What is the duration of a J1 visa?
The J1 visa duration depends on the type of J1 visa program the participant chooses. The validity periods of the J1 visa types are included below. Au pair, intern, international visitor, secondary school student, and specialist programs are valid for 12 months. (Au pair program may be extended for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months).
How long can a J1 specialist work in the US?
This program allows experts to come to the United States for up to 1 year. Specialist may observe, consult, or give demonstrations to American organizations. Not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment in the US Not be enrolled in a different J1 program (professor, research scholar, short-term scholar or physician programs)
What happens if my J-1 visa stamp expires?
If the visa stamp has expired, it is critical to get a new visa before traveling. Applicants traveling with an expired stamp will not be allowed to re-enter the United States. J-1 Traveling Grace Period There is a travel grace period which may be important for you to understand.
Can a J-1 visa be used for a summer vacation?
Postsecondary students may use a J-1 visa to work and travel in the United States for a four-month period during their summer vacations. This must be arranged through DOS-designated sponsors.
How long can you stay in the US 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.
Does J-1 visa expire?
Depending on the occupation your J1 Visa supports, there are different periods of validity: Teachers, scholars, researchers, and professors – 5 years. Medical grad students – 7 years. Professional trainees and government visitors – 18-24 months.
Can a J-1 visa be extended?
Summary of J-1 Visa Extensions There are special extensions available for professors and research scholars who are on the J-1 visa program. After the initial three-month maximum duration period, eligible individuals can extend their stay for an added six months to complete their designated research or program.
Can J-1 visa be extended beyond 5 years?
J-1 Professors and Researcher Scholars have a 5-year time limit on their stays in this immigration class. DOS does not permit extensions beyond 5 years. J-1 Short-term Scholars have a 6-month time limit on their stays in this immigration class. DOS does not permit extensions beyond 6 months.
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 can I convert my J-1 visa to green card?
J1 to Green Card Process Options Submit your immigrant petition together with your J1 waiver, along with proof that you did not initially have immigrant intent upon obtaining your J1 visa. Submit your J1 waiver first, wait until it is approved, and then submit your immigrant petition.
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 H1B?
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 many times can you get a J-1 visa?
Can I apply for a J-1 visa twice? Yes. The J-1 visa for interns and trainees can be applied for multiple times.
What is the 2 year rule for J-1?
Overview. 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 J-1 visa marry US citizen?
If you're a J-1 exchange visitor who recently married a U.S. citizen or green card holder (permanent resident), you can apply for a marriage visa to live with your spouse in the United States.
Can I change my J-1 visa sponsor?
Transferring a J-1 Visa Record J-1 Exchange Visitors may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the academic objective for which he or she was admitted.
How do you waive the 2 year rule?
This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). If you cannot return home for two years, you must apply for a waiver. The Department of Homeland Security must approve your waiver before you can change status in the United States or receive a visa in certain categories.
How long do you have to be on a J-1 visa?
Exchange visitors who are teachers, professors, research scholars, or people with specialized skills may be issued J-1 visas for no more than five years, plus 30 days in which to prepare to depart the United States. (See 22 C.F.R. § 62.20 and 22 C.F.R. § 62.24 .)
How long can an intern work in the US?
Interns are eligible for up to 12 months of J-1 status to work with a U.S. employer while in the midst of a degree program in their home country or within one year of graduation. (See 22 C.F.R. § 62.22 (k) .)
How long can a youth worker stay in a summer camp?
Youth workers over the age of 18 coming to serve as counselors in U.S. summer camps may be issued J-1 visas for a maximum of four months. (See 22 C.F.R. § 62.30 .)
How long can you stay in the US for postdoctoral training?
Most students may remain in the U.S. for the duration of their programs plus an additional 18 months of practical training employment. Practical training is any employment directly related to the subject matter of the student's major field of study. Remaining in the U.S. for the additional 18 months of practical training is at the student's discretion. Postdoctoral training is limited to 36 months minus any previously used practical training time. (See 22 C.F.R. § 62.23 .)
How long is practical training?
Practical training is any employment directly related to the subject matter of the student's major field of study. Remaining in the U.S. for the additional 18 months of practical training is at the student's discretion. Postdoctoral training is limited to 36 months minus any previously used practical training time.
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.
Can a research scholar stay beyond the validity period?
Compared with various categories of J-1 visa beneficiaries, research scholars have an extension process that is different. Because the J-1 visa covers a wide range of professions, the validity period differs among applicants. While a government visitor, an au pair, or a camp counselor may not stay beyond the validity period for his or her category, a research scholar may do so.
When to extend DS 2019?
Minor rules include the requirements to: Extend your program before the end date stated on your DS-2019 if you need to stay longer than the earlier issued date. Process your program transfer before the end date on your DS-2019. Get the required approval before accepting an honorarium or any other type of payment.
Does DS 2019 expire?
The newly issued DS-2019 will have a new end date and SEVIS will also record the new expiration date. If you have dependents (spouse and/or children) on a J-2 visa, each of your dependents must be issued their own DS-2019.
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
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.
How much is HRR waiver?
Applicants may file for an HRR Waiver by filing Form DS-3035 with a $120 filing fee.
How long is a college degree valid?
College and university student programs are valid for 18 months for Bachelor/Master degree, 36 months for Post-Doctoral degree, and 24 months for non-degree.
How long is an Au pair program valid?
(Au pair program may be extended for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months). Camp counselor and summer work travel programs are valid for 4 months.
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.
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 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 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.
What happens if you overstay your visa?
If you overstay, then you might find yourself “out of status”, which could have serious repercussions on your attempts to get a visa or green card in the future.
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.
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.
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.
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 can a camp counselor work?
People in this category are not eligible to work as staff; such as, office workers, cooks, or janitors. The maximum length for this program is four months.
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.
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 can a short term scholar stay in the country?
Finally, short-term scholars can be any of the above, but they are in the country for a short-term purpose up to a few months.
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.
What is the first step in the J-1 visa process?
The first key step in the J-1 visa application process is getting your Form DS-2019. You’ll need this document before you can schedule an interview and get final approval for your J-1 visa.
What to do after J-1 interview?
After the J-1 visa interview, the process is out of your hands: you simply have to wait for an embassy official to approve your visa application.
How long does it take to get a visa after an interview?
However, the U.S. State Department advises that you wait at least 180 days after your interview (or after you submit additional documents) before asking the embassy about your visa unless you have an emergency like a death or serious illness in your immediate family.
Do you need to complete additional applications for J-1 visa?
However, some J-1 visa holders will need to complete additional applications for a few special processes:
