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J-1 | The cultural exchange Visa
What is a J-1 Visa
The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant Visa that allows foreign students and professionals to participate in exchange programs in the United States.
J-1 Visa exchange programs are sponsored by educational and cultural organizations and institutions with the goal of enhancing knowledge and mutual understanding between citizens of the United States and other countries through direct contact.
These programs are designed for participants to live and work in an American environment, while at the time, they are encouraged to share their culture and traditions with the local communities where they serve.
The J Visa is a non-immigrant Visa, which means that the Visa holder has the intent to return to their home country after the J visa program ends.
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The most important characteristics of the J-1 Visa are the following:
– J-1 Visa recipients are eligible to work in the United States for the duration of theirsponsored program.
– The J-1 Visa is valid for a period of up to 18 months, although some programs may be shorter or longer.
– J-1 Visa recipients may also bring their spouses and children under the age of 21 withthem to the United States under visas derived from J1 Visa status.
– Since the J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant Visa, J1 Visa recipients have to demonstrate their intent to return to their home country after the program ends.
J-1 Visa Sponsors
The sponsor of a J-Visa program is the entity that is responsible for the foreign student or professional during their stay in the United States.
Their role is to make sure that the participant meets all program requirements and maintains good behavior.
Sponsors are also responsible for following up on the J-1 Visa participant to ensure that they return to their home country upon completion of the program.
If the Visa holder wishes to change sponsors, they must request a new form DS-2019 through their new sponsor.
Once you receive the new form, you will need to submit it to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain work authorization.
If you are granted authorization, you will be issued a J-1 Visa valid for the remainder of the period originally specified on the DS-2019 form. However, this transfer is not allowed in all J1 categories.
For example, J Visa exchange students who are sponsored by the Program for International Student Assistance (PAIES) cannot change sponsors
Program Categories for J-1 Visa:
–Students: study programs, professional practices, summer camps and workshops.
–Teachers: teacher exchanges, international visitors in academic programs and specialized educators.
–Researchers: scientific or technological studies and research, medical or health consultancy and participation in conferences or seminars.
–Youth groups: sponsorship programs for groups of children or young people, as well as for group monitors.
–Athletes and Coaches: training programs and sports competition, including summer programs for children.
–Artists and Entertainers: individual or group performances, exhibitions, movies and television shows, concerts and tours.
–Medical personnel: medical specialists serving underserved rural areas, medical orhealth consulting, participation in medical training programs.
–Journalists: journalists covering news for foreign media, including summer children’s programmes.
–Au Pair: The purpose of this Visa is to allow young adults (ages 18-26) the opportunity to spend a year in the United States caring for children and performing light household chores
J-1 Visa Requirements
To apply for a J-1 Visa, you must have a valid offer of employment or invitation toparticipate in a program by a designated agency.
Sponsors are designated by the US Department of State. Program agencies and nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and universities may be designated sponsors.
This Visa is granted for the period of time necessary to complete the objective of the trip,up to a maximum of four and a half years. However, the Visa can be extended under certain circumstances
How to apply for J-1 Visa
To apply for the J-1 Visa, you will need to submit a Form DS-2019, also known as a Certificate of Eligibility for the J-1 Visa Exchange Program.
This form is issued by the program sponsor and confirms that you meet therequirements to participate in a cultural exchange program.
To obtain this form, you must contact the person or agency that invited you toparticipate in a J-1 Visa. Once Form DS-2019 is submitted and the fee is paid,
you will be contacted to schedule an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
At your interview, you will need to present your valid passport, a copy of the photo youwill use for your visa, and the DS-2019 form. You may also be required to provide additional documentation demonstrating your travel objectives, travel plan, and financial means.
