Visa Expiration Date Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Automatic Revalidation U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, International Visitor (Dept. A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. There are various types of programs that allows to work, study, teach, train, research, etc. A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for an exchange visitor visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your travel and your intent to return to your home country. 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. U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. 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. However, DHS issues a Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status. 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. The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work- and study-based exchange visitor programs. Exchange Visitors cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas - An exchange visitor visa (J) is required to participate in an exchange visitor program in the United States. The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The J visa is governed by specific regulatory requirements. 12-month Research Scholar/ Professor Bar: J-1 Exchange Visitors (and their J-2 dependents) in any J-1 category other than Professor or Research Scholar (e.g. If the J-1 exchange visitor transfers to a different program or changes their sponsor, their Form DS-2019 must indicate the new program or sponsor. The J-1 Visa. Special rules apply to student interns. 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. Legal Rights & Protections denials, and waivers. 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. Review Visa Denials for detailed information about visa ineligibilities. 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. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 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. This means you will be required to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. High school or secondary school students and international visitors are not authorized to work. The J-1 exchange visitor (EV) visa classification is for people who are coming to the U.S. for a temporary program in a variety of different areas: study, research, teaching and training. 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. Review this important pamphlet before applying for your visa. Responsible officers within the program issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. 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. Look at the skills list that was in effect when you received your J-1 visa. 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. 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. The J-1 Visa program also benefits US businesses by providing them with seasonal and other staff. If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through  U.S. To obtain a J1 visa, foreign nationals must apply for and be approved to participate in a J1 visa USA exchange visitor program. A-Z Index For this reason, J-1 visa holders are generally subject to a two-year home-country residence requirement prior to re … Currently, J-1 exchange visitors come from more than 200 countries and territories; 86 percent are younger than 30, and 53 percent are female. Customer Service Statement. Visas. A J-2 nonimmigrant’s foreign passport and Form I-94 are not evidence of identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes. The exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category for persons who are approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. J1 visa exchange visitor programs allow participants to work, study, teach, conduct research, or receive training in the … 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. The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa to participate in the US Department of State's Exchange Visitor program. 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. K-1 Fiancée Fiancé Visa; B-1 Business Visa; В-2 Tourist Visa; C-1 Transit Visa; F-1 Student Visa; J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa; H-1B Work Visa; ESTA; Visa Waiver; Arrival Departure Record Form I-94; Citizenship. Is that country still on the 2009 Skills … J1 Scholars. Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Only J-1 exchange visitors may use this form when employment is part of their program. 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. If the J-1 exchange visitor transfers to a different program or changes their sponsor, their Form DS-2019 must indicate the new program or sponsor. Within the overall J-1 visa status, there are several different types of visitor. Your sponsoring agency will provide you this form. U.S. Currently, DOS designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors for the following programs. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. 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. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. Some exchange visitors may extend their status. Denials J-1 visa holders can travel in and out of the US as much as they like. Federal regulations give us these categories … J-1 practical training includes paid off-campus employment and/or unpaid internships that are part of the student’s program of study. … 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. After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. Types of J-1 Exchange Visitors. You may reapply if you believe you have additional evidence of your qualifications for an exchange visitor (J) visa, or you believe your circumstances have changed. 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. The objective of the Exchange Visitor Program is to increase mutual understanding between the citizens of the U.S. and the Exchange Visitors’ countries. 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. A J-1 is a temporary, nonimmigrant visa issued to an exchange visitor. J-1 Visa Basics. Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. 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 different types of visas available to citizens of countries other than the United States. J-1 Exchange Visitor visa For further information, visit the J1 visa - Exchange Visitor Program on the U.S Department of State website. J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories at UW The US Department of State (DOS) requires that J-1 Exchange Visitors coming to perform research or teaching at the UW be assigned a “category” which reflects their academic activities on campus. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the basis of a petition filed by the U.S. sponsor. 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. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa. 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. U.S. Exchange Visitor (J-1) non-immigrant visas are for individuals approved to participate in work and study-based exchange visitor programs. Review the visa processing times to learn more. There are 14 individual J1 programs within the J1 exchange visitor visa category pertaining to various occupations and functions. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. However, there are many risks associated with this process. Participants are integral to the success of the program. The US J-1 visa. 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. Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Changing J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories. Learn more about how to apply for your J1 Visa . Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. 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. You may also depart the United States and re-enter on your exchange visitor (J) visa. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you. Some exchange visitors may extend their status. Your intent to depart the United States after your travel; Receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate; or. The Q-1 visa is for participation in certain international cultural exchange programs. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to exchange visitor (J) status status prior to the start of your exchange program. 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 J1 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States as exchange visitors. 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. For J-1 students, the program sponsor prepares additional informal documentation (a letter) that verifies employment authorization. The program was first invoked by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. 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. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. This requirement under immigration law is based on Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. DHS-Study in the States The consular officer will inform you if this is required. If you cannot cover all the costs for your travel, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your travel. Visit the Department of State J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn about program requirements, regulations, and more. 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. Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Exchange visitors are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before their program start dates. See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more. If you want to enter earlier than 30 days, you must separately apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa. A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa provided by the United States to students and professionals who engage in exchange programs. This article provides a J1 visa overview of all of the qualifying J1 programs. Additional information to maintain exchange visitor status is on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP website under Maintaining Your Immigration Status While a Student or Exchange Visitor. 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). 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. Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fiancé (K) visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Citizenship Application; U.S. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and be funded by either a university, private sector or a government program. 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. While SEVIS fee payment is not required, your sponsor must issue them separate DS-2019 Forms, which are required when they apply for their visas, along with a copy of the primary visa holder’s J-1 visa and proof of relationship. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. 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. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location. To satisfy List B and C documents requirements, the J-1 student could present a state driver’s license (List B) and a Form I-94 in combination with Form DS-2019 and a letter from a responsible officer (List C #7). Your sponsoring agency will provide you this form. 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. 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. 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. 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.