J1 Visa
What exactly is J-1 visa?
The J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to foreign nationals to enter the United States and participate in exchange programs that promote the sharing of skills and knowledge in arts, sciences and education. There are two types of J1 visas:
Who is eligible for a J-1 visa?
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All levels academic students
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Trainees seeking on-the-job training with institutions, firms and agencies
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Primary, secondary and specialized schools teachers
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Professors intending do research or teach at institutions of higher learning
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Medical professional trainees or those in the allied fields
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Research scholars
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International visitors coming for observation, traveling, training, research, consultation, sharing or to demonstrate specialized skills
How to apply for a J-1 Visa
A J-1 visa can be should be generally applied at the American embassy in one’s resident country. Consulates with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of permanent residents may also issue J-1 visas. Visa applications may be applied at any United State consular office worldwide but it may be difficult to obtain it outside your country of permanent residence.
The forms required include DS-156, Form DS-7002, DS 2019, Form DS-157 and Form DS-158. Besides these, other requirements include:
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A passport with a validity period of no less than six months from the intended stay end period
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A passport-style photograph
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Form IAP-66
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Demonstrable ties to a residence in the US
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A statement / promise that the visitor is coming to the US for a temporary period only
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Proof of availability of sufficient funds or sponsorship during the entire stay in the US
J-1 Visa Information
When visitors with a J-1 visa status are admitted into the United States, they are issued with form i-94 called Arrival/Departure record marked D/S meaning duration of status. J-1 visitors may stay in the United States up to 30 days after the ending date indicated on the Form DS-2019. However, holders may file for an extension of stay if the program objectives are not accomplished before expiry of the J-1 visa.
Exchange visitor categories
During the issuance of the J1 visa, a specific category will be indicated on the DS-2019 form to assist establish and define the visitor’s objective. A change of category is not accepted. These categories include:
Students – a university or college student is an individual studying a full course in the US that leads to the award of a US degree. Students must register for a full course of study in the colleges or universities that they are registered.
Professors – a professor is an individual conducting research, lecturing, teaching, observing or consulting at accredited post-secondary educational institutions, libraries, museums or similar types of institutions.
Research scholars – this is an individual conducting research, consulting or observing in connection with a project at corporate research facilities, research institutions, libraries, museums, post-secondary accredited institutions or similar institutions. Research scholars may also lecture or teach.
Short-Term Scholars – a short-term scholar can be defined as a research scholar, professor, specialist or an individual with similar accomplishments or education coming to the US on a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at museums, research institutions, libraries, accredited post-secondary educational institutions or similar types of institutions. A short-term scholar is allowed to participate in events like workshops, conferences, seminars and other activities stated on his or her Form DS-2019.
Student Intern – this category is open to foreign students currently pursuing a degree at a post-secondary academic institution outside the US. Participation in this subcategory is open for up to 12 months for each degree.