The Exchange visitor Visa (J-1)

The J-1 visa is an extremely versatile visa. It can be utilized by students, researchers, professors, business persons, and several others. Shihab & Associates Co., LPA has extensive experience dealing with J-1 visas and all of its respective issues. If you have an issue pertaining to obtaining a J-1 visa or change of status from J visa, please contact us. Our knowledgeable attorneys and staff will work with you each and every step of the way.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A J-1 VISA?

The J-1 visa allows foreign nationals to come to the United States to participate in "exchange programs." These programs are designed to promote sharing of knowledge in fields such as education, medicine, arts, and other sciences. The following aliens would all be eligible to apply for a J-1 visa.

• A person coming to the U.S. to undergo job training.
• Teachers and professors at most educational institutions.
• Researches and scholars.
• Certain students attending additional educational courses.
• A person coming to the U.S. to receive medical training.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE J-1 VISA:

1. The foreign national must be coming to the U.S. to participate in an exchange program sponsored by an organization approved by the USCIS.
2. The foreign national seeking the visa must be proficient in the English language.
3. The foreign national must prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their time in the U.S.
4. You have a residence in a foreign country which you have no intention of abandoning.

LIMITATIONS OF THE J-1 VISA:

EMPLOYMENT: A foreign national in the U.S. under a valid J-1 visa may work full time if such work is part of the visa holder's exchange program.

TRAVEL: A foreign national in the U.S. under a valid J-1 visa may travel outside of the U.S. Upon return, the J-1 student must present their passport and a valid visa.

DEPENDENTS: A foreign national in the U.S. under a valid J-1 visa may bring his or her dependents to the U.S. on a dependent J-2 visa. Unlike the F-1 visa, J-2 dependents may be able to obtain a work authorization.

FOREIGN RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: At the end of their stay, J-1 visa holders are required to return to a foreign country for a minimum of two (2) years before they are eligible to apply for a green card or another nonimmigrant visa. It may be possible to have this residency requirement waived. Please click here for more information on the two year foreign residence requirement and information regarding its waiver.

The J-1 visa can be confusing. If you would like to know if you're eligible for a J-1 or have questions about waiving the foreign residency requirement, please contact us. Our knowledgeable attorneys and staff will work with you each and every step of the way.