Full Answer
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 ...
What are the requirements for the J1 visa?
- You have a no-objection statement from your country.
- You have a request for work by an interested US federal government agency.
- You may be persecuted if you go back to your country.
- Your US citizen spouse and children may suffer exceptional hardship if you go back.
- You have a request to stay from the Conrad State 30 Program.
How to apply for a J-1 visa from overseas?
How to Apply for a J-1 Visa From Overseas
- Step One: You Find a Sponsoring Organization. You cannot start the J-1 application process until you have been admitted to an exchange program approved by the U.S. ...
- Step Two: Your Sponsoring Organization Issues a Certificate of Eligibility. ...
- Step Three: Applying at a U.S. ...
- Attending Your Consular Interview. ...
- Step Four: Entering the U.S. ...
See 4 key topics from this page & related content
See 3 key topics from this page
Step 1. Find A J Sponsor
When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to find a designated sponsor to accept you into their program. Regardless of their physical location, ma...
Step 2. 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 the “Certi...
Step 3. Pay Your Fees
You will be required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of your J-1 visa application - or this fee may a...
Step 4. Interview With A U.S. Embassy Or Consulate
In order to have your J-1 visa application accepted, you will need to have final approval by a consular officer at a US embassy or consulate. Depen...
Okay I am eligible - what next?
Make yourself familiar with the rules and regulations and check you have a valid passport.
Places may be limited for 2022 - Book early to avoid disappointment
Don't forget - your USIT J1 Summer is covered by our Covid-19 Refund Guarantee, which guarantees you a full refund should your trip be effected by Covid-19.
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.
How many years do you have to work to get an off campus job?
You will need to document the economic circumstances that warrant the off-campus employment request. For some universities, you must have completed one academic year to be eligible for off-campus employment. It is always advisable that you have worked on-campus before applying for off campus.
How many semesters do you need to study for AT?
Most universities require the completion of at least one semester of your study before engaging in AT.
Do international students need to take tests?
Some on-campus employment like teaching assistantship might require international students to take some tests for which you will need to prepare.
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 J visa?
Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.
How long do you have to be in the US to get a visitor visa?
If you want to enter earlier than 30 days, you must separately apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa. After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ...
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What does a consular officer do?
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for an exchange visitor visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
How long do you have to stay in your home country for an exchange visitor?
When you agree to participate in an Exchange Visitor Program and your program falls under the conditions below, you will be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement. This means you will be required to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. This requirement under immigration law is based on Section 212 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
What does 999 days mean?
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
How to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?
How to Apply. Step 1. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Step 2. Pay the visa application fee. Step 3. Schedule your appointment on this web page. You need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment: Your passport number.
How much is the visa processing fee for a J program?
Unless your J program is sponsored by the United States Government (with a program code beginning with a "G"), you must present a receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, paid in local currency. This web page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
What is DS-160 form?
A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 web page for more information about the DS-160.
What documents do you need to bring to a sponsor?
If you are financially sponsored by another person, bring proof of your relationship to the sponsor (such as your birth certificate), the sponsor's most recent original tax forms and the sponsor's bankbooks and/or fixed deposit certificates.
What do consular officers look for in an interview?
Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.
How old do you have to be to get a J-1 visa?
Spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder of a J-1 visa to the United States for the duration of his or her stay must have J-2 visas. Spouses or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but who will visit for vacations only, ...
What is an exchange visitor visa?
The exchange visitor program's J visa is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions, and agencies; teachers of primary, secondary, and specialized schools; professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields; and international visitors coming for the purpose of travel, observation, consultation, research, training, sharing, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills, or participating in organized people-to-people programs. You can find details about U.S. – Egyptian exchange programs at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html.
