J-1 Visa Application The J-1 classification is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa issued to foreign nationals who intend to participate in an approved exchange visitor J-1 program in the United States. You can schedule a consultation with us today by filling out this contact form. If your sponsor has made the payment on your behalf, they will need to provide you with a receipt for the payment as it will be asked for during your interview. If your dependents will be accompanying you to the United States on your J1 visa, they will be applying for a J2 visa. "Your services are greatly appreciated, and we wouldn’t hesitate to hire you again in the future", "Attorney Malik impressed me with utmost professionalism, knowledge, and commitment", “I never met a lawyer who works so hard, cares so much, on call 24/7″, “Shilpa Malik is the best lawyer I have ever hired. A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreementsprovide exemptions). Being a temporary visa, the application process requires every applicant to complete a DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application. This usually involves both extensive documentation and an interview. We will help you prepare your forms and supporting documents to maximize your chances of approval. Take a look at the photos sent to us … This article is a guide for applicants and will include who is eligble, the application … The J-1 exchange visitor program involves three parties: the participant (you), the sponsoring organization, and the United States government. Each visa applicant, including dependent spouses children (if any), must complete theirs. If you are working with a recruiting agent, they will assist you and may even schedule the appointment on your behalf. You will be informed by your sponsor if you are to pay it separately. An immigration official at the port of entry determines the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the United States. Read stories from the Exchange Visitor Program community. For many who visit the U.S. on a J-1 visa, there is a 2-year home … After completing all the above documentation, the embassy will send you a message indicating the date, time, and location of the interview. Frequently Asked Questions. In general, you will need: To complete online form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application form. Public Charge Rule Defeated Again Nationwide, New H-1B Visa Rules: Higher Wages and More Restrictions, Student (secondary school, college, or university). Needless to say we are now pursuing our business endeavours in the USA. Visit the DS-160 web pagefor more information about the DS-160. Shilpa is a great person and professional & an exceptional attorney! J-1 visa applicants are required to pay certain fees. However, with the help of a professional, you will ultimately increase your approval chances. However, before you can enhance your career through a traineeship in the U.S., every worldwide participant must have a sponsor … J1 USA is without question, the most incredible experience an Irish student can do with their summer. You will apply to a specific government-approved sponsorship program which will provide you with a completed DS-2019.You must file this form with the U.S. 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. Any error in the documentation may lead to delay or denial, which can adversely affect the whole process. Getting started on the immigration journey can be an investment of time, effort, and money. She had winning ideas, creativity and excellence right from the onset which reflected upon what was filed, and the hard work and heart put into it for the resultant success. The eligibility criteria vary for a J-1 visa vary widely depending on the program chosen. You can send an application to the organization requesting for a chance to participate. A visa application … The sponsoring organization will take you through the steps you need to see if you qualify. Do I Need an Immigration Reference Letter for A Family Member? J-1 Visa USA Overview . Give a breakdown of the total estimated financial support to be given to you during your stay. At Immi-USA, we have highly experienced J-1 visa immigration lawyers who have helped countless applicants process and obtain their exchange visitor program visas. 2. It was created with the intention that people from around the world could visit the US to learn new skills and take part in educational and cultural exchanges. 3. Welcome participants into your home or office. If you want to apply for a J-2 visa then you will first need to look into the exchange program that is being offered by sponsored organisations. They will be required to present their DS-160 Confirmation Page, photo (if applicable), DS-2019, passport and a Registered Marriage or Birth Certificate. With that … After securing approval from your J1 sponsor, the next step is to apply for your J1 visa. Your U.S. institution will send you a Form I-20 (for F-1 or M-1 visa applicants) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 visa applicants) Pay your SEVIS fee of $180 online to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, before proceeding, it is essential first to know the eligibility criteria and be sure you are qualified for the program and can pay the required fees. This may require submitting your bank statements, tax returns, financial aid, or scholarship paperwork (if any). Medical Insurance: You are required to carry medical insurance with the minimum benefit level of coverage as stated in the, Identify the beneficiary participant (you), Identify the sponsor – name, signature, telephone number and address of the designated responsible officer by the sponsor, Give a brief description of the J-1 program including the activity to be completed, State the start and end dates of the program and its J-1 category. If you are planning to get a J1 visa to come to the US, you will need to schedule a j1 visa interview with a consulate officer at the US embassy or consulate. You will need to provide