Exchange Visitors
The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) allows international candidates coming to the United States temporarily to participate in various education or training programs for the purpose of teaching, instructing or, lecturing, studying, observing, receiving training, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, or receiving graduate medical education or training, and promote educational and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries.
The J visa classification is one of the two nonimmigrant visa categories for international candidates who intend to participate in an approved EVP in the United States. J-1 nonimmigrants are sponsored by an exchange program that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State administers the Exchange Visitor Program in partnership with host organizations and sponsors.
Eligibility Criteria
The J-1 exchange visitor classification includes a broad range of activities and occupations, and the eligibility requirements may vary depending on each program category.
Some exchange visitor categories include students, interns, trainees, research assistants, professors or scholars, and physicians.
However, all participants must possess sufficient English language proficiency to participate in their exchange visitor programs. Participants and any J-2 dependents accompanying them must carry medical insurance at the minimum benefit levels stated in the program regulations.
Application Process
The first step in applying for a J-1 visa classification is to apply for and be accepted into an EVP through a designated sponsoring organization in the United States. If accepted for participation in the program, the prospective exchange visitor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 who intend to live with the exchange visitor in the United States will be registered for the SEVIS. The program sponsor will then issue a separate Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, to the prospective exchange visitor and each dependent.
The prospective exchange visitor must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee unless they qualify for an exception. However, no SEVIS fee payment is required for an exchange visitor's dependent spouse or children.
Applicants for J-1 exchange visitor visa and their spouse and minor children seeking J-2 dependent classification must then submit a completed Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedule an appointment for their visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Period of Stay/Extension of Stay
J-1 exchange visitors and their dependent family members in the J-2 classification are initially admitted for the duration of status. A Responsible Officer (RO) has the discretion to extend a participant's program to its maximum regulatory duration. The total length of time that a J-1 exchange visitor is permitted to stay in the United States depends on the program.
Changing to J-1 Nonimmigrant Classification
The noncitizens who were lawfully admitted into the United States with another nonimmigrant visa and are in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status may be eligible to change their nonimmigrant status to J-1 nonimmigrant classification while remaining in the United States by filing Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status together with a DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status with U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS).
Employment
J-1 exchange visitors may work in the United States if the work is part of the participants' approved program or when the official program sponsor approves their employment. J-2 nonimmigrants may apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS. However, J-2 nonimmigrants' income may not be used to support the J-1 visa holder.
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
While J-1 exchange visitors are not permitted to have immigrant intent, only some visitors (and their dependents in J-2 status) are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under § 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement are not eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or nonimmigrant H or L visas. J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home residency rule may choose to return to their country of last permanent residence or home country to fulfill the requirement or apply for a waiver of that requirement in certain circumstances.
The J-1 exchange visitor visa program offers many opportunities for international candidates seeking to gain valuable experiences and secure a future in a connected world. Seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer can offer insights into potential issues or complications that may arise during the J-1 exchange visitor visa process and afterward.
To find out how ImmiThrive Immigration Law Firm can help you throughout the process, book your consultation now.
Exchange Visitors
The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) allows international candidates coming to the United States temporarily to participate in various education or training programs for the purpose of teaching, instructing or, lecturing, studying, observing, receiving training, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, or receiving graduate medical education or training, and promote educational and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries.
The J visa classification is one of the two nonimmigrant visa categories for international candidates who intend to participate in an approved EVP in the United States. J-1 nonimmigrants are sponsored by an exchange program that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State administers the Exchange Visitor Program in partnership with host organizations and sponsors.
Eligibility Criteria
The J-1 exchange visitor classification includes a broad range of activities and occupations, and the eligibility requirements may vary depending on each program category.
Some exchange visitor categories include students, interns, trainees, research assistants, professors or scholars, and physicians.
However, all participants must possess sufficient English language proficiency to participate in their exchange visitor programs. Participants and any J-2 dependents accompanying them must carry medical insurance at the minimum benefit levels stated in the program regulations.
Application Process
The first step in applying for a J-1 visa classification is to apply for and be accepted into an EVP through a designated sponsoring organization in the United States. If accepted for participation in the program, the prospective exchange visitor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 who intend to live with the exchange visitor in the United States will be registered for the SEVIS. The program sponsor will then issue a separate Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, to the prospective exchange visitor and each dependent.
The prospective exchange visitor must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee unless they qualify for an exception. However, no SEVIS fee payment is required for an exchange visitor's dependent spouse or children.
