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J1 Visa Ekşi Sözlük: Attorney Dr. Ergül Çeliksoy Answers the Most Frequently Asked Questions on Ekşi Sözlük
By Ozlem Kara, Content Editor at CK Law Firm
CK Law Firm’s content editor Özlem Kara and the founding partner of CK Law Firm, Ergül Çeliksoy, who has handled numerous J1 Visa cases, came together on Ekşi Sözlük to answer the most frequently asked questions about the J1 Visa. We would like to thank Mr. Ergül Çeliksoy for the enjoyable interview.
After reading our interview with Mr. Ergül, you will find answers to the following questions:
- What is a J1 Visa?
- Who Can Apply for a J1 Visa?
- What Are the Requirements to Apply 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?
Hello, Mr. Ergül. We would like to know more about you and your career. Could you tell us about yourself?
Certainly. I completed my master’s degree in International Law and Human Rights Law at the University of Nottingham in 2017 and then began my Ph.D. studies at the same university. In 2022, I earned my Doctorate in Law from the University of Nottingham School of Law. I have gained international recognition through my publications, research, and articles in my field. I have handled many cases and now, with the experience I have gained, I provide effective and solution-oriented services to my clients at CK Law Firm, helping them start new lives.
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 United States. This type of visa is generally issued to students, researchers, teachers, and other exchange program participants who need to be in the U.S. for a specific period. J1 visa holders are expected to return to their home countries at the end of their program. J1 visa programs are administered by the U.S. Department of State and supported by specific sponsor organizations. The J1 visa has several categories:
- J1 Trainee: Allows individuals with a certain university degree or expertise in a specific job to work in the United States.
- J1 Intern: A category that can be applied for by individuals who are still studying or have recently graduated.
- Work and Travel (WAT): A category used by university students in their home countries to work and travel in the U.S. during the summer period.
- Other J1 Categories: Categories that can be applied for by teachers, camp counselors, au pairs, physicians, and secondary school students.
Who Can Apply for a J1 Visa?
The J1 visa can be applied for by:
- Undergraduate or graduate students,
- Academicians and researchers,
- Elementary, middle, and high school teachers,
- Interns and recent graduates,
- Au Pairs,
- Camp counselors,
- Students and professionals wishing to intern in the health sector.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for a J1 Visa?
Certain requirements must be met to apply for a J1 visa. Although these requirements vary depending on the visa type, there are some general requirements that must be met.
- REQUIREMENT 1: You must be accepted by an educational institution or exchange program in the United States.
- REQUIREMENT 2: You must be supported by a sponsor organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State.
- REQUIREMENT 3: Return Commitment: The J1 visa generally requires you to stay in the U.S. for a specific period and return to your country at the end of your program. Therefore, you are expected to show your intent to return to your home country when your stay in the U.S. ends.
- REQUIREMENT 4: Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement: Some J1 visa holders are required to stay in their home country for at least two years after completing their program in the U.S. This rule applies particularly to government-funded programs or specific professions.
- REQUIREMENT 5: J1 visa holders must have health insurance. Healthcare in the U.S. can be costly, so it is important to obtain appropriate health insurance.
Where to Apply for a J1 Visa?
The application process for a J1 visa involves several steps and is carried out through sponsor organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. consulates or embassies.
How to Apply for a J1 Visa?
Let me explain step-by-step how to apply for a J1 visa:
- Finding a Sponsor Organization and Joining the Program
- Finding a Sponsor Organization: You must find a sponsor organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State for the J1 visa program. Sponsor organizations suitable for the program you want to join are listed on the U.S. Department of State’s website. Then, you need to apply for the program and receive approval.
- Obtaining the DS-2019 Form
- DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status): The sponsor organization will provide you with the DS-2019 form after confirming your acceptance into the program. You need to complete this form.
- Paying the SEVIS Fee
- SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Fee: After receiving the DS-2019 form, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Filling Out the DS-160 Form
- You must complete the DS-160 form, which is used for U.S. visa applications, online.
- Paying the Visa Application Fee
- You must pay the fee required for the visa application.
What to Expect After Applying for a J1 Visa?
After applying for and receiving approval for a J1 visa, you can enter the U.S. You are expected to comply with the laws and program requirements during your stay.
In conclusion, it is important to submit accurate information and documents at every stage of the application. For more information and support about the J1 visa, you can visit cklawfirm.org or contact me directly on LinkedIn.
