how do you get a j1 visa

How To Apply for a J-1 Visa?

• Fill In the Visa Application Form For your J-1 visa, you must complete the application form online and print the application form confirmation page- you can find the form here. ...
• Set Up an Interview With the Embassy/ Consulate ...
• Pay the Application Fee ...
• Prepare Your Required Documents ...
• Attend Your Visa Interview ...
• Enter the United States ...

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...

Is it really that easy to get a J1 visa?

The list provides plenty of scope for flexibility. J1 visas are also quite easy to get approved. The length of stay depends on the type of activity. Those pursuing academic study may get a visa for up to three years, while camp counselors will typically only get a 3-month stay. Extensions are also variable, depending on the category of visa. We ...

Could I get home loan with J1 visa?

Can I Buy A House In Us With J1 Visa? The typical loan you can get in an J1 visa case is from an authorized source. While buying a house isn’t easy, there are a few things you may not be aware of. This doesn’t mean that’s impossible, but it’s possible. If you reside in TN, you are able to apply to the government for mortgages.

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.

Who qualifies for J1 visa?

In order to qualify for a J-1 exchange visitor visa, you need to be coming to the U.S. as a student, scholar, trainee, intern, au pair, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate, or international visitor.

Is J1 visa easy to get?

J-1 visas are also quite easy to get approved. The length of stay depends on the type of activity. Those pursuing academic study may get a visa for up to three years, while camp counselors will typically only get a 3-month stay. Extensions are also variable, depending on the category of visa.

How long does it take to get a J1 visa?

six to eight weeksOn average, it takes six to eight weeks to apply for and be approved for a J-1 Visa.

How do I get a J1 visa for USA?

You have to be selected by the United States Department of State to qualify for this J-1 visa. As an international visitor, you must take part in consultations, observation, research, training, or demonstration of special skills and you must be a recognized individual in a special field.

Can I get a J-1 visa without a sponsor?

Do I need a sponsor? 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.

How much is J-1 visa fee?

J-1 Visa Application Fee The $160 visa application processing fee is not unique to the J-1 or J-2 visa. Almost everyone who applies for a non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa has to pay this fee.

Does J-1 visa require interview?

Almost every J-1 visa applicant will be required to undergo an interview before their visa can be approved. If an applicant is older than 13 but younger than 80, it will be mandatory.

How long does J-1 visa last in us?

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).)

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.

What is the age limit for J-1 visa?

While there are no age restrictions on J-1 visas, in light of their nature as chiefly training visas they are used mainly by those in their 20s up to the age of 40 years or so.

Does J-1 visa gets rejected?

If you have visited the United States before and there were criminal charges levied against you during your visit, or you overstayed your visa for more than 180 days, your J-1 visa application will most likely be denied.

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.

How long does J-1 visa last in us?

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).)

What is the age limit for J-1 visa?

While there are no age restrictions on J-1 visas, in light of their nature as chiefly training visas they are used mainly by those in their 20s up to the age of 40 years or so.

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...

What is a J1 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:

How long does it take to get a J1 visa?

J1 processing time depends on many factors. This includes which host organization is used, consulate processing times, and the time of year you apply. An immigration lawyer with knowledge about your specific situation can provide more information.

What do you need to show for a J1 visa?

All J1 and J2 visa applicants must show that they intend to return to their home country. Evidence to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent can include property deeds, mortgages, lease agreements, documentation of continued enrollment in school, documentation of future employment offers, or other indications of family or community ties.

How long do you have to stay in the US after J1?

Some J1 participants and their dependents are required to return to their home country for two years after completing their program. Both the participant and their dependents may be subject to this requirement. Additionally, those seeking new visa status may be subject to this requirement. Please note that you can ask for a waiver of this two-year requirement. Here, significant negative impact can be demonstrated. Alternatively, you can show that you would face persecution as a result of this requirement. An immigration lawyer can help you determine if you are subject to the two-year home residence requirement and/or qualify for a waiver.

What is a J1?

The J1 allows foreign nationals to gain experience. You can work in a wide range of fields. The J1 provides an opportunity for foreign nationals to improve their English. You can also learn about American culture and learn relevant career skills.

How many programs are there under the J1 visa?

There are 15 unique programs under the J1 visa.

How many categories are there in the J1 visa?

There are 15 different categories covered by the J1 visa. Some visas are limited to certain nationalities or specified jobs. This is not true for the unique J1 visa.

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.

How To Apply for a J-1 Visa?

To apply for a J-1 visa, you have to follow the steps listed below, but keep in mind that the order in which you follow the steps will change based on where you are applying from:

How Much Does a J-1 Visa Cost?

A J-1 visa costs around $160. However, this fee is not the same for all countries, and will most likely change depending on what category of the J-1 visa you have applied for.

How Long Can I Stay With a J-1 Visa?

You can stay with a J-1 visa for up to two or three years. However, the length at which you are allowed to stay in the US under J-1 visa changes depending on what program you applied for.

What Is the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement?

A J-1 visa is issued with several conditions attached, one of which is that after your program is over and your visa expires, you have to return to your home country and live for two years. You are subject to this condition if you are a part of a:

How to schedule an appointment for a visa interview?

