What is a J1 visa and how to apply?

What is a J1 visa and how to apply?

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.

Can a J-1 nonimmigrant work in the United States?

Some J-1 nonimmigrants enter the United States specifically to work while others do not. Employment is authorized for J-1 nonimmigrants only under the terms of the exchange program. Please check with your sponsoring agency for more information on any restrictions that may apply to you working in the United States.

Do you have to live in the US on a J1?

Some J1 visa USA programs are subject to a home residency requirement, a 2-year home country physical presence. J1 visa participants of the following J1 exchange visitor programs are required to return to their home country at the end of their exchange visitor program under the home residency requirement.

Who is the exchange sponsor for a J-1 visa?

In carrying out the responsibilities of the Exchange Visitor Program, the Department of State designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors. J-1 nonimmigrants are therefore sponsored by an exchange program that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of State.

What happens when a J-1 visa visitor’s exchange program fails?

Failure is considered a violation of the J-1 visitor’s immigration status and may result in the termination of the visitor’s exchange program. Different categories exist within the J-1 program, each defining the purpose or type of exchange.

What is the I-94 Form for J-1 visa?

However, DHS issues a Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status. DOS-designated program sponsors issue and endorse Form DS-2019, which indicates the type of work an exchange visitor is authorized to perform. For J-1 students, the program sponsor prepares additional informal documentation (a letter) that verifies employment authorization.

What is the two-year home residency requirement for J-1 visas?

Many persons in the United States on J-1 visa are subject to the two-year home residency requirement found in Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

What are the validity periods of the J1 visa types?

The validity periods of the J1 visa types are included below. Au pair, intern, international visitor, secondary school student, and specialist programs are valid for 12 months. (Au pair program may be extended for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months). Camp counselor and summer work travel programs are valid for 4 months.

Can I apply for a J-1 visa as an au pair?

In order be eligible for a J-1 visa as an au pair, a potential applicant must first have received a job offer from a family. Other prerequisites include: Applicants may need to interview in their home country by the sponsoring organization, and they may need to conduct a number of telephone interviews with potential host families.