
The J1 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States to participate in programs performing as:
- an au pair
- camp counselor
- college or university student
- government visitor
- intern
- international visitor
- physician
- professor
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 ...
Could I get home loan with J1 visa?
Can I Buy A House In Us With J1 Visa? The typical loan you can get in an J1 visa case is from an authorized source. While buying a house isn’t easy, there are a few things you may not be aware of. This doesn’t mean that’s impossible, but it’s possible. If you reside in TN, you are able to apply to the government for mortgages.
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.

Can anyone do a J-1?
In order to get a J1 visa, you must be: 18-30 years of age at the time of application. You may be able to apply if you have not yet turned 18, but you will be 18 by the time you go – check with your J1 visa provider what date you will need to have turned 18 by in order to apply.
Are J-1 visas 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.
Can an individual apply for J-1 visa?
Individuals planning to participate in a work and study based exchange visitor program in the United States must apply for a J1 visa. When applying for a J1 visa, applicants must first select an exchange visitor program and determine their eligibility for that J1 visa program.
Can you 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.
Why would 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.
How long J-1 visa takes?
The J-1 visa processing time for your Form DS-2019 is up to four weeks. The company needs that time to review your application, process your forms, and ship the DS-2019 directly to your home address. That means that the first step of the J-1 visa application process might take around a month.
How much is a J-1 visa to USA?
The only J visa applicants who do not have to pay this $160 J-1 visa fee are applicants participating in “official U.S. government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges” and their dependent children/spouses.
How long is J-1 visa valid?
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.
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.
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 many programs are there under the J1 visa?
There are 15 unique programs under the J1 visa.
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 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 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 categories are there in the J1 visa?
There are 15 different categories covered by the J1 visa. Some visas are limited to certain nationalities or specified jobs. This is not true for the unique J1 visa.
What is the form for J-1 student visa?
Certificates of eligibility —When applying for a J-1 student visa, students are required to submit Form DS-2019. This form outlines program details and other important information, including a cost breakdown, start and end dates for your program, and options for financial support. F-1 students are required to submit an I-20 form, which contains the same information.
How long can you work in the US with an F-1 visa?
With a F-1 student visa, students can apply to work for up to 12 months in the US in a related field via Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. For STEM degrees, F-1 students can request two additional years of work in their field.
What are the different types of student visas?
The most common types of student visas are a F-1 visa and a J-1 visa. F-1 and J-1 visas are necessary for different types of programs and have different conditions, requirements, and benefits. This is why it is important to understand each type of US student visa in detail before you apply to study in the US.
What is the DS 2019 form?
After applying to a sponsor and getting accepted to the program, you will need to submit the DS-2019 form, as this is your Certificate of Eligibility to apply for J-1 status. The form is issued by your designated sponsor and if you have any dependents, you will receive a different version of the DS-2019 form — so remember to make sure you have received the correct form.
How to get an interview for a US visa?
For your application to be accepted, you will be interviewed by a consular officer at your local US Embassy or Consulate. You should schedule your appointment as early as you can, as waiting times can vary depending on your country. If you have dependents, you can also schedule an appointment for them to accompany you for your interview.
How much of your funding must be provided by an accredited sponsor?
Maintain your funding source —At least 50% of the funding for your program must be provided by an accredited sponsor that is not a personal friend or family member.
How long do you have to live in your home country to get a residency?
Meet home residency requirements —Upon completion of your program, you must return to your home country and live there for at least two years.
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.
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 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.
What Is a J1 Visa?
Before we get into more detail about a J1 visa, we should briefly clarify what a J1 visa is. What are the specifications of this type of visa?
How long do you have to have a credit history to get a job in the US?
Aside from employment history, which is mandatory, you are expected to supply a 2-year credit history in the US. In some scenarios, the US bank might partner with the bank back home, thus making things easier.
How to qualify for a mortgage?
In order to qualify for a mortgage, the lender will most likely analyze your income verification history. If it is applicable, you might present tax documents from your country of origin. Usually, lenders source the income of applicants since OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) monitors foreign regimes and countries, terrorists, and the list may go on.
Is it difficult to get a J1 loan?
Getting a J1 visa mortgage isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Nevertheless, it comes with a range of requirements, as it is the case with most loan products on the marketplace. Essentially, you are expected to demonstrate your reliability as a borrower – this remains essential for each lender. Usually, getting a loan as a non-US citizen isn’t so ...
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.
Does the J-1 visa have an extension?
The program sponsor has a specific officer who is able to determine the applicant’s eligibility through documentation. If the J-1 visa extension has been accepted, the applicant must obtain a new DS-2019 form with a new expiration date. This date will be recorded with SEVIS. If the J-1 visa holder has children or a spouse on J-2 status, the extension will cover them as well.
How long does a J1 visa last?
Typically, J1 visa holders are told upon applying for their visa whether or not they are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement. This information will be listed on your Form DS-2019, where the consular officer should indicate your status relevant to the two-year rule. Your visa stamp should also contain information on whether or not this restriction applies to you.
How to get a J1 waiver?
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. Submit your immigration petition first, wait until it is approved, then submit your J1 waiver. ...
How long does it take to get an I-140?
Finally, adjusting your immigration status also involves filing a Form I-485, which takes an average 6 months of processing time along with the I-140 and PERM certification.
How many options are there for a J1 waiver?
Once you have obtained a J1 waiver, you have three different options for submitting the waiver. Which is the best option for you will depend on your particular immigration status, whether or not you are subject to the two-year foreign residence rule, and if you can prove a lack of immigrant intent. Consulting an immigration attorney can help you determine which of the three following options gives you the best chance of success:
Can a visa sponsor revoke a J1 visa?
Another obstacle that may arise in obtaining a J1 waiver is that your visa sponsor may revoke your J1 visa once you petition for a green card. This goes back to the issue of immigrant intent. A J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, and visa sponsors don’t want a reputation with the U.S. government as a J1 program that noncitizens use to transition to green card status. Having an immigration attorney with expertise in demonstrating a lack of immigrant intent may be helpful.
Can a J1 visa be changed to a nonimmigrant visa?
Many J1 visa holders seeking permanent resident status also first change their visa status to a nonimmigrant visa with dual intent, like an H-1B. This lets them avoid potentially violating the terms of their J1 visa and the problem of immigrant intent.
What do you need to transition from J1 to green card?
If you seek to transition from J1 to green card, you will have to show that your desire for permanent residence arose from unexpected changes in your personal circumstances. This can include, for instance, if you have married a U.S. citizen.
How to get a J-1 visa?
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. Depending on where you are located, waiting times to get an appointment can vary so it’s important to schedule early to ensure that you have sufficient time before your program begins.
How to apply for a J1 visa?
When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: 1 DS-2019 Form, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status 2 DS-7002 Form, A Training/Internship Placement Plan (for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants) 3 Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application 4 A passport valid for travel to the U.S with validity six months after the intended period of stay in the US 5 One 2x2 photograph
How much is the nonimmigrant visa processing fee?
Another fee you will be required to pay is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee, which is $160 and can be paid by visiting the Department of State’s Fee for Visa Services. Those participants who are part of a program with the U.S. Government, Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a U.S. Government funded educational and cultural exchange program are exempt from the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee as part of their J-1 visa application.
Do I have to pay SEVIS fee?
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 already be part of your program fees to your sponsoring organization. It’s important to check with your sponsor to confirm whether it will be paid by you, or for you. If the sponsor pays the SEVIS fee on your behalf, be sure to get a receipt confirming payment.
