what to do after j1 visa expires

If your J1 visa

has expired, you will be required to return to your home country for at least two years before being allowed to apply for any additional visas. This is not always possible and can sometimes simply be impractical. If this is the case, you can apply for a J1 visa waiver which will waive this requirement.

Full Answer

What happens if my J-1 visa expires?

Please be aware that if you travel outside of the United States during your current exchange visitor program and after your J-1 visa has expired, you must apply for a new J-1 visa in your home country in order to re-enter the United States to continue your program.

How to re-enter the US with an J-1 visa?

J-1 Travel and Re-entry 1 Re-entering the U.S. from Abroad. DS-2019 with valid travel signature. ... 2 Renewing Your Visa Stamp. Review the U.S. ... 3 Automatic Visa Revalidation. If you will be traveling to Canada, Mexico or “ adjacent islands ” for less than 30 days, you may be eligible for automatic visa revalidation.

How long can I stay in Canada on a J1 visa?

You need to leave very promptly after the end of your program which entitles you to a J1 visa (I believe 7 days). The easiest way to “stay” longer would indeed be to fly to Canada (or Ireland or the Dominican Republic or somewhere else cheap to fly to), go on a quick vacation, apply for ESTA, and then return on ESTA. That gives you another 90 days.

Can I go back to my country after J1 extension ends?

J-1 Visa Waiver Once your J-1 extension has ended, you will need to return to your home country under the home residency requirement, which mandates that all J-1 holders must go back to their home countries for a total of two years before returning to the U.S. under a different visa.

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 ...

What happens when J-1 visa expires?

If your J1 visa has expired, you will be required to return to your home country for at least two years before being allowed to apply for any additional visas. This is not always possible and can sometimes simply be impractical. If this is the case, you can apply for a J1 visa waiver which will waive this requirement.

Can a J-1 visa be extended?

Summary of J-1 Visa Extensions There are particular extensions available for professors and research scholars on the J-1 visa program. After the initial three-month maximum duration period, eligible individuals can extend their stay for six months to complete their designated research or program.

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.

Can I convert J-1 visa to H1B?

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.

Do I need to renew my J-1 visa every year?

Conclusion. Once your visa stamps and DS-2019 expires, you'll need to renew your J-1 visa, return to your home country for two years, or apply for a J-1 waiver.

Can J-1 be extended after 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.

What is the grace period for J-1 visa?

a 30-dayJ-1 scholars are given a 30-day grace period at the end of the program. This means that you have until 30 days after your program end date to depart the U.S.

How long does it take to extend a J-1 visa?

All told, the J-1 visa extension process should take no more than a few weeks, so long as you qualify for an extension. If you want to apply for a J-1 visa extension, make sure to do so at least a few weeks before the end of your program so that your visa doesn't expire while you wait for an extension.

Can I marry a U.S. citizen on a J 1 visa?

A J-1 Visa holder marrying a U.S. citizen is not uncommon, but you will need to prove your bona fide marriage to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). One of the main reasons why you may need to change your J-1 status is to marry a United States citizen or permanent resident.

Can J1 visa buy house?

As a holder of a J1 visa, you might have your set of doubts whether you can apply for a mortgage or not. And this is for good reason. Typically, you can get a loan as a J1 visa holder. Meanwhile, buying a home can be difficult, and you might stumble across several obstacles.

Can I change from J-1 to f1 visa?

Applications to change to F-1/J-1 status may be submitted to the USCIS up to six months in advance of the start date on Form I-20/DS-2019, but may not be approved by the USCIS until 120 days or less before the start date.

How long does it take to renew a j1 visa?

All told, the J-1 visa extension process should take no more than a few weeks, so long as you qualify for an extension. If you want to apply for a J-1 visa extension, make sure to do so at least a few weeks before the end of your program so that your visa doesn't expire while you wait for an extension.

What is the grace period for j1 visa?

a 30-dayJ-1 scholars are given a 30-day grace period at the end of the program. This means that you have until 30 days after your program end date to depart the U.S.

Can I come back to the US if I overstayed?

Overstays & Unlawful Presence If you enter the United States with a valid visa (for example, a tourist or student visa) and overstay by less than 180 days, your visa will be considered void and you'll need to get a new visa in your home country if you want to come back to the United States.

