For more information about the new rules for trainee and intern programs, see the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Exchange Visitor Program, An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed. We regret the … If you have any questions on any of the information discussed in this guide, feel free to email me directly at Michael@AshooriLaw.com. This form is used to obtain the required visa and the spouse and dependents can enter the U.S. at the same time as the principal exchange visitor or at a later date. The J1 visa obligates the student to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after the end of their studies in the USA before being eligible to apply for an immigrant (permanent residence) visa. Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide is available on our website at. Additional Requirements for Nonimmigrant Visas . Participants are integral to the success of the program. The J-1 exchange visitor visa allows participants to come to the United States for a temporary stay, if participating in one of the J1 Visa programs. for further information on how to pay the fee. The spouse and children can also apply for visas after the principal applicant has already traveled. Full details on each category and its eligibility requirements can be found here. 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). Submit for application now. Learn more by contacting the, Applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they are coming to the United States for a temporary period. Effective immediately, we are processing J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee applications again – including for internship start dates of November and December 2020. All rights reserved. For further information, visit the J1 visa - Exchange Visitor Program on the U.S Department of State website. and Privacy Policy Your p rogram sponsor is responsible for entering your information for the DS 2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status into SEVIS. Participants must have their English language proficiency evaluated or verified either by a recognized English language test (such as TOEFL, Cambridge, etc. J-1 Visa Employment Eligibility: Obtaining Employment Authorization If you are authorized by your sponsor to be accompanied by your spouse (husband or wife) and children, they will also be given a Form DS-2019 and they can apply at the same time. Here is, A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (unless. J1 visa applicants must have a program sponsor in order to apply for a J1 exchange visitor visa. 2017/04/27 . As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. See the required photo format explained in, Visa issuance fee – Additionally, if the visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. If the exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement, he or she cannot change his or status to that of H, L, K, or immigrant lawful permanent resident (LPR) until he or she has returned to his/her home country for at least two-years or received a waiver of that requirement. Please note: Questions regarding ‘J’ visas (and all other U.S. visas) should be addressed to the Office of Visa Services in the U.S. Department of State. J1 Visa Requirements To qualify for a J1 exchange visitor visa, you must prove that: You are sponsored by an organization approved by the Department of State (DOS), and granted authority to issue a Form DS-2019 to prospective J1 applicants This gives you financial and planning certainty. J-1 Visa Basics. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS DS-2019 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. Select, Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156. Some J1 visa holders are subject to INA §212 (E) and will need to obtain a J1 Waiver before they can change their status to H1B Visa, L1 Visa or to adjust their status to permanent resident. J-1 Visa Application Process Open! State Department Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19), Exchange Visitor Program Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19), Get Updates on Exchange Programs and the Presidential Proclamation, Visa Exceptions to Presidential Proclamations Affecting J-1 Visas, SWT Participants by Zip Code (Calendar Year 2017), Common Questions for Host Families/Employers, Regulations and Compliance Administration, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Due to limited staffing, the U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam is only able to provide very limited emergency non-immigrant visa services until further notice. 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. Effective immediately, we are processing J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee applications again – including for internship start dates of November and December 2020. J-1 Visa Program Requirements Each program available under the J-1 visa has specific requirements and regulations. If you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa by filling out the DS-160 or DS-1648 online form, the form will instruct you to upload your digital image as part of completing the online visa application form. If they meet the eligibility criteria, they still need to follow a few steps to secure J-1 Visa. At the conclusion of their program Exchange Visitor program participants are expected to return to the home countries to utilize the experience and skills they have acquired while in the United States. SHRM Online outlined the basic benefits and requirements of the J-1 visa program in Part 1 of this series of articles. J1 visa fees are as follows (Make sure to check these fees as they are subject to change); Visa Processing Fee: $160 / SEVIS Fee: $180. Submit for application now. J-1 Visa USA Overview . It is important that you refer to the Embassy Consular Section website to determine visa processing timeframes and instructions, learn about interview scheduling, and find out if there are any additional documentation items required. The J1 exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. J1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. Cultural Vistas also holds special designations through which it sponsors individuals participating in the IAESTE program and the Work, English Study, Travel (WEST) program . The sponsor must approve the accompaniment of the spouse and/or children and who will each be issued their own Form DS-2019. Application Materials. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, DS-2019, which was provided to you by your program sponsor. 