evidence of ties to your home country to prove that you aren’t intending to abandon your country or overstay your visa after completing your program. The J-1 Visa is granted to individuals by the U.S. State Department through a form called the DS-2019. It does not have dual intent, a designation that allows the adjustment of status to permanent residence, as other visas may allow. The J-1 Visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the U.S. State Department. The J-1 visa is an advantageous visa for those that are eligible, and it pays to understand all of the details before getting started, including how much it will cost. The US State Department provides an online toolto help you find the right sponsor for you. I was immediately convinced she is the right Attorney I should stick with. The J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to people who come to the USA to do an internship or a summer work travel program. Professional, responsive and transparent are a few words that come to mind when looking back at our dealing with this law firm. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. She is highly respected and deserves every bit of it. Some of the required documents or certificates of proficiency for this include the IBT, IELTS, TOFEL, PTE, CAE, CPE, or TOEIC. Once you have been chosen, a designated official from the sponsoring organization will issue you a DS-2019. Apply for a visa. How can I apply for a waiver of the two-year home-country physical presence requirement? There is no general rule to this requirement as applicants have varied circumstances. The Q-1 visa … The information provided here will assist you in the process. What our J-1 Visa TRAINEE program offers With the J-1 visa, graduates and professionals can complete a cultural exchange in the USA for up to 18 months by participating in a trainee-internship. The stronger the ties are, the more convincing they will appear to the immigration officers. See additional AcademicOpportunities! J-1 Exchange Visitor visa Please note: Questions regarding ‘J’ visas (and all other U.S. visas) should be addressed to the Office of Visa Services in the U.S. Department of State. Every J-1 applicant must find an organization to accept them into their program. If they meet the eligibility criteria, they still need to follow a few steps to secure J-1 Visa. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, … State Department Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19), Exchange Visitor Program Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19), Get Updates on Exchange Programs and the Presidential Proclamation, Visa Exceptions to Presidential Proclamations Affecting J-1 Visas, Common Questions for Host Families/Employers, Regulations and Compliance Administration, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. See where Exchange Visitor participants go! NOTE: U.S. government sponsored exchange visitor (J visa) applicants and their dependents are not required to pay application processing fees if participating in a Department of State, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), or a Federally funded educational and cultural exchange program which has a program … Can I participate in another Exchange Visitor program after finishing my current program? J-1 Exchange Visitor programs include au pairs, summer work travel, interns, high school and university student exchanges, physician exchanges and more. I will recommend Shilpa and her law firm, SGM to anyone who needs capable and experience hands to help with his/her petition. No objection statement (J1 Visa) I have applied to the United States Immigration authorities for permanent residence status in the United States. The J-1 classification is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa issued to foreign nationals who intend to participate in an approved exchange visitor J-1 program in the United States. The J-1 visa is a temporary visa, which requires all participants to return to their home countries upon the completion of their programs. 2. It is also available to those who want to receive medical training or education. The J-1 visa application is a complicated process due to the several documents and different parties involved. Book your Place. It is, therefore, important to prepare well and answer all the questions accurately and truthfully. J-2 Visa (J-1 Spouse, Partner or Dependent) Introduction. Overall it was a great experience working with her! J-1 Visa Fees. A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. USA issues J1 visa to promote cultural exchange thus, all the candidates or applicants applying for this visa category should meet certain criteria. … x. J1 Memories. Shilpa is just the best attorney you will ever meet. Very passionate about her work! See examples of J-1 visa interview questions you can expect at the embassy. The only exception is if your program is going to be funded by the U.S. government, your country’s government, or an organization. The form has a barcode which you must print out and keep as part of the items to take to your interview later. Applicants sponsored by the U.S. federal government, those participating in federal government-funded educational and cultural exchange programs, and those whose programs are in certain U.S. agencies will not need to pay for this. Having met with two attorneys before our consultation with Miss Shilpa she really stood out so to speak. In order to conduct an internship or training opportunity in the USA, you will need a suitable host company and a J-1 Visa. This could be for the purpose of teaching, lecturing, studying, instructing, conducting research, demonstrating special skills, or observing. As part of your application process, you may be asked to provide proof that you have the capacity to pay the fees and your general financial needs throughout your stay. You should work closely with your RO because you will most likely need his or her guidance all throughout the application process. A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. This