Can you be deported for overstaying your visa?

If you remain in the United States past the expiration date of your issued Form I-94, this is what's known as overstaying your visa. The consequence of doing so can be pretty serious including facing deportation and being barred from returning to the United States.

How long can I stay in the US with a J1 visa?

If you successfully complete your J1 program, you remain in J1 status for 30 days (the grace period) after the completion of the program.

How to determine the length of stay for a J1 visa?

The applicant’s length of stay for the program can be determined by the IAP-66 or Certificate of Eligibility. The maximum time of stay cannot go beyond the total amount indicated by the program. The program and program sponsor must consent to the J1 visa extension.

How to stay longer in Canada?

The easiest way to “stay” longer would indeed be to fly to Canada (or Ireland or the Dominican Republic or somewhere else cheap to fly to), go on a quick vacation, apply for ESTA, and then return on ESTA. That gives you another 90 days. Why do I say fly - well, the land border is much more likely to send you back to Canada if they find that your J1 Visa just expired and they suspect you will overstay or work on your ESTA as you technically never left Canada. It is much more of a has

Does visa type matter in lottery?

Win the Lottery: your visa type does not matter.

Does visa type matter when marrying a US citizen?

marriage: you are marrying a US Citizen or a Green Card holder. Your visa type does not matter.

Can I stay in the US if my visa is expired?

Whether your visa is expired or not is completely irrelevant when you are inside the US. What determines your ability to stay in the US is your status, as given on your I-94, and governed by the regulations regarding your status. People in J1 status are almost always admitted for “D/S” on

Can I file an I-539 for B2 visa?

If you have completed your J1 program, you are not transferring to another J1 program, you wish to stay in the US longer than the grace period without leaving the US, and your J1 doesn’t have the 2-year home residency requirement, you can file I-539 for Change of Status to B2 visitor status in the US. Whether you have a B2 visa is irrelevant to this, as visas are only for entry, and you are not entering. Your valid B2 visa is only helpful if you first leave the US, and then use the visa to re-enter.

How long do you have to be a resident of a J1?

In general, you should first look into the 2 year residency requirement with your J1 visa. Did you receive government funding, or is your skill on the skills list for your country? If so, you need to either fulfill the 2 year residency requirement in your home country, or obtain a waiver before you would be able to change your status to another visa type, or obtain permanent resident status.

What does it mean when a visa expires?

The visa expiration date just means the last date on which you can use that visa to enter; it is perfectly fine to enter the US on the day that the visa expires, and be admitted to months or years of status afterwards, depending on the specific details of your status.

How long does it take to get an internship extension?

Once we receive it, we will review your application. The processing time is about 1-2 weeks. If your application is approved, we will send you a new DS-2019 Form with your extension program dates that will allow you to continue interning in the USA. If we are unable to approve your extension, you will still be able to intern until your program end date, and you are still entitled to your 30-day grace period after your program end date. Once your program and grace period have ended, though, you will be required to leave the U.S. if we were not able to extend your program.

How long can an internship be unpaid?

If your extension will be with a new employer, it may be unpaid if the extension period is less than six months and your internship meets the U.S. Department of Labor’s Six Criteria for Unpaid Internships. You must also prove that you will have adequate funds on hand to support yourself if your extension program will be unpaid. As always, all unpaid programs are considered on a case-by-case basis, even if less than six months in duration, to ensure the DOL criteria are met.

How long does InterExchange take to extend?

InterExchange only accepts extension applications 30-60 days before the end of your program. Check your DS-2019 Form to find your program end date, then go back 60 days to determine when you are first eligible to apply. You can also simply email InterExchange and we can tell you.

What is the ESTA exemption?

The “ESTA exemption” is solely a permission for nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States without a visa. You’re already in the United States. You don’t need a visa because you’re already here. It doesn’t matter when your J-1 visa expires.

How many J-1 programs are there?

The J-1 program has 14 different program types ( here) with different time limitations for each. Certain categories also have restrictions about starting a new program in J-1 within the last 12 or 24 months. If you don’t violate any of those time restrictions or rules, you can theoretically seek a second J-1 program (new DS-2019). Check with your Program Sponsor for more details, as they will know what your specific circumstances will be and whether you will qualify for a subsequent J-1 program.