2. to access the electronic version of the DS-156. In a similar way to student visa applications, a J visa issuing company will … Spouses and children of exchange visitors may not enter the United States before the principal visitor enters for the first time. See. J-1 Visa Application Process Open! To qualify for a J1 exchange visitor visa, you must prove that: You are sponsored by an organization approved by the Department of State (DOS), and granted authority to issue a Form DS-2019 to prospective J1 applicants Applicants must demonstrate that they properly meet the requirements to be issued an exchange visitor visa, including the following: That they plan to remain in the U.S. for a temporary, specific, limited period; Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States; to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more. The fee may be paid either through a special web site, via Western Union, or by mail. The consular officer will need to verify your DS 2019 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your exchange visitor visa application to conclusion. Such waivers can be obtained under five separate bases: No Objection Statement, Exceptional Hardship or Persecution, Conrad Program, or Interested Government Agency. There are a few simple steps to follow if you want to apply for a J-1 Visa as an exchange visitor. The US State Department maintains a list of J1 exchange visitor program sponsors organized by program. Waiver of the J Visa Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement 212(e). The Department of Homeland Security must approve your waiver before you can change status in the United States or receive a visa … Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for, or if qualified, travel without a visa under the. U.S. schools do not guarantee international students j-1 visa employment, so it is your responsibility to find a vacant position and apply for it. All exchange visitor applicants must have a SEVIS generated DS 2019 issued by a Department of State designated sponsor, which they submit when they are applying for their exchange visitor visa. A student is eligible for an F1 status if they are funded by personnel sources, outside sources OR a combination of the two. It requires you to return home for at least two years after your exchange visitor program. These forms may only be obtained through designated sponsors such as GACC California. A J1 Visa allows for individuals to participate in work and study-based exchange visitor programs. A passport valid for travel to the U.S. and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the U.S. (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). In addition to program-specific criteria, all participants must satisfy English language proficiency and insurance requirements. J1 visa holders and their dependents must have adequate health insurance in order to participate in their respective J1 visa programs. Some J1 visa USA programs are subject to a home residency requirement, a 2-year home … Questions regarding your exchange program should be directly to your program sponsor. when applying for your visa. Participants are integral to the success of the program. Your sponsoring agency will provide you this form. A big question in determining eligibility for an J1 or F1 status is – “who is paying for the education”. Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal exchange visitor (J) visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require exchange visitor visas (derivative J visas). The J1 visa is meant for students who need practical training that is not available to them in their home country, and the training must be directly related to their academic program. J-1 Exchange Visitor programs include au pairs, summer work travel, interns, high school and university student exchanges, physician exchanges and … Exchange visitors not part of a U.S. provide exemptions). There are some exceptions to this. Do I Get a Work Permit (Employment Authorization Document)? The purpose of the J-1 visa Bridge USA program is to provide international participants with opportunities for professional development, insight into the American know-how in the field of training and a greater understanding of … During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken. 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. Another might require one to be enrolled or graduated from an institution, while another still might require the pe… This change in services does not affect currently scheduled immigrant visa appointments. Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Applicants using Form DS-160 or Form DS-1648. In order to conduct an internship or training opportunity in the USA, you will need a suitable host company and a J-1 Visa. Students who couldn’t find an on-campus job are also sometimes allowed to work off-campus in certain circumstances. http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges. We provide certainty! USA issues J1 visa to promote cultural exchange thus, all the candidates or applicants applying for this visa category should meet certain criteria. 1. Original passport with at least one blank visa page and valid for at least 6 months. International Visitor (reserved for U.S. Department of State use). The J-1 Visa provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the United States. Some J1 visa holders are subject to INA §212(E) and will need to obtain a J1 Waiver before they can change their status to H1B Visa, L1 Visa or to adjust their status to permanent resident. Spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder of a J-1 visa to the United States for the duration of his/her stay must have J-2 visas. Passport. If it is your intention — or you think you may be likely — to wish to stay on in the United States after the end of your visit, you may be advised to consider other options. You may apply for your visa at an Embassy or Consulate any time before the beginning of your exchange program. An exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement, if the following conditions exist: The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the United States government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence; The exchange visitor is a national or resident of a country designated as requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in which the exchange visitor was engaged for the duration of their program (Exchange Visitor Skills List 9 FAM 41.62, Exhibit II); The exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training. Please consult the. You should now have a much stronger understanding of the various aspects of the J1 visa, including the J1 visa benefits, the J1 visa requirements, and the J1 visa process. DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. By accessing and Using this Site or Services you Consent and Agree to our Terms and Conditions of Use This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). Applying for a J-1 Visa View Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply to Exchange Visitor Program Learn about the application process Read about J-1 Visa’s eligibility requirements Choose a J-1 Visa program Find a program sponsor Obtain a DS-2019 form Receive the J-1 Visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy Learn about participants’ experiences Current […] The J1 visa is meant for students who need practical training that is not available to them in their home country, and the training must be directly related to their academic program. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must complete an application; One (1) 2x2 photograph. , and on most embassy websites. Government-sponsored program will also have to pay a Sevis I-901 fee for each program. The difference between an F1 and a J1 student visa in terms of funding is that a J1 visa requires a large or “substantive” portion of the funding to come from an outside source, such as a university or the government. The eligibility criteria for the J1 visa will vary based on the program category that you choose, as well as the organization that sponsors your visa — so please contact your sponsor for full details concerning your particular program. J1 Visa Application Process. 