Exchange Visitors Visa (J-1, J-2)
The J-1 Visa is granted to exchange visitors coming to the U.S. to
study, work, train or be trained as part of an exchange program officially
recognized by the U.S. Information Agency. The objective is to promote the exchange
of knowledge and skills in different areas.
Among the existing exchange visitor program
categories are:
- Au pair
- Camp Counselor
- Student, college/university
- Student, secondary
- Government Visitor
- International Visitor (reserved for
U.S. Department of State use)
- Alien physician
- Professor
- Research Scholar
- Short-term Scholar
- Specialist
- Summer work/travel
- Teacher
- Trainee
The approved programs are operated by a large variety of sponsoring organizations,
which include schools, businesses, government and non-government organizations
and institutions.
The J-1 visa is valid for the length
of time the employer requires the services of the exchange visitor up to a maximum
of 18 months. There is no renewal for Business/Industrial trainees. Professors
and scholars are limited to 3 a years stay; one 3 year extension may be given
for exceptional circumstances. 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.
Each exchange visitor category has specific requirements. Below you will find some
general ones.
J-1 Visa - Requirements
- Applicant must be accepted for one of the Exchange Visitor Program
categories through a designated sponsoring organization before applying to the
J-1 visa
- Applicant should plan to remain in the U.S. for a temporary,
specific, limited period of time
- Applicant/sponsoring organization must show evidence of
funds to cover expenses in the United States
- Applicants must show evidence of having social and economic ties abroad,
which should insure their return abroad at the end of the visit
- At the conclusion of the program, Exchange
Visitor program participants are expected to return to their home
countries to utilize the experience and skills they have acquired while in the U.S.
- Applicant might be subject to two year foreign residency requirement
after completing the exchange program. Under special circumstances sometimes
a waiver may be obtained.
- J-1 visas are issued for a maximum term
of 3 years. Students between the age of 15 and 18 who participate
in a high school exchange program may be issued a J-1 visa for a maximum of
one year.
J-1 Visa holder's privileges
- May travel freely in and out of the U.S.
- J-1 visa holders may work legally in the U.S. if it is part of the
approved program, or if they receive permission
to work from the sponsoring organizations
- May bring his/her spouse and minor dependents to the U.S. on J-2 visas
- Dependents with the J-2 visa can attend U.S.
schools, colleges and universities
- J-2 visa holders may accept employment in the U.S. with
the proper authorization
Immigration laws in the U.S. change everyday and visa applications are
subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. Hiring the right attorney
to meet your immigration needs is critical and can be the key regarding the outcome
of your case. Our experienced immigration team strives to provide you with the
highest quality of legal services. We are proud of our professional reputation
and of our high ethical standards. Contact our law firm at 407-245-1232, fill out
our online form or send us an e-mail at
Attorney@ImmigrationCounselors.com. Our immigration attorneys Assist exchange
visitors and their dependent family members in obtaining the J-1 and J-2
visas everyday.