means that this is the document that gives you permission to enter the USA between the dates listed as issue date and expiration date. Get started on your Exchange Visitor experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a J1 visa: For instance, J-1 visas for camp counselors and summer workers visitor program may not last beyond 4 months, while some students or researchers might require up to 5 years to complete theirs. J1 Visa Application Process Step 1: Choose an Exchange Visitor Program The first step of how to apply for a J1 visa is to choose a J1 exchange visitor program. J-1 Visa Bridge USA Overview The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 which created the J-1 visa, enables the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange. What documents are needed to apply for an Exchange Visitor Visa? The J-1 exchange visitor visa allows participants to come to the United States for a temporary stay, if participating in one of the J1 Visa programs. Click the links below for more information on the exchange visitor program. If your program is going to be funded by the federal government, you may not need to pay program fees. This amount varies from sponsor to sponsor. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Her service was excellent and I would definitely recommend her to all my friends! The J1 visa is an exchange visitor non-immigrant visa type, is issued to those who wish to visit the US via a study-based exchange program. The officer will tell you the required documents to submit with your DS-2019 form and may assist you on how to fill your J-1 visa application according to the rules guiding your specific program. All J-1 visa applicants will need to attend an immigration interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. The J-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is normally given out by the US Embassy. It may also involve a fourth: your home country’s government. However, the general requirements for all participants are: A J-1 program organization is any private or public entity approved by the DOS to act as an exchange program sponsor. If they are willing to sponsor you for the visa, you will then need to complete form DS-2019 (“Certificate of Eligibility for Exchanger Visitor [J-1] Status”). J1 Visa Application Process . From the moment my wife and I met with Miss Shilpa she set our expectations and helped us submit our visa applications. The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. She is very trustworthy, very reliable and extremely knowledgable.″, Copyright © 2009 - 2020 SGM Law Group | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Practice Limited to Immigration & Nationality Law, DOS requirements for passport photographs, How to Apply for Dual Citizenship in the U.S. – The Definitive Guide (2020). She responded to calls and text messages almost immediately and didn’t leave any questions unanswered. First you will need a sponsoring company to apply to. To apply for a J visa, you must submit the following: 1. Technically, this is your personal J-1 visa. I unreservedly endorse this lawyer. It will be printed with a unique identifier known as a “SEVIS number.” It is also used to: After completing the DS-2019, you can proceed to apply for your J-1 visa. The process of applying for a visa will vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. These forms may only be obtained through designated sponsors such as GACC California. It is crucial to attend the interview on the date scheduled as missing your interview will lead to delay, which might affect your resumption date for the program. 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. She has done a great and excellent work which has rewarded with good success. We can talk all day long of how life-changing and character building a J1 experience is, so don’t take our word for it. What do I do? Don’t get caught off guard by the J-1 visa fees, read up on … Visit the DS-160 webpagefor more information about the DS-160. She handles her immigration cases with impressive ease and is extremely knowledgeable about the various idiosyncrasies of immigration law. The photo must meet these DOS requirements for passport photographs. To apply for a J visa, you must submit the following: 1. After completing the t… Some sponsoring organizations include it as part of their program fees while others keep it as a separate payment. The team has been very professional and responsive over email and phone. Your J-1 visa interview performance will be assessed by the immigration officer and will be part of what determines your J-1 visa application approval or otherwise. Bridging the ‘Last Three Feet’ Over 26.2 Miles, Global Learning By Design: The Business of Architecture. There is also a provision for a J-1 visa extension if you need to stay longer than the initial validity period. What is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)? There are many of them offering different categories of programs, so you will need to choose the one that relates to your intended program. This could be for the purpose of teaching, lecturing, studying, instructing, conducting research, demonstrating special skills, … The DS-160 is for all temporary visa applicants, including the J-1. You may qualify for an exchange visitor program if you are a/an: You will need to choose the one you intend to participate in among the approved programs and apply for a J-1 visa following the guidelines for the program you have chosen. In short, the requirements for a J1 visa … Applicants from certain countries may need to pay a visa issuance fee after their J-1 visa has been approved. Terms & Conditions J-1 Visa Application J-1 Visa Conditions Intern Category (Internship or Graduation Assignment) To qualify for this category you must: Have a secured internship placement with a company in the United States that is no longer than 12 months in duration. My manager hired her to help us with our case and not only she walked us thru the process but she made sure everything went