You can avoid this requirement by applying for a J-1 visa waiver. Before you attend the visa interview, you must prepare several documents (see below the full list). What is the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, and how does it affect me? In certain countries, the applicant may need to pay the application processing fee prior to their interview. Full-time degree seeking For J-1 visa holders, there are a few benefits that come with obtaining this visa. For example, if you are a university student, your visa is valid as long as your study program lasts, but with a short-term scholar, you can only stay for six months. In order to point the domain to your server, please login here to manage your domain's settings. WebExchange visitors enter the United States in J-1 visa status. Can I use my account and my site even though my domain name hasn't propagated yet. Each program category has its own set of J-1 visa requirements, which we will discuss in this section. Applicants whose occupation or training is designated by the State Department as being similar in nature to the aforementioned categories, may apply for the J-1 visa. For more information click here. Choosing Between F-1 or J-1 Visa - American University However, a visa will not always guarantee entry into the country. It is up to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent to decide whether the applicant may enter the country. This way, its easier to obtain a green card. For Au pair, you will be placed with a host family for 12 months with the option to extend your visa for 6,9, or 12 months and more. First, they will need to add your name to the SEVIS, which is known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Additionally, you will need to pay $160 for the nonimmigrant application processing fee if you havent already gotten it waived. This system will track and monitor your exchange and confirm if your selected program fits you. There are some cases where you may be required to pay the visa fee before you attend your interview, in these cases, you must bring your receipt with you to the visa office. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System | ICE Form DS-7002 (officially called the Training/Internship Placement Plan), for those who are applying through the trainee and intern categories, The program is funded at least partially by the United States or the applicants country of origin (or country of nationality), The applicants specialized skill has been deemed, by the country of origin, as being pivotal to the advancement of national interests, The applicant used the exchange program for the purposes of graduate medical training. Congrats! Because all foreign individuals must obtain a visa prior to entering the United States, its important to have some basic knowledge about your options. In order to apply for a J-1 visa, you must follow the necessary steps. As an international visitor, you must take part in consultations, observation, research, training, or demonstration of special skills and you must be a recognized individual in a special field. You will receive a new Form DS-2019 stating the extension period. This service is being provided by an entity that is not a traditional legal provider. They must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover the expenses of their program and stay in the United States. As we stated previously, yes, if you are married and have a spouse or any children who are under the age of 21 and dependent on you, then they can come to the United States. 300 Lenora Street #521, The applicant may not apply for these visas at a U.S. Embassy or consulate for the duration of the two-year period. Program sponsors will sometimes cover this cost.The applicant will need to pay $185for the nonimmigrant application processing fee though this fee may be waived for those participating in government-sponsored programs. You can change your program provided that you remain in the same category. Money earned by a J-2 cannot be used to support the principal J-1 Visa holder. Before you continue, please understand that: If you are planning on coming to the United States for an extended period of time, then there are multiple options, in terms of visas, for you to take full advantage of. J-1 (exchange visitor) visas are given to nonimmigrants who are traveling to the United States as part of an officially approved exchange program in the arts, education, or sciences. This statement must say that the country of origin has no issues with allowing the applicant to remain in the United States after the completion of the exchange program. change their status to green card holder. follow the instructions on how to take your visa photo. Participants are integral to the success of the program. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Please note that J1 Visas are for exchange programs while F-1 Visas are for full-time, educational programs and M-1 Visas are designated for vocational programs. Here you can learn more about obtaining the J-1 Visa and other relevant visas. Fees for the J-1 visa program will vary depending on the sponsor, the category, and the duration of stay. After you fill in the application form, you must schedule an appointment with your local embassy or consulate, to attend your visa interview you can find the nearest visa office here. J-2 dependents including spouses and unmarried children under 21 must also have the required coverage. Official website of the Department of Homeland Security, Study in the States serves as a dedicated resource to help schools and programs in the United States, along with international students, navigate the international student life cycle and comply wit. They must have the necessary qualifications and background to participate in the program they have been accepted into. Additionally, you must complete one of the following: Part I or part II of the National Board of Medical Examiners ExaminationThe Foreign Medical Graduate ExamStep I and Step II Visa Qualifying medical Examiners (VQE). Exchange Visitor Visa. They may do these activities at places like: A person may apply as a specialist, if they have expertise in a particular field and plan to observe, consult, or demonstrate their knowledge, once in the United States. For more info, Boundless has put together a guide about how to prepare for the J-1 visa interview. Only after you are accepted into a program, you can apply for a J-1 visa. If your departure from the United States will cause extreme hardship5. A J-1 visa costs around $185. Wait for a decision: After the interview, the consular officer will review your application and make a decision. When you apply for a J-1 visa, you need to prepare the following documents: Please keep in mind that other documents may sometimes be required, you