The Ultimate Guide to J-1 Visa: Live, Learn, and Work in the U.S.
Introduction
For people to either study, work, or explore the U.S., there are different types of visas one can choose from. The J-1 visa is suitable for such needs and might be necessary in the case of different programs too.
In this article, you will learn everything you’ll need to know about the J1 visa, who it is for, the benefits of this visa, eligibility, and the application process.
What Is a J-1 Visa?
A J-1 visa is perfect for those looking to go to the U.S. as an exchange visitor. The J-1 visa holder can gain training and learn through on-the-job training, conducting research, and teaching.
There are different programs that you can participate in as an exchange visitor with the help of a J-1 visa.
The visa holders can participate in these programs:
- Au Pair
- Camp Counselor
- College or University Student
- Government Visitor
- Intern
- International Visitor
- Physician
- Professor
- Research Scholar
- Secondary School Student
- Short-Term Scholar
- Specialist
- Summer Work Travel
- Teacher
- Trainee
Benefits of Participating in a J-1 Program
There are several benefits of participating in a J-1 program which include:
Gain experience in the U.S.: J-1 program allows foreign nationals to gain relevant career skills as well as learn the language and culture of America.
Dependents can come to the U.S.: With the help of a J-1 visa, not only you but also your spouse or children can come to the U.S. as a dependent on J-2 status. They will also become eligible to work with an Employment Authorization Document.
However, those working as au pairs, camp counselors, secondary school students, or those working summer work travel won’t be able to bring dependents to America.
15 programs available under J-1 visa: J-1 visa is quite unique considering the program categories covered by it are not limited. There are 15 different programs available to the visa holder under J-1 visa.
Who Can Apply for a J-1 Visa?
There are several eligibility requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to apply for a J-1 visa including:
Appropriate Qualifications
You must at least have a valid passport and documented proof of your work experiences and education in order to apply for a J-1 visa.
Financial Coverage Proof
Foreign nationals won’t be eligible for J-1 visa unless they show proof of financial strength to stay in the U.S. The finances of the foreign nationals must be adequate to cover their daily living expenses, including housing, transportation, etc.
While some programs allow stipends for visa holders, having J-1 status does not allow one for non-J1 employment.
Display of Nonimmigrant Intent
J-1 visa holders must not have an intent to stay in the U.S. and must display their intention to return to their home country after a certain time.
One can display the evidence through property titles, mortgages, rental contracts, records of ongoing education, records of job offers in the future, or proof of relationships with the community or family.
Sponsorship
A sponsor should approve programs that satisfy J-1 program regulations on the behalf of the J1 visa holder. This will help in the process of hiring the foreign nationals.
Displacement of the U.S. Worker
A J-1 visa holder must not displace a U.S. worker. This means they should work as a complementary force to the American working population without replacing their work opportunities or overpowering the American nationals in the job market.
How Long Can I Stay With a J-1 Visa?
There is no specific time frame for a J-1 visa holder to stay in America as the length of their stay also depends on the nature of the program they are participating in. Yet, the maximum time frame is up to 5 years in the case of professors and research scholars.
The J-1 status will be valid as long as your program lasts. Short-term scholars, however, can only stay in the U.S. for six months. The visa holders are usually granted a 30 days grace period to return home after the expiration of their visa.
How to Apply for a J-1 Visa?
The instructions for the application of a J-1 visa depend from country to country. The applicant must contact the U.S. Embassy in their country beforehand. The following are the steps to apply for a J-1 visa:
Step 1: Go through an Online Visa Application
The applicant should start with a Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). They need to print out the confirmation page which will come to use during the interview. The process also mandates uploading their photo while strictly following the necessary guidelines.
You can also submit the application through the State Department Portal.
Step 2: Make an Appointment
Applicants must then proceed towards requesting an interview date from their local U.S. embassy. Though they can go to the U.S. embassy of countries other than their own, the chances of getting a J-1 visa are thinner than if they choose the former option.
Step 3: Prepare for and Attend an Interview
Different countries necessitate paying for an application before an interview. In this case, you can go to the U.S. embassy’s website and find ways to make the payment. Then, the applicant needs to gather the documents, including those of their dependents (if any), for the interview.
The consular officer also asks the applicant to demonstrate their non-immigrant intent. Applicants will then show proof of being eligible during the interview. You will also have to drop a fingerprint thereafter.
Considering everything goes smoothly and your visa gets approved, you need to proceed by retrieving your passport, visa, and paying any pending fees.
Step 4: Entering the United States
You can enter the United States with your passport, visa, and Form DS-2019 in hand at the airport. An agent from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will decide if you can enter the country or not.
