Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website. Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. There are different types of visas available to citizens of countries other than the United States. The consular officer will inform you if this is required. Visa Expiration Date However, DHS issues a Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status. Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and be funded by either a university, private sector or a government 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. The length of a J-1 Exchange Visitor's stay ranges depending on his or her J-1 type; however, the maximum stay is five years. Select Temporary Worker Visas to learn more. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States as students, although they must present a valid Form DS-2019 at the time of admission. Exchange visitors are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before their program start dates. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may be able to apply for J-2 visas to accompany or join you at a later date to reside with you during your J program, if permitted on your exchange program category. There are several steps to apply for a visa. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant. J1 visa exchange visitor programs allow participants to work, study, teach, conduct research, or receive training in the ⦠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. J1 Exchange Visitor Visa Overview The J-1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa, is a program that allows qualified foreign exchange visitors to work and/or study in the United States. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Review Visa Denials for detailed information about visa ineligibilities. The J-1 Visa program also benefits US businesses by providing them with seasonal and other staff. The Department of State (DOS) administers exchange visitor programs and designates the sponsors. Below you will find the most commonly used Exchange Visitor Categories at JHU as well as a brief description of each category. Once you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn about procedures for students (with F or M visas) entering the United States on the CBP website under Arrival Procedures for Students or Exchange Visitors. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences. J-1 Exchange Visitor visa For further information, visit the J1 visa - Exchange Visitor Program on the U.S Department of State website. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Each category is used for different purposes and valid for varying lengths of time. Participants are integral to the success of the program. Here you can learn more about obtaining the J-1 Visa and other relevant 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, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas. For J-1 students, the program sponsor prepares additional informal documentation (a letter) that verifies employment authorization. U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. Federal regulations give us these categories ⦠For information about workig in the United Sates during your exchange program, review. The J1 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States as exchange visitors. The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. J Exchange Program-ECA The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 Visa Program) currently includes 13 different exchange program categories. denials, and waivers. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply, above). Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website. Visit the Department of State J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn about program requirements, regulations, and more. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. J-1 exchange visitors at Oregon State University can range from a professor or researcher, a foreign student doing an internship at OSU, a scientific collaborator, a guest lecturer, or a professor or researcher. Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. The J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals coming to the United States to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. The J Exchange Visitor category was developed to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961. J-1 exchange visitors may study, teach, do research, share their specialized skills, or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years. Is that country still on the 2009 Skills … Prospective exchange visitors apply for the J-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country using the Form DS-2019 issued to them by their designated sponsor. The J-1 Visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the U.S. State Department. However, once you depart the United States, you must apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel. Changing J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories. J-1 Exchange Visitors are not allowed to change to a different J-1 category within the U.S.; a change of J-1 category is possible by departing the U.S. and re-entering in the new category. If you have questions about any exchange visitor’s continued employment authorization, contact the responsible officer whose name and telephone number are on the employee’s Form DS-2019. Special rules apply to student interns. Citizenship Application; U.S. Official websites use .gov You will not be permitted to begin your exchange program until the change of status is approved. Responsible officers may authorize other J-1 students for part-time on-campus employment according to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, or off-campus employment based on serious, urgent, unforeseen economic circumstances. J1 Scholars. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This means you will be required to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS Response to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), 1.0 Why Employers Must Verify Employment Authorization and Identity of New Employees, 6.0 Evidence of Status for Certain Categories, 6.6 H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program, 6.7 Extensions of Stay for Other Nonimmigrant Categories, 7.0 Rules for Continuing Employment and Other Special Rules, 8.0 Correcting Errors or Missing Information on Form I-9, 10.0 Unlawful Discrimination and Penalties for Prohibited Practices, 11.0 Instructions for Agricultural Recruiters and Referrers for a Fee, 12.0 Acceptable Documents for Verifying Employment Authorization and Identity, 13.0 Some Questions You May Have About Form I-9, Summer work/travel: Australia and New Zealand, Intern program (Sciences, engineering, architecture, mathematics, and industrial occupations). The 2009 Skills List applies to exchange visitors who receive J-1 visa on or after June 28, 2009. