J-1 visas are designed for individuals who will be participating in work-and-study based exchange programs. The goal of the visa is to promote cultural exchange and to allow individuals to receive training in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the J-1 visa program?
The J-1 visa program was created for individuals to take part in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the United States. J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States for a variety of reasons, including to teach, study, complete internships or receive training. Specifically, J-1 visas are available for the following categories: au pair, camp counselors, physicians, professor and research scholars, short-term scholars, specialists, interns, trainees and teachers.
 

Who is eligible for a J-1 visa?
The requirements for the J-1 visa depend upon the specific J-1 program. For more information about the specific requirements for a particular J-1 category (such as trainee, intern, etc.), please contact our office for a consultation.
 

Are J-1 visas easy to get approved?
Yes. For the most part, J-1 visa applications are easy to process and get approved.
 

How long is a J-1 visa valid for?
This depends on the specific J-1 program. The maximum validity period for each J-1 visa is determined by the specific category (such as trainee, intern, teacher, etc.) of the visa.
 

Can J-1 visa holders work in the US?
Yes, J-1 visa holders may work in the US as part of a work-and-study program, where they receive US training and cultural education.
 

What is the J-1 two year home residency requirement?
Some J-1 visa holders are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement, which requires you to return to your home country for at least two years after your exchange visitor program. 
 

How can I waive the J-1 two-year home residency requirement?
If you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement, but would like to have this waived, you may apply for a J-1 home residency waiver from the US Department of State. 
To qualify, your waiver request must fall under any one of the five applicable bases in U.S. immigration law. These are:
•    No Objection Statement
•    Request by an interested U.S. federal government agency
•    Fear of persecution in your home country
•    Exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child of an exchange visitor
•    Request by a designated State Public Health Department or its equivalent 

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