J-1 Visa Eligibility: Factors Considered
-Education and training of the applicant
-The professional experience of the applicant
-Proficiency in the English language or a commitment to learn the language during the program
-The applicant’s ability to adapt to an unfamiliar environment and work as a team
-Academic qualifications and/or previous experience in the field of study, if applicable
-Personal and professional background, as well as references
-The availability of resources for the program in the applicant’s country of origi
How long does it take to get a J1 Visa
The waiting time for a Visa appointment depends on the consular office and the country. In general, it is recommended to schedule your appointment as soon as possible after you have received the DS-2019 form.
In some countries appointments can be scheduled well in advance, while in other countries appointments can fill up quickly.
Wait times for exchange Visa appointments:
• Mexico: at the consular office in Mexico City, the wait is 2 calendar days.
• Colombia: at the consular office in Bogotá, the wait is 35 calendar days.
• Argentina: at the consular office in Buenos Aires, the wait is 3 calendar days.
• Chile: at the consular office in Santiago, the wait is 1 calendar day.
• Peru: at the consular office in Lima, only emergency appointments are being provided.
• Ecuador: at the consular office in Quito, the wait is 30 calendar days.
Calendar days refer to all days of the week, including weekends and holidays when embassies are closed.
You can view wait times for your place of origin through the US Department of State website.
J-1 Visa interview Questions
– What is the purpose of your trip to the United States?
– Have you been to the United States before?
– Do you have family or friends living in the United States?
– How long do you plan to stay in the United States?
– Where are you going to stay while you are in the United States?
– How will you finance your trip and your stay in the United States?
– Do you intend to return to your home country after your J-Visa program ends?
Once you have been granted the J-1 Visa, you are ready to begin your journey to the United States
Is it possible to work in the United States with the J1 Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work in the United States on a J-Visa exchange. However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind.
You may work only for your program sponsor and only in the position specified on the DS-2019 form.
J-1 Visa Health Insurance
J-Visa students and their families must have health insurance that meets US Department of State requirements.
Health insurance must cover all medical and hospitalization expenses, including accidents and serious illnesses.
In addition, the health insurance must provide coverage for repatriation of mortal remains and irrevocable disability.
Last but not least, medical insurance should cover medical evacuation costs in an emergency.
J-1 Visa students must ensure that their health insurance meets all Department of State requirements before traveling to the United States.
Some foreign insurance companies do not meet Department of State requirements. Therefore, it is important that you consult with an insurance company representative to ensure that your policy meets all requirements.
What is J-2 Visa?
The J-2 exchange Visa can also be used for family members of the J1 Visa holder.
Family members traveling to the United States with the J1 Visa holder will be assigned the J-2 Visa. With this Visa, family members can remain in the United States for the duration of the Visa holder’s program.
Like the Visa holder, family members must also submit a Form DS-2019 and health insurance that meets Department of State requirements.
Family members must also make an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate to apply for the J-2 Visa.
At your interview, you will need to present your valid passport, a current photo, and the DS-2019 form. They may also be required to provide additional documentation demonstrating their travel objectives and financial means.
Also, the work permit is only valid for the duration of the Visa holder’s program
Can family members work in the United States with the J-2 Visa?
Yes, family members are allowed to work in the United States on a J-2 exchange Visa. However, there are restrictions to keep in mind.
Family members can only work if they apply for and receive a separate work permit. To apply for a work , family members must file Form I-765 with USCIS.
Once they have been granted a work permit, they will be able to begin searching for employment in the United States.
It is important to note that they will only be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in a full-time study program.
How to extend J-1 visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend your J-1 Visa. To do so, you will need to file a Form I-765 and pay the fee.
You will also need to provide a letter from the program sponsor confirming that you are still actively participating in the program.
The J-1 Visa can only be extended for the period of time allowed by the program.
This usually means that you will not be allowed to stay beyond 18 months.
How long can you stay in the United States after the program ends?
After the program ends, you may remain in the United States for an additional 30 days. This period of time is known as “grace.” During this period, you are allowed to prepare for your return trip home or make plans to continue your education in the United States.
You are not allowed to work during this grace period
