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 does a J-1 visa work?
J-1 students are permitted to work while studying, as long as they obtain work authorization. There are certain restrictions, such as only working part time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students are permitted to work full time during academic breaks.
How long does a J-1 visa last?
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 qualifies 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 J-1 visa hard 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 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.
Can j1 visa apply for green card?
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 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 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.
How much does it cost to sponsor a J-1 visa?
Fees for New J-1 ApplicationsJ-1 sponsorship fee – 15 business days$2,110Required SEVIS fee (effective June 24, 2019)$220Expedited processing – 5 business days (optional)$800J-2 dependent sponsorship for accompanying family members (if applicable)$750
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.
Can I stay in the US after my J-1 visa expires?
Remember: Though you are allowed to travel in the USA during the Grace Period, you may NOT exit and return to the USA during the Grace Period, because your J-1 visa expires on the program “end date” on your DS-2019 form – and you will not be allowed back in to the USA with an expired visa (to finish traveling or to ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 employers can access J-1 trainees?
To access J-1 trainees or interns, an employer must either become a State Department-designated sponsor as some large employers like Disney, Exxon Mobil, Ingersoll-Rand and Microsoft have done, or work with a sponsoring organization like Cultural Vistas or CFGI.
What is the purpose of reviewing the employer's intern-to-full-time-staff ratio?
Reviewing the employer's intern-to-full-time-staff ratio to ensure there is sufficient staff to fulfill business needs and to train participants.
Is there a cap on the number of J-1 visas?
The flexibility of the J-1 compared with other employment visa categories also makes it an enticing option for employers. "There is no cap on the total number of J-1 visas administered each year, as there is for the H-1B and other popular visas," Faucette said. "It's also open to many different occupations and levels of talent, rather than specific specializations or education levels." The application process is also less intensive than for other popular employment visas and doesn't require completing and submitting a labor condition application or immigration petition. Spouses and dependents may join a J-1 visa holder and, in most cases, are also eligible to apply for work authorization after arrival.
Can J-1s work in clerical jobs?
In addition, work duties cannot entail more than 20 percent clerical work or come from staffing firms .
Do J-1s need a social security number?
Visa holders and their dependents must have health insurance prior to arrival and for the duration of their visit. If trainees or interns will be paid by a U.S. employer , they will likely need a Social Security number to pay federal, state and local income taxes. Visa holders are generally exempt from paying Medicare, Social Security or federal unemployment taxes, however, so employers are not required to pay any matching contributions.
What is a J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa status permits a qualified nonimmigrant alien, i.e., an alien who is not a lawful permanent resident (also known as a “green card holder”), to temporarily reside in the United States to teach, study, observe, conduct research, consult, demonstrate special skills or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years at colleges and universities, hospitals, research institutions, as well as the private sector.
How long does it take for a J-1 to arrive in the US?
The J-1 alien will have been present in the United States for at least 183 days, thus meeting the Substantial Presence Test for Year 1.
What form do you report wages on for a J-1?
Wages paid to a J-1 alien are reported on Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, and Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in the usual manner. However, if the J-1 alien is claiming treaty benefits with respect to wages, as a resident of a country with which the United States has an income tax treaty in force, such wages are reported on Form 1042, Annual Withholding Tax Return for U.S. Source Income of Foreign Persons, and Form 1042-S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding.
What happens if a J-1 alien meets the substance test?
If a J-1 alien meets the Substantial Presence Test, he or she should be aware of the rules for determining the official starting and ending date of their period of residency in the United States. For details on these rules, refer to Residency Starting and Ending Dates.
What is a student visa?
The term “student” refers to any alien individual (and that individual’s immediate family) who is admitted temporarily to the United States on an “F” or “M” visa or as a student on a "J” or "Q" visa, and who substantially complies with the requirements of that visa. The term “teacher or trainee” refers to any individual ...
