Schedule an Appointment with Our Attorneys Now
Staying in the US with a J1 Visa
By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm
In this week’s visa information post, I will discuss one of the most frequently asked visa types by my clients who wish to work or study in the United States: the J1 Visa. In this article, I will answer the most common questions about the J1 Visa based on the numerous cases I have handled and the hundreds of clients I have consulted. By reading this article, you will find answers to the following questions:
- What is a J1 Visa?
- What are the Advantages of Applying for a J1 Visa?
- Who Can Apply for a J1 Visa?
- What are the Requirements for Applying for a J1 Visa?
- Where to Apply for a J1 Visa?
- How to Apply for a J1 Visa?
- What to Expect After Applying for a J1 Visa?
If you have any other questions about the J1 visa type, please do not hesitate to reach out to me through the comments section below, via LinkedIn, or through the website of CK Law Firm, the immigration law firm I co-founded.
What is a J1 Visa?
The J1 visa is a type of exchange visa used for participating in educational, training, or cultural exchange programs in the US. This visa is generally issued to students, researchers, teachers, and other participants who need to stay in the US for a specific period. J1 visa holders are required to return to their home countries at the end of their programs. The J1 visa programs are managed by the US Department of State and supported by designated sponsor organizations. The categories under the J1 visa include:
- J1 Trainee: Allows individuals with a specific university degree or expertise in a certain field to work in the US.
- J1 Intern: A category for current students or recent graduates.
- Work and Travel (WAT): Used by university students who wish to work and travel in the US during the summer.
- Other J1 Categories: Teachers, camp counselors, au pairs, physicians, and secondary school students can also apply under various J1 categories.
What are the Advantages of Applying for a J1 Visa?
The J1 visa provides an opportunity to work in the US for a certain period, gaining diverse experiences. It offers a chance to experience American culture, improve language skills, and build an international network.
Who Can Apply for a J1 Visa?
Individuals eligible to apply for a J1 visa include:
- Undergraduate or graduate students
- Academics and researchers
- Elementary, middle, and high school teachers
- Interns and young professionals
- Au pairs
- Camp counselors
- Students and professionals in the healthcare field
What are the Requirements for Applying for a J1 Visa?
To apply for a J1 visa, you must meet certain requirements, which vary depending on the visa category but generally include:
- Requirement 1: Acceptance from a US educational institution or exchange program.
- Requirement 2: Support from a sponsor organization authorized by the US Department of State.
- Requirement 3: Return Commitment: J1 visa holders are usually required to stay in the US for a specified period and return to their home country at the end of the program.
- Requirement 4: Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement: Some J1 visa holders must stay in their home country for at least two years after their program in the US. This rule applies especially to government-funded programs or certain professions.
- Requirement 5: Health insurance is mandatory for J1 visa holders. It is essential to have suitable health insurance due to the high cost of healthcare in the US.
Where to Apply for a J1 Visa?
The application process for a J1 visa involves several steps, conducted through sponsor organizations designated by the US Department of State and US consulates or embassies.
How to Apply for a J1 Visa?
Here is a step-by-step guide to the J1 visa application process:
- Finding a Sponsor Organization and Enrolling in a Program: Locate a sponsor organization authorized by the US Department of State for the J1 visa program. Apply to and get accepted into a suitable program listed on the US Department of State’s website.
- Obtaining the DS-2019 Form: The sponsor organization will provide the DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) after confirming your acceptance into the program. Fill out this form.
- Paying the SEVIS Fee: After receiving the DS-2019 form, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Paying the Visa Application Fee: Pay the required fee for the visa application.
What to Expect After Applying for a J1 Visa?
After applying and being approved for a J1 visa, you can enter the US. You are expected to comply with the laws and requirements of the program throughout your stay. It is crucial to provide accurate information and documents at each stage of the application. Due to the complexity of the process and legal requirements, it is beneficial to seek support from an immigration attorney. Feel free to contact us at cklawfirm.org, via email at info@cklawfirm.org, or directly through LinkedIn to determine your eligibility for a J1 visa through our free consultation service. Just send us your resume, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Who is Lawyer Asım Kılınç?
Lawyer Asım Kılınç, as a founding partner of CK Law Firm, stands out with his mastery of both international law and the American legal system, gained through years of experience. Completing his Master’s degree at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Kılınç is registered with the Missouri Bar and specializes in U.S. immigration law. His deep knowledge and experience in immigration law have significantly contributed to CK Law Firm’s successes in this field. Having participated in the preparation processes of over 1,000 cases in immigration law, Lawyer Kılınç has proven his expertise in this field, providing comprehensive and professional legal support to his clients, facilitating their adaptation to their new lives in the U.S.
Strengthening CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law, Lawyer Kılınç offers reliable and effective legal consultancy services to his clients, standing by them in their journey to establish a new life in the U.S. He works to ensure that his clients receive the highest quality service in citizenship, Green Card, work permit, and other immigration processes, providing support to his clients throughout the entire process, from the beginning to U.S. citizenship.
