Department. J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States to teach, study, receive training, or demonstrate special skills. The J1 visa is meant for students who need practical training that is not available to them in their home country, and the training must be directly related to their academic program.

Can foreign students work at summer camps?

Through the Camp Counselor program, foreign post-secondary students and youth workers are able to work at American summer camps. In order to be eligible for these positions, applicants must:

Can high school students travel to the US?

Under this program, high school students are able to travel to the US and study at a public or private high school while staying with a host family or at a boarding school.

Can you work part time in the school district?

Students in this program are not allowed to work part-time or full-time jobs, though they may work the occasional job such as babysitting or yard work. They are not permitted to live with relatives, and they must not stay in the US longer than one academic school year.

How to get a J1 visa?

To obtain a J1 visa, foreign nationals must apply for and be approved to participate in a J1 visa USA exchange visitor program. There are 14 individual J1 programs within the J1 exchange visitor visa category pertaining to various occupations and functions. This article provides a J1 visa overview of all of the qualifying J1 programs.

What are the requirements for a J1 visa?

J1 visa eligibility and requirements vary depending on the exchange visitor program, but some of the general J1 visa requirements may include: 1 English language proficiency 2 Medical insurance

Can a J1 exchange travel to the US?

Eligible immediate family members may accompany J1 exchange visitors during their stay in the US by obtaining a J-2 visa.

Do you have to be a J1 resident to get a J1 visa?

Some J1 visa USA programs are subject to a home residency requirement, a 2-year home country physical presence. J1 visa participants of the following J1 exchange visitor programs are required to return to their home country at the end of their exchange visitor program under the home residency requirement.

Exchange Visitors

The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.

Application Process

The U.S. Department of State plays the primary role in administering the J-1 exchange visitor program, so the first step in obtaining a J-1 visa is to submit a Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, (formerly known as an IAP-66). Your sponsoring agency will provide you this form.

Employment

Some J-1 nonimmigrants enter the United States specifically to work while others do not. Employment is authorized for J-1 nonimmigrants only under the terms of the exchange program. Please check with your sponsoring agency for more information on any restrictions that may apply to you working in the United States.

Family of J-1 Visa Holders

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless of nationality, are entitled to J-2 classification. Your spouse and children are entitled to employment authorization; however, their income may not be used to support you.

What Is a J-1 Visa?

A J-1 visa is a temporary visa that allows educational professionals and students to enter the country to receive or deliver training. J-1 Visas are essential to our educational system. It's a means by which college professors, researchers, exchange students and other scholars can enter our nation to get or deliver training in the spirit of cultural exchange. There are certain important requirements that you must meet to qualify for one of these visas, including a solid grasp of the English language, but if you have these qualifications, you can live and work in the United States during the exchange period.

When was the J-1 visa established?

The J-1 Visa program was first established under the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961. This program, more properly called the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, granted the U.S. Information Agency the ability to administer a visiting scholar program to build on United States relations with other nations.

How long can you stay in the US after the exchange program?

Recipients can stay in the country until the end of the exchange program, described in Form DS -2019, plus 30 days. This extra 30 days is a grace period for you to prepare for return to your home country.

How long does it take to update contact information for a visa?

Participants must always keep contact information current. Failure to update any change of information within 10 days is a violation of status and can result in loss of the visa.

Do J-1 visas need to be monitored?

All holders of J-1 Visas must have their progress monitored throughout the course of their stay. This ensures that all activities undertaken are consistent with the program identified on the J-1 form. Sponsors generate these DS-2019 reports which are verified electronically. A fee is required for each program under which they file.

Can you use a visa if you leave the country during the grace period?

In addition, if the visitor leaves the nation during this grace period, they may not use the visa to re-enter.

Can a temporary worker get a J-2 visa?

The families of temporary workers like nannies or camp counselors do not qualify for the J-2 program. There are also some categories that are not eligible. The application process for a J-2 visa is the same as for a J-1 visa. Approval from a program sponsor is required.

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.

How can I obtain a green card as a J-1 visa holder?

You can file an immigration petition and J-1 waiver concurrently, file the J-1 waiver first then a petition after it’s approved. Or, file the petition first , and then a J-1 waiver after the petition is granted .

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 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.