353,300 … 7- Two-Year Home Residence Requirement Some J1 participants and their dependents are required to return to their home country for two years after completing their program. J1 Program Sponsor Requirements. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is very specific with regard to the requirements, which must be met by applicants to qualify for the exchange visitor (J) visa. If there is a fee for issuance for the visa, it is equal as nearly as possible to the fee charged to United States citizens by the applicant's country of nationality. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. You should know that a consular officer may require any nonimmigrant visa applicant to complete this form. The spouse and/or child of an exchange visitor in the U.S. may not work while holding a J-2 visa unless they have filed Form I-765, Application fo… All information, resources and services on this site are available to all people regardless of national origin and citizenship status. The application procedure is the same as that for a primary visa applicant. Insurance Sponsor Requirements Insurance Sponsors must require that all exchange visitors (as well as their accompanying spouses and dependents) have insurance in effect that covers them for sickness or accidents during the time of their exchange visitor program. The J-1 Visa is granted to individuals by the U.S. State Department through a form called the DS-2019. to learn more. Written by Jennifer Frankel. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly. J visa program sponsors must ensure that program exchange visitors have insurance that includes certain minimum coverage and benefits that cover them for sickness or accidents during the time of their exchange visitor program. The requirements for the J1 visa vary from program to program, but generally someone applying for the J1 visa needs to be able to speak and understand English well; have adequate health insurance; and are sponsored by a university, a private organization, or a government program. When applying for a J1 visa, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: DS-2019 Form, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status; DS-7002 Form, A Training/Internship Placement Plan (for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants) Each program available under the J-1 visa has specific requirements and regulations. Here you can learn more about obtaining the J-1 Visa and other relevant visas. J1 Visa Requirements. Understanding the J1 Visa Bridge USA Program. to find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and the fee amount. , Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, with application fee, and also submit the required Form DS-2019 to the Department of Homeland Security office where the application is made. If you are interested in pursuing one of these programs, you will need to find a sponsoring organization and apply for the J1 visa. It is worth noting that some J1 visas are subject to a two-year residency requirement (212[g]) which mandates that you must return to your home country for a minimum of two years after your J1 visa expires before you may return to the US on any other visa. Overview. The J1 visa is a flexible visa and is also relatively easy to get. The DS-156 must be the March 2006 date, electronic "e-form application." Introduction. In general, they must present the following: Form DS 2019, SEVIS generated, and approved by the sponsor, Proof that the principal applicant (the person who received the DS-2019 or IAP-66) is maintaining his/her J visa status, Copy of the J-1's (principal applicant's) visa, Proof of relationship to the principal applicant, Proof of sufficient money to cover all expenses in the United States. The J1 exchange visitor program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. The purpose of the J-1 visa Bridge USA program is to provide international participants with opportunities for professional development, insight into the American know-how in the field of training and a greater understanding of … This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. Each category of exchange has specific requirements and regulations. Some categories require that a personal interview be part of the screening and selection process. If your Form DS-2019 is issued prior to July 19, 2007 a Form DS-7002 is not required. In some situations it may be possible to get a waive… There are 15 categories of the J-1 Visa, of which Cultural Vistas is a designated program sponsor for three: Intern, Teacher, and Trainee exchanges. Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any … Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. J-1 Visa Program Requirements. J1 Visa Qualification Requirements. We provide certainty! The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate. This gives you financial and planning certainty. All exchange visitors, including their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors and their dependents (J-2 visa holders). If you are traveling to the US on a J1 or J2 visa, you will be required to carry medical health insurance for the full duration of your program. For information, see. 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. Here you can learn more about obtaining the J-1 Visa and other relevant visas. Please be aware that you cannot start your exchange visitor program until the change of status is approved, and therefore in view of the processing time to your change status in the U.S., you may be in danger of missing your entire exchange program waiting approval of change of status. Therefore, the full program fee is only due once we can issue your DS-2019 form. SHRM Online outlined the basic benefits and requirements of the J-1 visa program in Part 1 of this series of articles. J1 Visa Requirements. Step 1 – Choose a Sponsor. Health Insurance Requirements for the J1 Visa. Some exchange visitors with J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. Sponsors screen and select their program participants according to the eligibility criteria for each program category. Some programs might require one to be a foreign trainee, while another might require past experience with childcare. We will keep you up to date with all the latest news, important updates, and special offers, Copyright © 2000 - 2020. Understanding the J1 Visa Bridge USA Program. The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. and Cookie Policy, - for Practical Work Training / Internships. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring … Therefore, the full program fee is only due once we can issue your DS-2019 form. If you cannot return home for two years, you must apply for a waiver. The consular officer will determine whether you qualify for the visa. The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa exists to promote the interchange of knowledge, training, and skills in education, arts, and sciences. A few large multinational companies manage their own J-1 visa programs, but most employers work with sponsoring organizations when looking to bring foreign trainees and interns to the United States for talent development. Please use our online appointment system to make or reschedule a non-immigrant visa appointment once we resume routine services.