should contact your local visa office to see a detailed list of the required documents. They must not have a criminal record or pose a security threat to the United States. Boundless + RapidVisa can complete your J-1 application, help you prepare for your visa interview, and answer any exchange visa questions you may have. Gather required documents: Before the interview, you will need to gather all required documents, including your valid passport, a photo, proof of financial support, the DS-2019 form issued by your program sponsor, and any additional documents that may be required by the program sponsor or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. As we stated earlier, you will have to submit a request to the Department of State and provide sufficient amounts of evidence to prove that you must stay longer. Scheduling an interview: After submitting your online application (DS-160) and paying the visa application fee, you will need to schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can apply for this category of the J-1 visa if you are selected by a US federal agency or local government to visit and engage in various activities to strengthen your relationship with America. However, the length at which you are allowed to stay in the US under J-1 visa changes depending on what program you applied for. For this J-1 visa, you must have completed your education and have adequate medical training to participate in the program. It requires you to return home for at least two years after The exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student and summer work travel do not permit J-2 Visas. However, they will need to enter under J-2 status. SEVIS is run by the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that all necessary information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors are available for the government to track. For instance, some countries in South America have a wait time of around 20 days, whereas Asian countries might only have a two-day waiting period. Boundless is not affiliated with or endorsed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any other government agency. Detailed Description of the DS-2019 - BridgeUSA The Exchange Visitor Program and J-1 Visas This ensures that you will have no issues traveling and entering the country. For this visa type, you must be at least 15 years old, but you cannot be older than 18 years and six months before the program starts. At the interview, the applicant can expect to have their fingerprints taken. Your old officer must release you from your previous program to be eligible for transfer. H1B1 Visa for Professionals from Chile and Singapore, O1 Visa for Persons With Extraordinary Ability, P Visa for Athletes, Artists and Entertainers. When you have applied for a J-1 visa you need to make it clear that you would move back to your home country, obtaining a green card from this visa is difficult. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; seeRefund Policy for details. If you are wishing to get a J-1 visa, but dont know where to start, contact us today. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). You're seeing this page because your domain is setup with the default name servers: ns1.hostgator.com and ns2.hostgator.com. Learn moreabout what we do to help. When you apply for a J-1 visa, you must claim research scholar status and stick with this. The following are categories designated by the State Department as being persons of similar description.. Facts and Figures - BridgeUSAJ-1 Visa Basics | BridgeUSA J1 visa exchange visitor For legal advice specific to your case, please consult with a licensed attorney. To get a J-1 visa for Au Pair, you must be between 18-26 years old, proficient in spoken English, and be a secondary school graduate. Attorney services are provided by independent attorneys and are subject to a separate Attorney Agreement. In this case, they should go to the U.S. Embassys website to find out how to make a payment. They must have been accepted into an exchange visitor program that is sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution or organization. Your US citizen spouse and children may suffer exceptional hardship if you go back. Some J-1 visa categories are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement, which means that the J-1 visa holder must return to their home country for two years before being eligible for certain immigration benefits like H-1B visa or permanent residence. Its important to note that certain categories are required to leave the country for at least 2 years before being able to apply for certain benefits. This comes to cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. WebThe Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the Web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on Student The waiting time to set a date for the interview varies depending on many factors such as the influx of applicants, the staff at hand, the season, and the location. SelectJ Visa Waiver Onlineto change your address or contact information and to check the status of your waiver. Below well provide a basic description of each category. Exchange Visitor Categories Include: Au This is actually the only nonimmigrant visa that will allow dependents or spouses to work legally in the country. The J-1 visa processing times will vary depending on the applicants home country. All Rights Reserved. Before applying for a J1 Visa, you must first apply for and be accepted by an exchange visitor program designated by the Department of State. The J-1 visa holder must be coming to the US to participate in an exchange program that falls under one of the J-1 program categories, such as academic training, research, or internship. Bringing Cross-Cultural Experiences Home: J-1 Visa by the Numbers The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program provides opportunities for around 300,000 foreign visitors from For instance, a student on a J-1 visa has to prove 51% of their financial funding comes from an institution, while any source of funding is accepted for the F-1 visa. Looks like you were working on a application just now. For those who wish to obtain an appropriate visa based on what was listed above, a J-1 visa is a great option. