How to Apply for J1 Us Visa

A J-1 visa allows you to live in the United States for a limited amount of time to participate in a study- or work-based exchange program. The visa is not a Green Card and does not allow you to live in the U.S. permanently — it is a non-immigrant visa. For many who visit the U.S. on a J-1 visa, there is a 2-year home residency requirement. This means that you cannot become a permanent resident in the U.S. or upgrade to a more long-term visa unless you return to your home country for at least 2 years first. [1] The J-1 visa is ideal if you want to stay in the U.S. for a short amount of time to learn about the culture and business environment of the United States, or if you're looking to work in the U.S. About 300,000 people each year visit the U.S. on a J-1 visa. [2]

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Applying with a Sponsor

  1. Contact potential sponsors as soon as possible to learn about eligibility requirements. Regardless of the exchange category, you will need to meet the following requirements: [3]
    • You must be proficient in speaking English.
    • You must have medical insurance.
    • You must be scholastically prepared for your program.
    • You must be able to demonstrate an intention of leaving the U.S. after the completion of your program via personal and financial commitments back in your home country.
    • You must show you have a permanent residence to return to after you complete your program.
    • You must have enough funds to cover all of your expenses.
  2. Most J-1 visas are privately sponsored. The purpose of the program is to let individuals learn about U.S. culture while studying or working. The more common categories include the following: [4]
    • Interns. A student or recent college graduate can intern with a U.S. business to learn more about the business culture and U.S. culture generally.
    • Trainees. Professionals can participate in a guided work program to learn more about U.S. business practices and U.S. culture.
    • Professors and scholars. Scholars and professors can get a visa to promote the exchange of ideas between research institutions. There is also a category for short-term visits to train, lecture, or perform some other professional task.
    • Students. Students may come to the U.S. to attend college, university, or a secondary school (called a “high school” in the U.S.).
    • Au pairs. A young adult can live with a host family for 1 year and provide child care services.
    • Other. There are also categories for teachers, camp counselors, specialists, and physicians.
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  3. Sponsors have the responsibility of screening applications, so you will need to find a sponsor for your category. [5] You can find sponsors at this website: https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/sponsor-search/ . Search by program.
    • There should be an address and telephone number provided for each sponsor.
    • There should also be a hyperlink to the sponsor’s website, where you can learn more information about requirements.
    • The list linked above is not an exhaustive list of all potential sponsors. Your sponsor does not necessarily have to have sponsored before. Your employer or host institution may be able to become a sponsor if they meet all the requirements and formally apply. [6]
  4. The application process will differ depending on your sponsor. If you apply to be an au pair, for example, you’ll need to complete the following before your sponsor will approve you: [7]
    • Pass a physical to show that you are physically fit enough to participate in the program.
    • Sit for an interview with your sponsor in English. Your sponsor will use the interview to create a profile of you to match you with families.
    • Pass a criminal background investigation.
    • Provide 3 personal and employment references from non-family.
  5. The J-2 visa is for spouses and dependents (unmarried children under 21) of J-1 visa holders. Let your sponsor know if you are interested in obtaining J-2 visas for your family members, as they will require sponsorship as well. The J-2 application process is essentially the same as the J-1 application process. Each family member will need a separate application form. [8]
    • Some exchange categories are not eligible for J-2 visas. For example, au pairs, camp counselors, secondary school students, and people in summer work travel programs cannot get J-2 visas for family members.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Completing a J-1 Visa Application

  1. You’ll need certain documents in order to apply. Some of these you will get from your program sponsor after they approve you for the program. Collect the following: [9]
    • DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Your program sponsor will give this form to you after entering your information into the system. This document will have your SEVIS ID, which you will need when you apply online.
    • DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan. If you are a trainee or intern, you’ll need to present this form when you apply for your J-1 visa.
    • Valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months past the date you intend to leave. For example, if you intend to leave on June 1, then your passport shouldn’t expire before December 1.
    • Passport-sized photograph. The photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). The photo must be in color and taken within the past 6 months. Wear the clothing you ordinarily would. [10] You will need to upload a digital version of the photo in JPEG format. [11] The photograph requirements are very detailed, so read the relevant State Department webpages.
    • Other documents. Contact your embassy or consulate website to find what else you’ll need.
  2. Visit https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ . Select the location where you will be applying for the visa. Generally, this is the country where you live. Locations are listed in a “Country, City” format.
    • Have your passport and travel itinerary with you when you complete the form. [12]
    • Depending on your job or sponsor, you may need additional supporting documents, such as proof of degree, police clearance, or other documents specific to the work you will be doing.
    • Once you complete the online application, print off and keep the visa application confirmation page. You will need to bring the page to your interview at the consulate as confirmation of your application.
  3. There may be a visa application processing fee you must pay. Pay it before your consular interview. [13] Some applicants may be exempted from the fee. After paying, make sure to print off your receipt.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Attending an Interview