Applicants for J-1 exchange visitor visa and their spouse and minor children seeking J-2 dependent classification must then submit a completed Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedule an appointment for their visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Period of Stay/Extension of Stay
J-1 exchange visitors and their dependent family members in the J-2 classification are initially admitted for the duration of status. A Responsible Officer (RO) has the discretion to extend a participant's program to its maximum regulatory duration. The total length of time that a J-1 exchange visitor is permitted to stay in the United States depends on the program.
Changing to J-1 Nonimmigrant Classification
The noncitizens who were lawfully admitted into the United States with another nonimmigrant visa and are in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status may be eligible to change their nonimmigrant status to J-1 nonimmigrant classification while remaining in the United States by filing Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status together with a DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status with U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS).
Employment
J-1 exchange visitors may work in the United States if the work is part of the participants' approved program or when the official program sponsor approves their employment. J-2 nonimmigrants may apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS. However, J-2 nonimmigrants' income may not be used to support the J-1 visa holder.
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
While J-1 exchange visitors are not permitted to have immigrant intent, only some visitors (and their dependents in J-2 status) are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under § 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement are not eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or nonimmigrant H or L visas. J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home residency rule may choose to return to their country of last permanent residence or home country to fulfill the requirement or apply for a waiver of that requirement in certain circumstances.
The J-1 exchange visitor visa program offers many opportunities for international candidates seeking to gain valuable experiences and secure a future in a connected world. Seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer can offer insights into potential issues or complications that may arise during the J-1 exchange visitor visa process and afterward.
To find out how ImmiThrive Immigration Law Firm can help you throughout the process, book your consultation now.
Exchange Visitors
The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) allows international candidates coming to the United States temporarily to participate in various education or training programs for the purpose of teaching, instructing or, lecturing, studying, observing, receiving training, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, or receiving graduate medical education or training, and promote educational and cultural exchange between the United States and other countries.
The J visa classification is one of the two nonimmigrant visa categories for international candidates who intend to participate in an approved EVP in the United States. J-1 nonimmigrants are sponsored by an exchange program that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State administers the Exchange Visitor Program in partnership with host organizations and sponsors.
Eligibility Criteria
The J-1 exchange visitor classification includes a broad range of activities and occupations, and the eligibility requirements may vary depending on each program category.
Some exchange visitor categories include students, interns, trainees, research assistants, professors or scholars, and physicians.
However, all participants must possess sufficient English language proficiency to participate in their exchange visitor programs. Participants and any J-2 dependents accompanying them must carry medical insurance at the minimum benefit levels stated in the program regulations.
Application Process
The first step in applying for a J-1 visa classification is to apply for and be accepted into an EVP through a designated sponsoring organization in the United States. If accepted for participation in the program, the prospective exchange visitor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 who intend to live with the exchange visitor in the United States will be registered for the SEVIS. The program sponsor will then issue a separate Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, to the prospective exchange visitor and each dependent.
The prospective exchange visitor must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee unless they qualify for an exception. However, no SEVIS fee payment is required for an exchange visitor's dependent spouse or children.
Applicants for J-1 exchange visitor visa and their spouse and minor children seeking J-2 dependent classification must then submit a completed Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedule an appointment for their visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Period of Stay/Extension of Stay
J-1 exchange visitors and their dependent family members in the J-2 classification are initially admitted for the duration of status. A Responsible Officer (RO) has the discretion to extend a participant's program to its maximum regulatory duration. The total length of time that a J-1 exchange visitor is permitted to stay in the United States depends on the program.
Changing to J-1 Nonimmigrant Classification
The noncitizens who were lawfully admitted into the United States with another nonimmigrant visa and are in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status may be eligible to change their nonimmigrant status to J-1 nonimmigrant classification while remaining in the United States by filing Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status together with a DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status with U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS).
Employment
J-1 exchange visitors may work in the United States if the work is part of the participants' approved program or when the official program sponsor approves their employment. J-2 nonimmigrants may apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS. However, J-2 nonimmigrants' income may not be used to support the J-1 visa holder.
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
While J-1 exchange visitors are not permitted to have immigrant intent, only some visitors (and their dependents in J-2 status) are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under § 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement are not eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or nonimmigrant H or L visas. J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home residency rule may choose to return to their country of last permanent residence or home country to fulfill the requirement or apply for a waiver of that requirement in certain circumstances.
The J-1 exchange visitor visa program offers many opportunities for international candidates seeking to gain valuable experiences and secure a future in a connected world. Seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer can offer insights into potential issues or complications that may arise during the J-1 exchange visitor visa process and afterward.
To find out how ImmiThrive Immigration Law Firm can help you throughout the process, book your consultation now.