J1 Visa Overview by Yellow Law Group
The J1 visa offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to visit the United States for on-the-job training, teaching, or conducting research. This visa allows foreign nationals to participate in various programs, including roles such as:
- Au pair
- Camp counselor
- College or university student
- Government visitor
- Intern
- International visitor
- Physician
- Professor
- Research scholar
- Secondary school student
- Short-term scholar
- Specialist
- Summer work travel participant
- Teacher
- Trainee
What is the J1 Visa?
The J1 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States as exchange visitors. This visa covers programs for roles such as au pairs, camp counselors, college or university students, government visitors, interns, international visitors, physicians, professors, research scholars, secondary school students, short-term scholars, specialists, summer work travel participants, teachers, or trainees.
Benefits of the J1 Visa
- Gain Experience in the U.S.: The J1 visa provides an opportunity to work in various fields, improve English skills, and learn about American culture and career skills.
- Dependent Eligibility: Most J1 programs allow dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21) to join with J2 status. J2 visa holders can work after obtaining an Employment Authorization Document.
- Diverse Programs: The J1 visa offers 15 different categories, providing flexibility and a wide range of opportunities.
Programs Available Under the J1 Visa
Au Pairs
Live with an American family, provide childcare, and receive a stipend and room and board.
Requirements:
- Job offer from a family
- Age 18-26
- Good health
- Previous childcare experience
- English proficiency
- Secondary school education
- Police report clearance
- International driver's license
Camp Counselors
Work at summer camps, receive housing, food, and pay.
Requirements:
- English proficiency
- Experience with children
- Age 18+
College and University Student Program
Participate in academic programs for up to 24 months.
Requirements:
- Adequate funding
- Written agreement between U.S. and home country institutions
- Full-time enrollment
Government Visitors
Engage in conferences, meetings, or workshops to strengthen international relationships.
Requirements:
- Influential or distinguished person
- Selected by a U.S. government agency
International Visitors
Participate in people-to-people programs for up to one year.
Requirements:
- Leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill
- Selected by the U.S. Department of State
Physicians
Enroll in U.S. graduate medical programs focused on observation, consultation, teaching, and research.
Requirements:
- Signed program acceptance agreement
- English proficiency
- Passed required medical exams
- Statement of need from foreign government
Professors and Research Scholars
Exchange ideas through teaching and research for up to five years.
Requirements:
- Not a candidate for a tenure-track position
- Not completed a similar program within the last 24 months
- Not participated in a J1 program in the previous 12 months unless meeting specific conditions
Secondary School Students
Attend a U.S. high school and participate in extracurricular activities.
Requirements:
- Age 15-18
- No more than 11 years of primary and secondary school
- Not previously participated in a secondary school exchange program
- Not attended school in the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 status
Short-Term Scholars
Visit the U.S. for up to six months to give lectures and provide training.
Requirements:
- Professor, research scholar, or someone with similar education and experience
Specialists
Experts in a field of specialized knowledge visit the U.S. for up to one year.
Requirements:
- Not fill a permanent or long-term position
- Not enrolled in another J1 program
Summer Work Travel
Full-time foreign college students participate in temporary work and travel opportunities.
Requirements:
- English proficiency
- Post-secondary school student outside the U.S.
- Completed at least one semester of post-secondary study
- Job placement prior to entry (unless from a visa waiver country)
Teachers
Primary or secondary teachers work in the U.S.
Requirements:
- English proficiency
- Meet state licensing requirements
- Qualifications in home country for a teacher
- Working as a teacher in home country or completed an advanced degree within last 12 months
- Two years of full-time teaching experience within the last eight years
- Degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in education or the subject intended to teach
Trainees and Interns
Participate in structured and guided work-based training programs in specific fields.
Requirements:
- Intern: Enrolled in a full-time post-secondary institution outside the U.S. or graduated within 12 months
- Trainee: Degree from a foreign post-secondary institution and one year of prior work experience outside the U.S. or five years of work experience in the field outside the U.S.
Requirements for the J1 Visa
- Proof of Qualifications: Valid passport, educational documents, and relevant work experience.
- Financial Means: Demonstrate the ability to cover transportation, housing, and living expenses.
- Nonimmigrant Intent: Show intent to return to the home country after the program.
- No Displacement of American Workers: Ensure the program does not negatively affect U.S. workers.
- Sponsor: A sponsor must approve the program and assist with the hiring process.
Role of the Sponsor
Sponsors approve programs and oversee foreign nationals working in those positions, ensuring compliance with J1 visa regulations and updating the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) as needed.
J1 Visa Process
- Find a J1 Sponsor: Provide documentation of qualifications.
- Apply for Form DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
- Complete Form DS-160: Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Pay Fees: Submit SEVIS and visa fees.
- Interview with U.S. Consulate or Embassy: Determine eligibility for the J1 visa.
- Receive I-94 Card and Endorsed DS-2019 Form: Proof of legal J1 status.
Documents Required for a J1 Visa
- Form DS-7002: Training/Internship Placement Plan
- Signed third-party agreement
- Copy of biographic page(s) of passport(s)
- Resume
- Educational documents with translations
- Experience confirmation letters with translations
- Application fee check
- Proof of enrollment in a foreign university
- Confirmation of health insurance
- Confirmation of financial support or budget
- Letter of offer from host organization
- Information about the host organization and program
- Evidence of sufficient English skills and funds
J1 Visa Processing Time
Processing time varies based on the host organization, consulate processing times, and time of year. Consult with an immigration lawyer for more specific information.
J1 Visa Fees
- Visa Processing Fee: $160
- SEVIS Fee: $180 (some sponsors cover this fee)
- Other Costs: Transportation, insurance, and living expenses vary by case.
Special J1 Programs
- Korean Nationals Internship Program: 18 months in the U.S. for English study, internships, and travel.
- Irish Nationals Internship Program: 12 months for internships and travel in the U.S.
Two-Year Home Residence Requirement
Some J1 participants must return to their home country for two years after completing their program. A waiver may be requested under certain conditions.
Conclusion
The J1 visa provides opportunities for foreign nationals to gain experience in the United States through various programs. It offers numerous benefits, including the ability to bring dependents and participate in diverse fields.
For more information or assistance with the J1 visa process, contact Yellow Law Group. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law.