  1. Applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. After you submit your DS-160, schedule an interview online at your embassy’s website or email the embassy nearest you and ask about scheduling. [14]
    • You can find a list of consulates and embassies here: https://www.usembassy.gov/ .
    • Check with the embassy or consulate where you are interviewing to find out what kind of wait time you can expect for your interview.
  2. The types of documents you need to bring may vary depending on your exchange category. The required documents for your interview may include: [15]
    • Your passport (must be valid within 6 months of your planned departure date from the U.S.)
    • The confirmation page with barcode from your DS-160 application
    • A passport photo
    • The DS-2019 form from your sponsor
    • The DS-7002 form (if applicable—this is only for those in training/internship programs)
    • Your original interview appointment letter, plus 1 copy
    • Transcripts from your university or high school (or equivalent in your country)
    • Evidence of employment or family ties in your home country
    • Your CV or resume
  3. Review the instructions provided to you by the consulate or embassy. Check to make sure you have all required documents, otherwise you can be denied for failing to have required paperwork. If you are applying for a J-1 visa as a student, prepare answers to the following common questions: [16]
    • What are your qualifications?
    • Explain why you want to go to the United States.
    • Describe what you are currently doing.
    • Where will you live in the U.S.?
    • What program are you applying to and when did you apply?
  4. The J-1 visa is intended to promote cultural exchange, so keep this in mind as you are preparing for the interview. Think about how you and your host or employer will benefit from your time in the U.S., and prepare to discuss this in your interview.
    • For example, if you plan to visit as a teacher, you might discuss how you hope to bring the benefits of your home country’s educational system to your students in the U.S. Talk about what you hope to learn from working within the U.S. educational system, as well.
    • If you are a student, you can explain how the education you receive in the U.S. will help you get a job or start a business in your home country. [17]
  5. At your interview, you must show the consular official that you intend to return to your home country after your visit to the U.S. You must show that you have strong ties to your home. [18] There are different ways to show these ties to your home country, depending on your circumstances.
    • Financial ties to your home country are particularly persuasive. Show documentation of property you own, bank accounts, and other investments that you have in your home country.
    • You might also discuss relationships you have in your home country, with elderly parents, for example.
    • Bring up any plans you have to work or attend school in your home country. Show evidence of job offers or acceptance to a school or academic program, if you have them.
  6. You also need to show the consular official that you can support yourself while in the U.S. For example, you may need to show bank accounts, a letter from a family member promising to support you, or a letter from an employer if you are in a work program.
  7. Provide any other information requested at the interview. In addition to answering questions and providing documentation, applicants will typically need to give an ink-free scan of their fingerprints. [19] You will usually give the fingerprint during your interview.
    • If you are approved, you’ll receive a visa foil in your passport. Some applicants will receive the visa foil on the same day as their interview, but typically you must leave your passport at the consulate and wait for them to return it to you by mail. [20] Your visa is valid until it expires.
    • Your visa will allow you to visit the border, where you'll receive an I-94 that lays out how long you can stay in the U.S.
    • However, some people might need more administrative processing, which can extend the process another 60 days. As part of the processing, you may need to provide additional information.
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      Tips

      • No one can guarantee that you will get a visa. Accordingly, don’t make plane reservations until your visa is approved. [21]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/twoyearreq
      2. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/J1-Visa-Fact-Sheet-2017.pdf
      3. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair
      4. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/J1-Visa-Fact-Sheet-2017.pdf
      5. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/basics/common-questions/
      6. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/how-to-apply/
      7. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/au-pair
      8. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/basics/j2-visa/
      9. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/interviews-documents/
      1. ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
      2. ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/digital-image-requirements.html
      3. ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html
      4. ↑ https://www.internationalstudent.com/immigration/j1-student-visa/j1-visa-interview/
      5. ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html
      6. ↑ https://www.internationalstudent.com/immigration/j1-student-visa/j1-visa-interview/
      7. ↑ https://www.internationalstudent.com/immigration/j1-student-visa/j1-visa-interview/
      8. ↑ https://www.us-immigration.com/blog/how-to-show-ties-to-home-country-during-a-visa-interview
      9. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/interviews-documents/
      10. ↑ https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/interviews-documents/
      11. ↑ https://www.globalinternships.com/j1visa-service/application-process
      12. ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html#overview

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