How long do you have to leave the J-1 visa?

If you "complete" your program successfully, you get a 30-day grace period before you have to leave. Otherwise (if you leave the program early), you have to leave immediately. Note that the question is asking about a visa that expires "during the program" -- because J-1 status is dependent on your remaining in the program.

How long do you have to leave the country after your visa expires?

According to the Common Questions you have 30 days to leave the country after your program is over. However, this implies that you may not work unless you have obtained an extension to your program. The answer that you quote seems to mean that if your visa expires but the original program is still continuing, then you can stay. Otherwise you have to leave within 30 days.

How to stay in the US after a program?

Your real question, though, is how to stay in the US working after your program finishes, so you need to find a nonimmigrant status that will allow you to do that. You also need to find an employer willing to sponsor you. This can be difficult, depending on your qualifications.

How long do you have to leave the country after a program is over?

3. According to the Common Questions you have 30 days to leave the country after your program is over. However, this implies that you may not work unless you have obtained an extension to your program.

Can a J status change to another status?

Some J-status nonimmigrants may be eligible to change into another nonimmigrant status without leaving the US. For more information, see https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united-states/change-my-nonimmigrant-status-category/change-my-nonimmigrant-status.

What if Your J1 Visa Extension is Denied?

If your J1 visa extension application is denied, you will have to go back to your home country. You have a 30 day grace period from the date of completion indicated on your original DS-2019 to do this. If you stay in the U.S. after this 30 day grace period, you may be regarded as “out of status.” This can have serious consequences if you try to apply for a green card or visa in the future.

What is a J1 visa?

A J1 visa is a non-immigrant program-based visa (as opposed to being employer-based, like the H-1B visa). You will apply to a specific government-approved sponsorship program which will provide you with a completed DS-2019. You must file this form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What happens if your visa stamp expires?

If this visa stamp has expired, you must get a new visa before you travel. If you travel on an expired stamp, you will not be allowed back into the U.S. As mentioned above, you have a 30 day grace period after the completion date as indicated on your original DS-2019. This is regarded as a travel grace period.

How long do you have to stay in the US after DS 2019?

You have a 30 day grace period from the date of completion indicated on your original DS-2019 to do this. If you stay in the U.S. after this 30 day grace period, you may be regarded as “out of status.”. This can have serious consequences if you try to apply for a green card or visa in the future.

What are the requirements for a J1 visa?

In short, the requirements for a J1 visa are: 1 You have to qualify for the program you are applying to according to its criteria 2 You must maintain a foreign residence and have no intention of abandoning it 3 You must be able to finance your whole trip 4 You must have sufficient medical insurance for yourself and your family 5 Must have a good understanding of the English language

How long can you be a J1 professor?

If you are a J1 professor or research scholar, you can be granted a J1 extension of up to 6 months by your program sponsor without requiring the U.S. Department of State’s approval. This can, however, only be granted if the extension is necessary to complete a specific research project or program.

How to change category in DS-2019?

To achieve a change of category, the officer of your program will have to submit a request in writing to the U.S. Department of State. If the request is accepted, you will be issued an updated DS-2019.

How to apply for an exchange visitor visa?

Once you obtain a Form DS-2019 from a Sponsor, you may apply for an exchange visitor visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Also, if you are married, your spouse and any children can apply for an exchange visitor (J-2) visa when you apply, or join you after you are in the United States if the exchange category in which you are participating permits an accompanying spouse and/or dependents (i.e. regulations prohibit an accompanying spouse in the categories of Camp Counselor, Summer Work Travel, Au pair and Secondary School Student). In some cases an individual sponsor’s program will not permit a spouse or dependents to accompany their participants. If you are married and/or have dependents who you wish to bring to the United States with you, inquire about this issue when seeking a sponsor.

How long does it take to get an exchange visa?

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that exchange visitors beginning new programs may not enter the United States more than 30 days before their program start date.

What happens if your sponsor terminates your exchange program?

If your sponsor terminates your participation in their exchange program for just cause, the sponsor will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States immediately. You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30-day period because you did not successfully complete your program.

