J1 Visa Process
- Find a J1 Sponsor. In order to be granted a J1 visa, you must have a sponsor. A sponsor provides you with an opportunity to enter the United States.
- Complete Form DS-160. Form DS-160 is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application. ...
- Interview with US Consulate or Embassy. Even after being approved by a sponsor, you are not guaranteed a J1 Visa. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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. ...
How long can you stay with 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.
Who are eligible for J-1 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 getting J-1 visa difficult?
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 much money do you need for a J-1 visa?
The US State Department charges a Visa Application fee for every applicant. 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 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 long does J-1 visa take after interview?
Please see “Administrative Processing” for further information. 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.
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.
Which one is better J1 or F1 visa?
For this, the F-1 visa is usually the better option, as it allows you to work off campus in your field and even allows you to work for one to two years after your studies are over. In contrast, the J-1 only allows you to work on campus.
Which is better F1 or J-1 visa?
The difference between the two arises during periods of recess. During periods of recess, students holding F1 status may work full time. Students holding J1 status may also work full time however, they will require the permission of their Alternate Responsible Officer (OISS advisor).
Can you go on a J1 without a job?
Application process for the J1 visa 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.
Do I need a sponsor for J1 visa?
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.
Can you go on a J1 if you're not in college?
Unfortunately, If you are taking a year out from college you are not eligible to apply for the J1 programme.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 does a sponsor do?
A sponsor approves a program and oversees the foreign national working in the position. A sponsor often does not work directly with the foreign national. Oftentimes, a host organization or other third party does this. However, the sponsor is accountable for the third party and assuring the program’s success. Some of the duties of the sponsor include ensuring that the position satisfies all conditions for the J1 visa program, hiring foreign nationals, ensuring that both the program and the J1 visa holder uphold their responsibilities for the program, and updating the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) if there are any changes in the program.
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.
How many programs are there under the J1 visa?
There are 15 unique programs under the J1 visa.
Finding a Sponsoring Agent
The first step in the application process is to find a sponsoring agency. Although immigration laws use the term agency, it includes any businesses, educational institutions or medical facilities that have applied to participate in the program. Once you find a sponsoring agency, you will need to obtain acceptance from the agency to sponsor you.
The J-1 Visa Process
After you find a sponsoring agency, they will usually provide you with the necessary forms and a list of documents required to complete your application for a J-1 visa. After completing the application, you submit the forms, supporting documents, and pay any appropriate processing fee through the consulate or embassy in your country.
Au Pair
The Au Pair category of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program allows for childcare providers between the ages of 18 and 26 to work caring for a family’s children in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. The main priority of an au pair is to care for his or her charge (s), but he or she will also have free time to enjoy life in the US.
Camp Counselor
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:
College and University Student Program
This program allows foreign students to study at American colleges and universities. Students who participate in this program must pursue a full-time course of study and must maintain good academic standing.
Secondary School Student Program
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.
Government Visitor Program
Through this program, distinguished international visitors selected by a US federal, state, or local government agency visit the US to develop and strengthen professional and personal relationships with their American counterparts.
International Visitor Program
This category is for people-to-people programs meant to develop and strengthen professional and personal relationships between key foreign nationals and Americans and American institutions. Participants must be a recognized or potential leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill. They are selected by the US Department of States.
Physician Program
This program allows foreign physicians to participate in US graduate medical education programs or training at US medical schools.
What is a J1 visa?
A J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for those who are traveling to the U.S. to participate in a work or study-based exchange visitor program. There are many different J1 visa categories that you could apply to, with some of the most common being research scholars, short-term scholars, students, professors/teachers, and physicians.
Can I get a job outside of my J1 program?
While in the U.S. on a J1 visa, you are required to work in your program’s category. You will not be able to work in any other job field outside your program. Those studying at a school or university may work on campus up to 20 hours per week if in pursuit of a fellowship, assistantship, or scholarship.
Can I apply for a green card at the end of my J1 visa?
The two-year foreign residence requirement states that after the J1 visa holder’s program ends, they must return to their home country and remain there for two years before being eligible to apply for another U.S. visa. If an exchange visitor is subject to this requirement, it will be noted on their DS-2019 form at the time of application. The only way to exempt yourself from this rule is to apply for a J1 waiver.
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.
Do you need a visa to do a global internship?
The programs are a convenient option because they do not require anyone to secure a visa (no one is traveling, after all). However, this doesn’t mean that all plans go out the window. At Global Internships, we still require host companies to create a plan for virtual internships. This ensures that all parties have the best experience possible.
Can an employer sponsor an intern?
Whether or not employers choose to become a sponsor or work with a 3rd party organization, they will have to meet certain J-1 visa employer requirements to host an intern or trainee. We outline a few of these requirements in the table below.
Can I Hire Someone with a J-1 Visa?
If you’re asking “can I hire someone with a J-1 visa?” The short answer is “yes!”
What is a J-1 visa?
Let’s start with a brief rundown of the J-1 visa. This nonimmigrant category is for program-based immigration rather than employer-based. A government-approved sponsorship program will provide you with a completed DS-2019 form to be filed with the USCIS.
How to request a J-1 visa waiver?
To request a J-1 visa waiver, you will need to file a DS-3035. The form must be completed with relevant information, which includes your SEVIS number, the date you entered the U.S. under J-1 status, and information about your J-2 dependents (if any). You will also need every DS-2019/IAP-66 ever issued to you as well as supporting evidence to prove that you meet the requirements for the waiver. The J-1 visa waiver filing fee is $120.
What to do if you are seeking a change of category related to your J-1 visa extension?
If you are seeking a change of category related to your J-1 visa extension then you must clearly demonstrate that it is closely related to your original exchange objectives and necessary as the result of extraordinary circumstances.
What is the grace period for J-1?
J-1 Traveling Grace Period. There is a travel grace period which may be important for you to understand. As indicated on DS-2019, there is a grace period that USCIS allows for individuals completing the United States to depart the country.
Does the J-1 visa have an extension?
The program sponsor has a specific officer who is able to determine the applicant’s eligibility through documentation. If the J-1 visa extension has been accepted, 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 cover them as well.