After you fill in the application form, you must schedule an appointment with your local embassy or consulate, to attend your visa interview – you can find the nearest visa office here. The waiting time to set a date for the interview varies depending on many factors such as the influx of applicants, the staff at hand, the season, and the location.

How old do you have to be to get an au pair visa?

To get a J-1 visa for Au Pair, you must be between 18-26 years old, proficient in spoken English, and be a secondary school graduate. For Au pair, you will be placed with a host family for 12 months with the option to extend your visa for 6,9, or 12 months and more. Before you start your work with the host family, you will undergo a training program on working with children so you can be better prepared.

Where to submit DS-3035?

You must submit Form DS-3035 online at the J-1 visa waiver website. You must not download the form and then submit it, but complete it online. After you submit it, you will receive a barcode with your information and case number. You must print the barcode and the Form DS-3035.

What is a J-1 program?

A J-1 program organization is any private or public entity approved by the DOS to act as an exchange program sponsor. There are many of them offering different categories of programs, so you will need to choose the one that relates to your intended program.

What is a J-1 exchange visitor?

The J-1 exchange visitor program involves three parties: the participant (you), the sponsoring organization, and the United States government. It may also involve a fourth: your home country’s government. Being a temporary visa, the application process requires every applicant to complete a DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application.

Who pays SEVIS I-901?

The SEVIS I-901 fee is paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Some sponsoring organizations include it as part of their program fees while others keep it as a separate payment. You will be informed by your sponsor if you are to pay it separately. If your sponsor has made the payment on your behalf, they will need to provide you with a receipt for the payment as it will be asked for during your interview.

Do J-1 visas require fees?

The only exception is if your program is going to be funded by the U.S. government, your country’s government, or an organization. As part of your application process, you may be asked to provide proof that you have the capacity to pay the fees and your general financial needs throughout your stay.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 issues J-1?

When both parts of the application are filed, ECFMG forwards the information to SEVIS, the U.S. government agency that determines eligibility and eventually issues the J-1.

What is a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa?

A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange , especially to obtain medical or business training within the U.S. All applicants must meet eligibility criteria, English language requirements, and be sponsored either by a university, private sector or government program.

How do I extend or adjust my exchange visa program?

If your sponsor agrees to extend your program, they will send a new Form DS-2019 with the new end date and any other necessary information. The sponsoring organization will apply for your extension through the Department of State. Note that there is a nonrefundable fee of $367 which your sponsor may have you pay. Contact your sponsor if you would like to extend your program.

Can I work on a J-1 Visa?

If your exchange visitor program is a work-program (research, teaching, etc.), work only under the terms of the specific program. In some situations, J-1 holders may work for non-sponsor employers if they meet eligibility requirements. Contact your sponsor with any work-related questions.

Can I change my status while on a J-1 visa?

While in the United States, you may decide that you would like to switch to a different visa status, such as a change from a J-1 visa to an F-1 visa. If you would like to change your J-1 nonimmigrant status to a different one, you will first need to work with your sponsoring organization and receive a new Form DS-2019 and submit that form with your Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to the USCIS. There is a $370 filing fee with this application.

What is the J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa for exchange visitors is a nonimmigrant visa that is designed around the use of sanctioned programs that act as sponsors instead of employers. Here is a quick list of some programs you can apply for under the J-1:

What is the J-1 Visa Processing Time?

Now that we know what the steps are, we can get a better understanding of what the J-1 visa processing time will be. The DS-2019 can take between 2 and 3 weeks to be processed by the OIS. Making an appointment with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy can have you waiting 2 weeks to over a month depending on how busy the establishment is. If the interview goes favorably, then it will take about 1 week for them to add it to your passport.

What is the Validity Period for My J-1 Visa?

Your J-1 visa’s validity period is entirely dependent on the program that is sponsoring you. However, there are very few cases in which a J-1 visa holder can stay longer than 7 years. Here are some generalized validity periods based on the more popular programs:

What Could Delay My Visa?

To avoid having an unnecessarily long J-1 processing time, there are some things that you should adhere to. For one, you should have an immigration attorney look over the DS-2019 sent by your program in order to ensure that all of the information is complete, correct, and accurate. A failure to do so could result in a petition rejection or even a denial.

What does it mean when a J-1 visa is denied?

If you receive a rejection, that means that there is likely only a simple error or omission that needs to be fixed before refiling the petition. However, if your petition is denied, the USCIS officer did not deem your case worthy of a J-1 visa and you may have to find other means of working in the U.S.

How long does it take for a green card to be processed?

Unfortunately, the premium processing service, which would shorten your processing time to just 15 calendar days, is only available for certain visas and green cards that use the I-129 and I-140 forms. Because the J-1 visa requires the DS-2019, it is not eligible for premium processing.

Is a J-2 visa the same as a J-1 visa?

The J-2 visa application process is the same as the primary J-1 visa application. As a J-1 visa exchange visitor, you must approve the accompaniment of your family members who will each be granted their own DS-2019.

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.