How long do you have to stay in your home country for an exchange?

If this requirement applies, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total of two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. You are not prohibited from traveling to the United States but may not benefit from certain employment-based or family-based visas until the foreign residency requirement is satisfied.

Is an exchange visitor visa valid?

Your current Exchange Visitor Visa is ONLY applicable for your current exchange program and under your current program sponsor. Upon completion of your current Exchange Visitor Program, you are expected to depart the United States.

Can an exchange visitor visa be used for exchange?

An Exchange Visitor Visa holder is only allowed to perform the activity listed on his/her Form DS-2019 and as stated in the regulations for that category of exchange.

Who should I reach out to if I have concerns regarding my J-1 visa or J-1 waiver?

You should contact your supervisor whose name/phone is listed on Form DS-2019.

What is the duration of a J-1 visa program?

However, for professors, scholars, and other specialized professionals, the duration period is usually up to five years.

What are the J-1 visa waiver supporting documents?

You should submit your application with copies of all DS-2019/IAP 566 forms issued to you as well as your application fee. Others include proof of eligibility under the waiver basis you are applying for (e.g. the No Objection Statement from your home country or proof of persecution).

What is the J-1 visa waiver processing time?

The estimated processing time can be four to eight weeks under recommendation bases like State Public Health Department, Interested U.S. Federal Government Agency, and No Objection Statement. For Persecution and Exceptional Hardship, the processing time ranges from three to four months, so it’s important to plan accordingly and submit your waiver request with enough time to spare.

What are the extra fees required to obtain a J-1 visa?

In order to successfully obtain a J-1 visa, you are responsible for the visa issuance fee if your current country charges U.S. citizens for a similar type of visa. For instance, the United Arab Emirates charges U.S. citizens $52 to obtain a J-1 visa for the UAE.

What do I do if my visa has expired during the program?

However, if you do travel outside the country and your J-1 visa is expired, you need to apply for a new one in your home country before you can reenter the U.S. to finish your program. Keep in communications with your J-1 visa sponsor because it’s their responsibility to assist you in those matters.

Are there any other requirements to get a J-1 visa?

for only a limited period and have the necessary monetary funds to cover all expenses within the country as well as social/economic ties to their home country.

Where to make an appointment for J visa?

Make an appointment to interview for the J-visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. The consulate will not schedule an appointment for you. Bring the following documents to your interview: Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future) DS-2019 form. UCSF appointment letter.

How long can you travel to Canada with an expired visa?

If you will be traveling to Canada, Mexico or “ adjacent islands ” for less than 30 days, you may be eligible for automatic visa revalidation. This means that you may travel to these countries for less than 30 days and return to the U.S. with an expired visa stamp, provided that you are otherwise admissible.

How long does it take to renew a visa?

The Department of State website states that administrative processing can take 60-days or more to resolve.

How long is a DS 2019 valid?

DS-2019 with valid travel signature. Signatures are good for one year from the date signed by the adviser, or until the program end date, whichever date is earlier. At the port of entry, your passport will be date stamped and returned to you. You will need to obtain your electronic I-94 form.

Do I need an I-94 form to get my passport?

At the port of entry, your passport will be date stamped and returned to you. You will need to obtain your electronic I-94 form.

What is the expiration date of a visa?

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa along with the visa issuance date. The time between visa issuance and expiration date is called your visa validity. The visa validity is the length of time you are permitted to travel to a port-of-entry in the United States.

What to do if you have an adjustment of status?

If you have applied for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (LPR, also called green card holder), you should contact USCIS regarding obtaining Advance Parole before leaving the United States .

What if I Decide to Stay Longer and am Out-of-Status with the Department of Homeland Security?

You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures. Failure to do so will cause you to be out-of-status.

What happens if you stay out of status?

Staying beyond the period of time authorized, by the Department of Homeland Security, and out-of-status in the United States, is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the United States.

How many entries can a visa be issued from?

Depending on your nationality, visas can be issued from a single entry (application) up to multiple/unlimited entries.

Does a visa expire?

Please be aware, a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States. Entry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ...

Who determines the length of a CBP visit?

Upon arriving at a port of entry, the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.