J Visa

The J-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. to participate in exchange programs to promote the sharing of persons, knowledge and skills in the fields of education, arts and sciences.

J-1 cultural exchange visas are available to people from other countries interested in coming to the US for special purposes and for limited periods of time.

J-1 visitors may include:

• au pairs who complete academic studies while providing child care in the homes of US residents

• professors

• research scholars

• short-term scholars

Participants in this visa include students, trainees involved in on-the-job training, teachers engaged in research and teaching and international visitors interested in traveling, researching, consulting and demonstrating specific knowledge. Your spouse and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 may apply for entry under J-2 status.

Requirements for a J Visa Include:

• Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses, or funds must be provided by the sponsoring organization in the form of a scholarship or other stipend.

• Have sufficient scholastic preparation to participate in the designated program, including knowledge of the English language, or the exchange program must be designed to accommodate non-English speaking participants.

• Must meet certain special requirements. These requirements include passing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in Medical Sciences, demonstrating competency in English, being automatically subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement (after completion of their program), and being subject to time limits on the duration of their program. Physicians coming to the United States on exchange visitor programs for the purpose of observation, consultation, teaching, or conducting research in which there is little or no patient care are not subject to the above requirements.

• Must present a Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility

J-1 visa maintenance requirements include:

• engaging only in activities permitted by the program that an exchange visitor is a part of

• engaging only in activities allowed by the particular category of J-1 visa that the visitor holds

• filing timely and appropriate transfer and extension notification

• refraining from unauthorized employment

• maintenance of adequate health insurance

The following documents are required:

• A filled-in visa application Form DS-156.

• One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.

• A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.

• A completed form, IAP-66, prepared by a designated sponsoring organization.

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