J-1 visa holders will be able to change their visa status to green card holder if they want to extend their stay in the country. This can be made possible under certain conditions.
What Documents Are Necessary to Apply for a J-1 Visa?
The following documents are necessary to apply for a J-1 visa:
A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form:
You need to complete a nonimmigrant visa electronic application form before going for the interview. Every applicant, including children, must have their own DS-160 form. Additionally, the DS-160 form cannot be reused.
Valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid to travel to the United States with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended date to stay in the country (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is going to the U.S., they must submit their own application.
2"x2" (5cmx5cm) Photograph:
Applicants should submit a photo of the specified size that is no more than six months old to the time of visa application.
Receipt:
You must also show the receipt of non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee that you had paid in local currency. One won’t need this if their visa is sponsored by the United States government.
DS-2019:
Applicants also need to get an approved DS-2019 from their respective U.S. programs.
Form I-901 SEVIS Fee:
You are also required to pay a Form I-901 SEVIS fee if your J program is not sponsored by the United States government.
Interview Appointment Letter and Other Documents:
An interview appointment letter, along with other documents must be submitted through this service.
J-1 Visa Costs
The J-1 visa cost depends on the category, duration of stay, and the sponsor. The applicant must contact the sponsor to get a breakdown of the costs beforehand. The sponsor will then enter the applicant’s name into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
The applicant may be asked to pay an I-901 SEVIS fee of $220 for the generation of his Form DS-2019. The fee may or may not be covered by the program sponsor. You also need to pay $185 for the nonimmigrant application processing fee.
Further, the applicant must pay a reciprocity fee after he completes the interview.
J-1 Visa Processing Times
J-1 visa processing time varies depending on the organization, consulate processing time, and your time of application. You need to consult with an immigration lawyer to get the required knowledge about the visa processing times.
To know the wait time, applicants can use an online tool as it may differ from country to country.
J-1 Visa Extension
You can request a J1 visa extension by requesting for an extension of your program. Depending on the nature of your program, the sponsor can extend the period to the maximum regulatory period.
On your behalf, your officer must justify the request for extension to the Department of State. This process will cost you a non-refundable fee of $367.
Conclusion
The J-1 visa has helped many foreign nationals to live, learn through exchange programs, and get an opportunity to work in the U.S. If you can fulfill the eligibility criteria of this visa, you can eventually become eligible to be a part of a variety of programs under J-1.
If you are currently an international student in the U.S., consider Algorizin’s programs that will help you land a high-paying job in America. We provide mentorship from top industry leaders and help you throughout the journey of getting a secure job in the U.S.
FAQs
Can you work in the U.S. on a J-1 visa?
Some J-1 visa holders can work in the U.S. if their work is part of an approved program or if their program sponsor approves their employment.
What is the role of a sponsor for a J-1 visa?
A sponsor could be a host organization or a third party who works indirectly on behalf of the visa applicant. They approve programs and oversee the visa holders working for the program.
What is the Two-Year Home Residence requirement?
The Two-Year Home Residence requirement refers to how a J1 visa participant and their dependents must return to their home country for two years after their stay in America.
How do I waive the two-year physical presence requirement?
J-1 visa participants will be able to waive the two-year physical presence requirement upon:
- A “No Objection Statement” via its embassy in Washington D.C.
- If they are working with a U.S. federal agency
- Persecution upon arrival in the home country
- Applicant’s departure leaving U.S. citizens under exceptional hardship
- The applicant is a foreign medical graduate
Can J-1 visa holders bring dependents?
J-1 visa holders can bring dependents under the condition that the spouse or children are under the age of 21 and won’t work under J2 status unless having filed for Form I-765.
What is the difference between the J-1 and F-1 Visa?
While J-1 visas can be used for educational exchange programs and be issued to students and other beneficiaries, F1 visas are only issued to students who are studying in the U.S. for a certain period.
Are there health insurance requirements for those coming on a J-1 visa?
Yes, one must have health insurance coverage meeting the minimum requirements before coming on a J-1 visa.
What happens after the completion of my exchange program?
After the completion of your exchange program, you’ll have a 30-days grace period where you can either depart the country, request a new DS-2019, request a Change of Level DS-2019 from ISS, transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, or change visa status to another visa category.
Can I change my category under a J-1 Visa?
With strong reasons for change, you can change your category under a J-1 visa.
How to transfer your J-1 visa to an H-1B visa?
You must obtain a job offer from the U.S. employer and go through the H-1B visa application process before transferring your J-1 visa to an H-1B visa.
.svg.webp){kind=icon}
