J-1 Visa Process FAQ
If you’re an international citizen interested in gaining work experience in the United States, you may be eligible to participate in an exchange program with a J-1 visa. Here, our experienced immigration attorney answers a few common questions about the J-1 visa process.
Who is eligible for a J-1 visa?
You may be eligible for a J-1 visa if you intend to participate in a pre-approved work or study-based exchange program to teach, lecture, study, consult, conduct research, or receive training.
You can apply for a J-1 visa in one of the following exchange visitor categories:
- Au pair and educare
- Camp counselor
- College and university student
- Government visitor
- Intern
- International visitor
- Physician
- Professor
- Research scholar
- Secondary school student
- Short-term scholar
- Specialist
- STEM initiatives
- Summer work travel
- Teacher
- Trainee
How long can I stay in the U.S. with a J-1 visa?
The total length of time you can stay in the United States depends on your program. For specialists, au pairs, interns, and international visitors, the maximum stay is one year. Secondary school students can stay for one academic year. College or university students, trainees, and government visitors can stay for 18 months.
Camp counselors and summer work travel participants can stay for four months, while short-term scholars can stay for six months. Teacher exchange programs cannot exceed three years, while professor and research scholars programs cannot exceed five years. The physician exchange program cannot exceed seven years. Some programs can be extended past the maximum duration limit if you meet specific requirements.
Can my family gain visas through my J-1 visa?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for a J-2 visa, depending on your exchange program. For example, au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student, and summer work travel programs don’t issue J-2 visas.
If your program permits J-2 visas, your spouse and/or children will file their own Form DS-2019.
The J-1 visa application process
The first step in the application process is finding the right exchange program for you. Then, you apply to your intended program and pay any necessary fees.
Once you are accepted, your program sponsor will issue you a Form DS-2019. After completing the form, you can pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee and file Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and the application fee.
Next, schedule your interview as soon as possible. You must bring the following documents to this meeting:
- Original Form DS-2019
- Form DS-2019 confirmation page
- Passport
- Photo
- Visa application fee receipt
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will inform you if your visa application has been approved and when you can expect your visa.
Talk to the Immigration Lawyers at JAD Law
The U.S. Immigration visa application process can be lengthy and confusing, but an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate it. JAD Law is here to help. Contact JAD Law today to schedule an appointment.
JAD Law serves several counties across Metro Detroit, Michigan, including Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties. JAD Law also serves counties across Northern Michigan, including Grand Traverse, Charlevoix, Benzie, Leelanau, and Antrim counties.
