J-1 Visa

The J-1 classification or exchange visitor status is a non-immigrant visa granted to individuals participating in approved programs for purposes such as teaching, working, conducting research, or receiving training. The U.S. Department of State designates public and private organizations responsible for overseeing non-immigrant J-1 individuals as exchange sponsors. These programs aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills among individuals in fields such as education, arts, and sciences.

Examples of exchange visitors include, but are not limited to:

1. Professors or academics

2. Research associates

3. Students

4. Interns

5. Teachers

6. Experts

7. Child caregivers

8. Camp counselors

Specific J-1 visa programs are subject to a two-year foreign residency requirement. If your program or field of expertise falls under this requirement, the applicant must return to their home country for two years before being readmitted to the U.S. under another visa category or changing their status in the U.S. To return to the U.S. under a different visa or to change status within the U.S., the individual needs a waiver to lift the two-year requirement. Specifically, individuals who apply for a Green Card before fulfilling the two-year requirement are not eligible to change their status to Lawful Permanent Resident.

Duration: Your stay in J-1 exchange visitor status depends on the duration required to complete your exchange program. Generally, the time specified for the completion of your program is granted to you.

Family Members: The applicant's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may accompany the applicant as dependents in J-2 status.