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. Attend the interview: During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your background, your exchange visitor program, and your plans while in the United States. This classification is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. The applicant should be sure to contact the sponsor ahead of time to determine the precise breakdown of costs.Prior to the interview, the program sponsor will enter the applicants name into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which will then generate Form DS-2019 (officially called Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status). The applicants departure would result in exceptional hardship for a U.S. citizen (or lawful permanent resident) spouse. You have to be selected by the United States Department of State to qualify for this J-1 visa. For the camp counselor category, you must have enough knowledge of the English language so you can interact with the campers, and you must be at least 18 years old. The J-1 visa is valid for the duration of the exchange program, as specified on the Form DS-2019, but it can be extended if necessary. There are fees that you should be well aware of when it comes to applying for a green card from your J-1 visa. Yes, J-1 visa holders are allowed to work in the US as part of their exchange program, but they must have written authorization from their program sponsor. You must also have a new sponsor who will send a request for transfer to the Department of State and pay a fee of $367. Below, well go step by step through the J-1 visa application process. Still, they are not allowed to work if their income is used to support you and your J-1 visa. There are 5 possible scenarios in which a waiver may be granted. Your skills have been determined, by your home country, to be pivotal to the advancement of the United States interests3. However, different waiting times are associated with different stages of the J-1 visa process. This fee is subject to change and can vary based on the applicants country of origin and other factors. As part of this authorization, Boundless and Boundless Legals owners and managers are not lawyers, but do employ licensed attorneys. Use of the Boundless website and its services are subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. After your visa interview is finished and your visa is granted, you may also be required to submit an issuance fee. A-Z Index New to Immigration? During this process, they will need to upload a photo, following strict guidelines. And, this does happen for the organizations listed above, that dont have the ability to handle numerous sponsorships. J-1 Visa Explained (Exchange Visitor Visa) - Immigration Direct For a student J-1 visa, you must be sponsored, and have your stay funded either by your home country via a government program, by the US, or by both governments. Its always good to apply as early as possible, but its also recommended to check with the program sponsor and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for the most current processing time information. Your family members have to apply separately for a J-2 visa to join you after you go to the US. With the proper paperwork in hand, the applicant can attend their interview, where they will need to prove that they are eligible for the Exchange Visitor Program. However, keep in mind that not all nationalities have to pay this fee, especially if your program covers all costs. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. The required documents are as follows: The consular officer may request further evidence to prove that the applicant intends to return home after the completion of the program. At the discretion of the Department of State, extensions may be allowed beyond the maximum duration. Exchange Visitors | USCIS We understand that applying for U.S. visas is expensive and time-consuming. You can apply for a waiver only if you have strong reasons why you cannot fulfill this requirement, which include the following: Yes, but you can only bring your children and your spouse. The applicant may, at this point, need to pay a I-901 SEVIS fee of $220. 1. The application procedure is the same as that for a primary visa applicant. To qualify for a J-1 visa, an applicant must meet the following criteria: The applicant will need to provide the following documents: The J-1 visa interview process typically includes the following steps: The J-1 visa fee is currently $160.00 for most applicants. 6.4.1 Exchange Visitors (J-1) | USCIS For example, the following organizations are allowed to be visa sponsors: Sometimes, the host of your visa doesnt have to be your sponsor. At the airport, officers from the Department of Homeland Security may decide to deny you entry into the country. Luckily, we know all there is to know about the J-1 visa and have created this article to help you. About the J-2 Visa - BridgeUSAJ-1 Visa Basics | BridgeUSA Usually, you can stay only up to six months with this type of J-visa. Here is a detailed overview of the steps you need to follow for the J-1 visa process: The fees for this type of visa will vary based on the sponsoring individual or entity, what category you fall under, and the duration of your stay. Customer support is for technical and billing issues only and will not answer legal questions. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. And, there are countless options that you can take to adjust your status and numerous options for payments if needed. Automated eligibility quizzes were created using instructions, rules and regulations published by the USCIS and only indicate whether you meet minimum eligibility requirements to apply for the given immigration benefit. Dont waste any more time; get started with ImmigrationDirect today! However, its not unheard of. During this time you can take part in observation tours, discussions, consultations, professional meetings, workshops, and so on. When you purchase domain names from register.hostgator.com, check the box next to: "Set Custom Nameservers (Optional)" in the domains cart and add your desired name servers. Applicants typically only require one service at a time. Related Tags: Resources, Exchange Visitors, Applying for a Visa to Travel to the United States, Training Opportunities in the United States, Instructions for Transferring to Another School as an M-1 Student, Maintain F and M Status in Emergency Events, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), Instructions for Transferring to Another School as an F-1 Student, Try the New Study in the States Content Filter, Students: Review these Reminders Before Applying for OPT, SEVP COVID-19 Flexibilities Terminated: Heres What You Need to Know. Construction and Building Trades.Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services.Health-Related Occupations.Hospitality and Tourism.Information Media and Communications.Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance.Public Administration and Law. Exchange visitors come to the United States for a specific period of time to participate in a particular program or activity, as described on their Form DS-2019. Learn moreabout what you get with Boundless + RapidVisa, orget started now. At this point in the application process, you may be asked to submit your fingerprints, but this may change from country to country. You have a no-objection statement from your country. What is the difference between the J-1 and the F-1 visa? The internship is offered only in some specific fields which include the following: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The domain will be registered with the name servers configured from the start. If you satisfy certain requirements, you may be able to stay in the country for longer than two years without returning to your home country and review a J-1 visa waiver. Submitting proof and other supporting documents for your case is expected. Travel with this visa is made easy. We do not make form recommendations or recommend or provide answers to specific questions on forms, and communications between you and us are not protected by any privilege. Direct Filing Address for I-485 Form, Adjustment of Status, Form I-485 Checklist: Simplify Your Adjustment of Status, Form I-130 Petition Steps & Whats Next After Approved, Form I-485 Processing Time And Application Timeline. U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. Your home country has at least partially funded the program you have traveled to the United States for2. As we have said, the cost breakdown for this type of visa will vary depending on the above factors. WebThe J-1 Visa & Its Purpose. You have a request for work by an interested US federal government agency. Applicants who satisfy certain conditions may receive a waiver of this requirement. The processing times will vary for your green card depending on what visa you have previously and the class of green card that you are seeking. The J1 visa is granted to students and exchange program participants who travel to USA. To qualify for a J-1 visa, the first thing you need to do is apply for an exchange program (study or work) through an assigned sponsor in the US. Download our comprehensive study guide today!! You may remain in the United States as long as the principal J-1 Visa holder has valid J-1 status. Allows post-secondary students enrolled in foreign universities to work temporary or summer jobs in the U.S. For current or former teachers with at least 2 years of full-time education experience within the past 8 years who will be teaching full-time in the U.S. May stay up to 3 years with options to renew with sponsor, For professional degree holders who wish to attend a structured training program in a related field, Maximum length of stay is 18 months except in the field of hospitality which is limited to 12 months. For you to follow this, one of the following statements must have occurred: 1. Here is a rough breakdown of the timeline for a J-1 visa application: Consistently, the J-1 visa has a maximum regulatory duration of five years. But, you are only allowed to travel outside of the United States for no longer than 30 days. For this type of extension, you (or your sponsor) must pay a non-refundable fee of $367. These are: To qualify for a Conrad State 30 waiver, you must: these criteria may be augmented, or slightly altered, depending on the state. To work, a J-2 Visa holder must obtain an Employment Authorization Document from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Arts and culture. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. You have to attend the interview at a consulate or embassy, where a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a J-1 visa. The sponsor must approve the accompaniment of the spouse and/or children who will each be issued their own Form DS-2019. Furthermore, if spouses or dependent children wish to join you in the United States, they will need to file Form DS-2019 and attend a visa interview. Detailed Description of the DS-2019 Identifies the exchange visitor (J-1) or their accompanying spouse or dependents, if any (J-2) (block 1) Identifies the sponsor The Department of State will allow you to change your category, but this is not under their discretion and not often. If you adjust your status by consular crossing, you, or your sponsor and employer must pay for Form I-140 and Form I-485s filing fees and a biometrics appointment. However, there are waivers that can be completed so that you dont need to move away. However, this fee is not the same for all countries, and will most likely change depending on what category of the J-1 visa you have applied for. This classification is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Anyone applying for a J-1 visa as a student must be a foreign national studying in the United States, and they must intend to do one of the following activities: A professor or research scholar or someone with comparable training may obtain a J-1 visa if, during a short-term visit, they do one of the following: They may do any of these activities at places such as: If the applicant plans to attend a structured training program related to their occupational field, they may obtain a J-1 visa if they satisfy one of the following: Note: the sponsor must be approved for this particular occupation. All your documents must be English, and if required, have an apostille stamp. Someexchange visitorswith J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. This is because you will need to apply for these visas from your local U.S. embassy or consulate and have varying appointment times. If we had to give you a rough estimate of a timeline for this type of visa, we would say the processing times can range anywhere from eight weeks to 13 weeks. To apply for a J-1 visa, an applicant must first be accepted into an exchange visitor program that is sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution or organization. WebThe J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals coming to the United States to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. We offer state-of-the-art immigration software and immigration solutions to make the visa process straightforward. Yes, so if you have applied for the J-1 visa and been approved, you are able to enter the United States 30 days before the visas starting date. After completing all the necessary forms, you must first obtain a valid sponsorship from a state department and then complete the Conrad State waiver. J-1 Exchange Visitor Usually, you can stay for up to two years, but the validity of this J-1 visa type changes according to the program you are participating in. Start the application with Boundless within the next 14 days, and you'll save $50. Explore our options to find the right visa. Additionally, you will be approved for this waiver if there is a shortage of medical professionals in your specialized field. Here are some frequently asked questions about J-1 visas: Pass the USCIS Civics Test the first time. Now that you have received your J-1 visa, you can travel to the United States of America.