Ultimate Guide to J1 Visa: Everything You Need to Know

 

 

 

A J1 Visa provides various opportunities for those who wish to participate in an exchange visitor program. Whether you wish to travel and gain education or work experience in the US, it is one of the most ideal ways to fulfill your American dream.

If you want to become a J1 Visa holder, here’s everything you need to know about the J1 Visa, along with its programs and how you can qualify for it. Read on:

An Overview of J1 Visa

The J1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa provided for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study based exchange visitor programs (EVPs) in the US. The multifaceted programs offer participants with cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the US for a period of a few weeks to several years.

Fast Facts about J1 Visa

Below are some interesting facts about J1 Visa from the US Department of State:

• The J1 Exchange Visitor Program was created in 1961 to strengthen international ties and engage participants in the US society and culture.
• An average 300,000 participants from more than 200 countries visit the US in J1 Visas annually.
• About 86 percent of them are 30 years old are younger.
• About 54 percent of them are women.

Qualifications for J1 Visa

All J1 applicants are required to meet strict eligibility criteria. To qualify, you must be:

• Sponsored through a university, private organization or government program
• Selected by the US Department of State
• Engaged in interview, consultation, training or demonstration of special skills
• Protected with adequate health insurance
• A recognized or potential leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill
• Proficient in the English language

 

 

 

J1 Visa Programs

To be issued with a J1 Visa, you must apply for and be approved to participate in any one of the 14 J1 Exchange Visitor Programs. Each program is discussed briefly below:

 

Program	Basic Requirement	Benefits	Duration
Au Pair	English Proficiency High School Diploma (or equivalent) 18-26 years old Background Check	Professional Training Childcare Experience Compensation School Credit	1 to 2 years
Camp Counselor	English Proficiency At least 18 years old Background Check	Pay and Benefits Food and Lodging	4 mos.
College and University Student	Must be substantially financed For non-degree programs: Must be enrolled full-time in a prescribed course of study for up to 2 years	Training Employment School Credit	Bachelor/Master Degree: 18 mos. Non-Degree: 24 mos. Post-Doctoral: 36 mos.
Government Visitor	Must be selected by a US federal, state, or local government agency; Influential or a distinguished person; and Engaged in official government activities	Professional Training	18 mos.
Internship	Must be enrolled in a foreign-post secondary institution that grants degrees; and Graduated within the past year	Practical Work Experience School Credit	1 year
International Visitor	Must be selected by the US Department of State; A leader in a specific field; and Engaged in consultation, observation, research, training or demonstration of skills	Cross-Cultural Understanding	1 year
Alien Physician	English Proficiency Adequate Prior Education and Training Suitable Background to the Program Statement of Need (For Medical Expertise) Agreement from US Medical School Various Test Requirements	School Credit Medical Training	7 years maximum
Professor and Research Scholar	Must not be a candidate for tenure; Not participated in this program in the past 2 years; and Not participated in a J1 Program in the past year.	Educational Enrichment	3 weeks to 5 years
Secondary School Student	At least 15 years old but not more than 18 ½ years old Completed no more than 11 years of primary and secondary school Have not participated in a US exchange student program	Extracurricular Experiences Accommodation	1 year
Short-Term Scholar	Must be a professor's, researcher, graduate student or someone with other related profession	Educational Enrichment	6 mos.
Specialist	Must be an expert in a specific field; Seek to travel to the US for the purpose of interchange of knowledge and skills Not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment while in the US	Educational Enrichment	1 year
Summer Work Travel	English Proficiency Full-time enrollment in a college/university outside the US with at least one semester completed Placement in a seasonal job	Opportunity to live and work in the US	4 mos.
Trainee	Degree or Professional Certificate from foreign college or university At least one year of work experience outside the US Five years of work experience in particular field	Practical and Professional Experience	Agriculture, Hospitality: 12 mos. Others: 18 mos.

 

* You can read more information at the J1 VISA Exchange Visitor Program

 

 

 

How to Apply for J1 Visa: The Process

Step 1. Find a J Sponsor

First, you need to find a designated sponsor, approved by the US Department of State, to accept you into their program. There is a wide number of sponsoring organizations which can place you throughout the US, regardless of their location. However, you have to keep in mind that most of them screen their applicants and look for those with more qualifying skills. The State Department has the official list of designated sponsors here.

Step 2. Apply for the DS-2019

Once you have been accepted into the program, you must then submit the DS-2019 Form or the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form will permit you to seek an interview with the US embassy or consulate to obtain a J Visa. It will include a brief information about your designated sponsor and exchange program application: start and end date, category, and as well as the breakdown of the estimated cost of your program.

Step 3. Pay Fees

Next, you will be required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security as part of your application. In some cases, this fee may already be part of the program fees you paid to your sponsor. Another fee you will be required to pay is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee which costs $160. But, if you’re participating in certain official US Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges, you are exempted from the fee as part of your J1 application. Here, you will learn your payment options for the visa fee.

Step 4. Interview

Finally, you will be interviewed at a local US embassy or consulate. Applicants 13 and younger, and adults over 30 are not usually required to appear at an interview unless requested by the consulate. Its best to schedule for an appointment early, as waiting times to get interview can vary. This will ensure that your visa will be on time for your program.

TIP: At the interview, you are likely to be asked about the program, your plans after the program and how you plan to cover your expenses. It is important to answer truthfully and stress your intentions of returning to your home country upon completion of the program.

Requirements for J1 Visa Application

DS-2019 Form – Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status

DS-7002 Form – A Training/Internship Placement Plan (for exchange visitor trainees/intern visa applicants)

Form DS-16 – Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application

Valid Passport – Must be valid at least six months after the intended period of stay in the US.

One 2x2 Photograph

J2 Visa

Depending on the specific type of program you choose and your sponsor, your dependents (spouse or unmarried children under 21 years old), may accompany you for the duration of your stay if they are issued with a J2 Visa. However, if they only intend to visit for vacations only, they can apply for visitor (B2) visas.

During the stay of your dependents, they are not allowed to work while holding J2 visas unless they have filed a Form 1-765 or the Application for Employment Authorization, which the US Citizenship and Immigration (UCIS) will review and approve. In addition, they will be given a separate DS-2019 form and will also be scheduled for interview.

Working On a J1 Visa

As a J1 Visa holder, you’re ability to, and the kind of work you will do in the US will depend on your program. If you are under a work-based exchange program, you are required to perform a specific job and will not be allowed to work outside of your program.

On the other hand, if you are travelling to the US on a study-related program, you may seek on-campus employment if it is pursuant to scholarship, fellowship or assistantship. However, you may not exceed 20 hours of labor per week with exception during holidays and vacations.

Working Outside the Program

Generally, J1 Visa holders are required to work exclusively under their program. However, you may still work outside of it, assuming that you meet certain eligibility requirements which vary depending on the program and circumstances.  

Termination

Upon completion of your program, you have a 30-day grace period to exit the US. You are not allowed to travel outside of the US on the duration of your exchange program or after your visa has expired. If you wish to leave the US while on the program, you will be required to apply for a new J1 visa in your home country in order to finish it.

To know your best option in the J1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program, Career Internship Abroad can guide you through your career path. Book an appointment today.

 

Got other questions about securing a J1 Visa? Contact one of our consultants so we can assist you further.

Did you find this article helpful? Which J1 Visa Program are you considering? Let us know in the comments section below.