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided (Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, International Visitor (Dept. The J visa covers a wide range of category of visitors including physicians, university professors and scholars, professional interns, students, au pairs, camp counselors, and summer work/travel visitors. A J-2 nonimmigrant’s foreign passport and Form I-94 are not evidence of identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes. A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the U.S. All applicants must meet eligibility criteria, English language requirements, and be sponsored either by a university, private sector or government program. U.S. If the Exchange Visitor does not attend the visa check-in appointment within 30 days of the program start date listed on the DS-2019, the Department of Homeland Security will terminate his/her J-1 status and the Exchange Visitor will not be eligible to enter the US. Short-Term The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. A person who wants to participate in an international cultural exchange program must be approved in advance by U.S. We consider the following to be a List A document: J-1 students may present the documents above if they also have a letter from the responsible officer authorizing employment. The multifaceted programs enable foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years. See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more. Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate This requirement under immigration law is based on Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa provided by the United States to students and professionals who engage in exchange programs. J-1 Visa Basics. U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses. Select Waiver of the Exchange Visitor Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement to learn more about this requirement and how to request a waiver. Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. Augusta University authorizes documents in the categories described in detail at the bottom of this page. Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status and Form DS-2019 with the responsible officer’s endorsement. After the exchange visitor program accepts your participation, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (except in certain cases – consult your exchange visitor program sponsor). Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fiancé (K) visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Depending on the particular category chosen, a visa obtained under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program will allow a foreign national to work, train, or travel legally whilst experiencing life in the United States. The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category allows fostering mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive an exchange visitor visa. Legal Rights & Protections The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa. Citizenship through Parents; U.S. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. Only J-1 exchange visitors may use this form when employment is part of their program. J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Visa. For more information see information for Citizens of Canada and Bermuda. Depending on the particular category chosen, a visa obtained under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program will allow a foreign national to work, train, or travel legally whilst experiencing life in the United States. of State use), Summer Work Travel Pilot Program: Australians, Summer Work Travel Pilot Program: New Zealanders, WEST (Work, English Study, and Travel) Program: South Koreans, Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), See details on appointment availability and processing times, Waiver of the Exchange Visitor Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement, Arrival Procedures for Students or Exchange Visitors, Maintaining Your Immigration Status While a Student or Exchange Visitor, Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, information for Citizens of Canada and Bermuda, U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada, Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico, Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism, Review the instructions available on the website of the. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. These programs are designed to provide practical training and employment and allow program participants to share the history, culture, and traditions of their home countries in the United States. To obtain a J1 visa, foreign nationals must apply for and be approved to participate in a J1 visa USA exchange visitor program. Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Two-year Home-country Physical Presence Requirement Conditions - An exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement if the following conditions exist: Restrictions - If you are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total period of at least two years before you can do any of the following: Waiver of Two Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement - If you are not able to fulfill the home country presence requirement, you may apply for a waiver. ⦠The J1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program (the J-1 Visa) is a U.S. Department of State program that gives non-U.S. citizens (exchange visitor) the opportunity to work, learn, teach, consult, do ⦠What Is J1 Training The exchange visitor J-1 non-immigrant visa category is provided for people who are approved to participate in the exchange visitor programs in the U.S. All participants are granted this visa under the rules and regulations of U.S. immigration law. J-1 status is very flexible. There are various types of programs that allows to work, study, teach, train, research, etc. For more information about these categories and their employment authorization, contact the responsible officer whose name and telephone number are on the employee’s Form DS-2019 or go to the DOS website at exchanges.state.gov. Learn more about how to apply for your J1 Visa . Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee. Before you can apply for a J-1 visa, you must first apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization. UAF Departments may host or sponsor Department of State Exchange Visitors (J-1 Visa Category) Sponsoring document is a Form DS-2019 Has 13 categories of which we are authorized four: student, professor, short term scholar and research scholar â there are different rules for each category Review this important pamphlet before applying for your visa. Some exchange visitors may extend their status. Responsible officers within the program issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. There is no guarantee that you will be issued a visa. As a visitor you can participate in programs as an 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, or trainee. The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. Extensions of the J-1 Program; Mandatory Visa Check-In; J-1 Applications & Procedures J-1 Eligibility. You may also depart the United States and re-enter on your exchange visitor (J) visa. However, there are many risks associated with this process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location. J-1 Exchange Visitor programs include au pairs, summer work travel, interns, high school and university student exchanges, physician exchanges and ⦠You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Some exchange visitors may extend their status. Currently, J-1 exchange visitors come from more than 200 countries and territories; 86 percent are younger than 30, and 53 percent are female. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. The J-1 Visa. The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. However, there are many risks associated with this process. U.S. Depending on the particular category chosen, a visa obtained under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program will allow a foreign national to work, train, or travel legally whilst experiencing life in the United States. USCIS does not issue EADs to J-1 exchange visitors. The J visa covers a wide range of category of visitors including physicians, university professors and scholars, professional interns, students, au pairs, camp counselors, and summer work/travel visitors. The Exchange Visitor (J-1) Program was established by the U.S. Government to allow scholars from other countries to come to the U.S. to participate in educational and cultural programs. 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. The spouse and/or child of an exchange visitor in the United States may not work while holding a J-2 visa unless they have filed Form I-765 , Application for Employment Authorization. The J-1 Visa provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the United States. The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work- and study-based exchange visitor programs. See Program Extension on the Department of State Exchange Visitor Program website to learn about requesting to extend your exchange visitor program beyond the date listed on your Form DS-2019. The Q-1 visa is for participation in certain international cultural exchange programs. Currently, DOS designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors for the following programs. If you have questions about any exchange visitorâs continued employment authorization, contact the responsible officer whose name and telephone number are on the employeeâs Form DS-2019. There are various types of programs that allows to work, study, teach, train, research, etc. The U.S. Department of State plays the primary role in administering the J-1 exchange visitor program, so the first step in obtaining a J-1 visa is to submit a Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, (formerly known as an IAP-66). High school or secondary school students and international visitors are not authorized to work. Your minor children are permitted to attend school while in the United States on J-2 visas and are not required to obtain. There are 14 individual J1 programs within the J1 exchange visitor visa category pertaining to various occupations and functions. Review Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws. Responsible officers may also authorize J-1 students for a maximum of 18 months (or, for Ph.D. students, a maximum of 36 months) of practical training during or immediately after their studies. Customer Service Statement. The J visa is governed by specific regulatory requirements. Acceptance in Exchange Visitor Program - The first step is to apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization in the United States. Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information. SEVIS-ICE Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: You must read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet to learn about your rights in the United States and protection available to you. 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. 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. Review Visa Denials to learn more. Their responsible officer must authorize employment in writing for practical training. It applies only to countries on the 2009 Skills List. Within the overall J-1 visa status, there are several different types of visitor. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the basis of a petition filed by the U.S. sponsor. Visas. The objective of the Exchange Visitor Program is to increase mutual understanding between the citizens of the U.S. and the Exchange Visitorsâ countries. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Review the visa processing times to learn more. J Visa. The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category allows fostering mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. J-1 Exchange Visitors are not allowed to change to a different J-1 category within the U.S.; a change of J-1 category is possible by departing the U.S. and re-entering in the new category. After you present your passport, visa, and DS-2019 at the port-of-entry, a CBP official will make this decision. Degree Student, Student Non-degree) for more than 6 months are subject to the 12-month bar. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to exchange visitor (J) status status prior to the start of your exchange program.