The following conditions are necessary to obtain a J-1 visa for an internship in the U.S.:
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old
- The applicant must have adequate English-language abilities for participation in the internship
- The company accepting the intern must have been decided already
- The applicant must have the funds (assets) necessary to cover his or her costs of staying in the U.S.
When do you qualify for a J-1 visa?
Only when you have completed two or more semesters of university or have at least 5 years full-time professional experience, you qualify for the J-1 program. If you’d like to go prior to enrolling in university, it is possible to go as a volunteer to the USA.
How long can you stay in the US on a J-1?
Validity Period. The amount of time that you can stay in the U.S. under your J-1 visa is dependent on your specific program, though the maximum is usually seven years except under certain circumstances.
Are J-1 exchange visitors eligible for a J-2 visa?
J-2 eligibility depends on the specific program in which the J-1 exchange visitor is enrolled. For example, the exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary work student, and summer work travel do not allow for J-2 eligibility. In addition, some specific programs within categories that generally permit J-2 visas do not.
How many times can you extend a J-1 visa?
Frequent J-1 Visa Extensions: Au Pair: 12 months. The Au Pair category has the option for an additional extension of 6, 9, or 12 months. College and University Students: Depends on the education level of the student.
Who is eligible for a 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.
How old are J-1 students?
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.
Why would a J-1 visa be denied?
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 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.
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.
Which is better J-1 or F-1 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.
How much bank balance is required for US J-1 visa?
Section 1. J-1 Scholars are required to demonstrate at least $2,000 per month, plus $500 per month for each J-2 dependent to meet J-1 visa status requirements. These funds must be provided for the entire duration of the UCI J-1 program. Any changes to a scholar's funding must be reported to the International Center.
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.
How long is a J-1 visa good for?
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 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 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
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 before my J1 Program starts can I arrive in the US?
According to the J1 Exchange Visitor Regulations, you are not allowed to enter the USA more than 14 days before your Program's official start date as stated in your DS-2019.
Is there an age limit to apply for a J1 Visa?
For the J1 Intern Visa, participants must be at least 18 years old, while for the J1 Trainee Visa they must be over 20 years old. The upper age limit is set at 35 years old. However exceptions can be made, so please email us at [email protected] explaining your case and we will let you know your eligibility for the J1 Exchange Visitor Visa Program.
Can I apply for a J1 Visa if I don't have any work experience or if I am a student?
Yes, there is a program for you if you are still a student or you have recently (within a year) graduated. In this case, you can apply for the J1 Visa as an Intern without having any work experience.
Can I apply for a J1 Visa if I graduated more than 1 year ago?
Yes, you could qualify as a J1 Trainee if you graduated more than 1 year ago and have more than 1 year of experience. Please keep in mind when calculating that according to Department of State regulations, all experience previous to the most recent graduation date counts at 50%. (So for example, 1 year of experience before graduating counts only as 6 months.)
Do I need an English Certificate to apply for a J1 Visa Internship / J1 Visa Training Program in the U.S.?
The participant needs to prove they are able to understand and communicate in English by providing a Certificate of English Level. However, an interview in English will be conducted through a phone or Skype call with those without evidence of it.
How long is the Trainee J1 Visa valid for?
The J1 Exchange Visitor Visa is valid for the exact amount of time as your Training program (a maximum of 18 months). Additionally, you may enter the U.S. no more than 14 days before your training program begins and you have a grace period of 30 days after the program ends to exit the U.S definitively.
What is the purpose of the Exchange J1 Visitor Program?
The purpose of the J1 Visa program is to gain professional experience in the U.S at an American Host Company and by doing so acquire new knowledge, a specific new skill set, improve your English and get to know the American culture.
What is the GACC California?
The GACC California is responsible for arranging DS-2019 forms required for J-1 visa applications, for the purpose of this program. However, we also offer you our support with other visa applications, such as The B-1 visa for tourism and business purposes. We also offer our service for the E-1 visa and the L-1 visa. Just ask us!
What happens if your visa is rejected?
If your visa is rejected by the US Embassy, you can recover part of the visa costs, however, some restrictions and condition apply. For further information, please refer to our price list, which is available for download after your free registration in your online account.
How to apply for DS-2019?
In order to apply for a DS-2019 you need an internship offer first , which is checked according to strict criteria. If the internship offer is well received, approved, and all further program points are fulfilled, the DS-2019 is issued. Only after this can you apply for a J-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy.
How many years of experience do you need to get a J-1 visa?
Alternatively, a J-1 trainee visa is also possible if you have at least 5 years of professional experience in the same field. In general, an age limit of 35 years applies. Additionally, the internship must be directly related to your academic/professional career.
How much does a consulate charge for a visa?
The U.S. Consulates charge a consular fee for each visa processing. The current fee is $160.00 USD and is due before the interview. This consulate fee is non-refundable.
What is DS 7002?
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extremely intensified the entry regulations since 9/11. Additionally, the DS-7002, your training plan, is a challenging procedure for most companies, which may cause host companies to be hesitant in moving forward with the internship offer.
How long does it take to get an internship in the hospitality industry?
Your internship does not exceed 18 months (exception: tourism industry, hotel industry, and gastronomy) You have completed a university degree and have at least one year of professional work experience in the field or have at least five years of professional work experience in the field.
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.
How many hours of childcare do you need to be an au pair?
While working in the US, the au pair must provide no more than 10 hours of childcare services a day, with a maximum of 45 hours per week. He or she must also complete at least six hours of academic credit at a US post-secondary educational institution.
What is an 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.
How old do you have to be to be an au pair?
Other prerequisites include: 18-26 years of age.
How much do host families pay for au pair?
The host family is required to pay up to $500 towards the au pair’s required academic coursework. The host family is also expected to provide the au pair with private room and board (three meals a day) and compensation for childcare work. This compensation must be in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
What is distinguished international visitor?
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. They are engages in observation tours, discussions, consultations, professional meetings, conferences, workshops, travel, and training.
What is a foreign 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. They might also participate in a student internship program that fulfills educational objectives of their degree programs in their home countries.
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 the form I-94?
Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status and Form DS-2019 with the responsible officer’s endorsement.
Who administers exchange visitor programs?
The Department of State (DOS) administers exchange visitor programs and designates the sponsors. Responsible officers within the program issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. Exchange visitors come to the United States for a specific period of time to participate in a particular program or activity, as described on their Form DS-2019. Only J-1 exchange visitors may use this form when employment is part of their program. Currently, DOS designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors for the following programs.
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.
Does USCIS issue EADs to J-1 exchange visitors?
USCIS does not issue EADs to J-1 exchange visitors.
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.
What if it is Denied?
Remaining in the U.S. after your J-1 visa extension has been denied can result in you being considered “out of status”, which can have serious consequences in the future if you attempt to apply for another visa or green card.
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 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.
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.
How much does it cost to reinstate a minor infraction?
You will have to pay a nonrefundable reinstatement fee of $367 to the DOS.
How to update DS-2019?
You should consult the officer of your program. They’ll then need to submit a request in writing to the DOS on your behalf and corresponding payment (fee) will need to be submitted. Should your request be accepted, the officer will issue an updated DS-2019.