smooth. Ensure that you print out and keep the receipt as you will need to provide evidence of the payment at the interview. If you are to be sponsored by a relative or any other individual, that person will need to provide some financial documentation as well. English Proficiency: All J-1 participants must demonstrate that they possess sufficient English language proficiency. Some of the acceptable ties include having your immediate family members, employment, business, or a large sum of money back home. How do I know if I am subject to the two-year home-country foreign residency requirement? The addresses and official locations of all the approved J-1 program sponsor organizations are listed here. The SEVIS I-901 fee is paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Check the visa reciprocity tables to know if you will need to pay for this, and what the required amount will be. She is well organized and always on top of everything! There are multiple exchange visitor programs, which include the … The purpose of the J-1 Intern category of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to give foreign students and recent graduates the opportunity to develop their skills while gaining an insight into US business practice and culture. Some of the Largest Hotel chains like Marriott offer both J-1 Visa … Who should I contact if I have concerns about the health or safety of a participant? I would highly recommend SGM law group immigration services. The maximum length is usually seven years, except in certain rare circumstances. Through this form, you will submit an online request for a J-1 visa to travel to the United States for your exchange program. These officials are usually referred to as Responsible Officers (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officers (ARO). Although embassy procedures vary … My visa has expired during the program. Whether you are just about to apply for a J-1 visa or you want to request for an extension, you can always count on us for the best immigration legal services. We give you everything you need to know. This payment will be made online while filling your DS-160 form. The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreementsprovide exemptions). A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Every nonimmigrant visa applicant must pay the DS-160 visa application processing fee. Q: Can I use any photo for my application… We have been availing Attorney Shilpa's services for the past couple of years and our experiences have been very good. Thank you so much for all your help !! Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).. If you need your case to be resolved be sure to contact her! The J1 visa allows non-US nationals to visit the country to study or work temporarily as part of the Exchange Visitor Program. Here’s some shots from happy J1’ers. For further information, visit the J1 visa - Exchange Visitor Program on the U.S Department of State website. From the very first time we spoke, Shilpa (SGM) already had in mind, a plan and methodology to approach the task at hand, making me believe it was possible. The sponsors usually screen their applicants before admitting them. She has very deep understanding on complex areas of immigration. Travel across the US for 30 days at the end of your visa and explore everything America has to offer. Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page. Who should I contact about changing my visa status while I am in the United States? Follow the specific instructions for the country that you’re in. The Exchange Visitor Program allows around 300,000 foreign nationals from across 200 countries to engage with and experience US society and culture. It will take you out of your comfort zone but has positive consequences such as finding yourself, life-changing experiences and helps to provide ideas for your life path after college. J1 Visa Program - for Practical Work Training / Internships The J1 visa Program is for foreign nationals who want to participate in an exchange visitor program / internship program in the USA. Where do I apply for an exchange visitor visa? The primary function of the DS-2019 form is to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. How long does it take to obtain a Exchange Visitor Visa? See where Exchange Visitor participants go! You will need to have a passport that will be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay for your J-1 program. If more than one person i… Most J-1 visitor programs require the payment of fees. Mike's Chicago J1 Experience You may need to have at least one of these to apply for the program. Interns are expected to share the cross-cultural and professional experience they have gained in the U.S. … If more than one person i… Your sponsor will give you a breakdown of the fees for your program. One certain thing, however, is that you will be given enough time to complete your program. The J1 visa is intended for students needing practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. Your J-1 visa validity period will be dependent on the amount of time it takes to complete your program. J1 Visa Overview. The last section of the form will be filled by the sponsor organization. If you are interested in pursuing one of these programs, you will need to find a sponsoring organization and apply for the J1 visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. Again, an extension request will be reviewed based on each applicant’s case, which will determine if the extension will be granted or denied. This form has four major sections where you will be required to fill your biographic information and answer some important questions about the program you are applying for. A photo. It was re-assuring to hear from her over and over, during the process that "I will want your case or petition to be successful.". This is … Interviews are generally required for anyone between the ages of 14 and 79, while those who fall outside this age bracket are not required to conduct a J1 visa interview. A J1 visa is a non-immigrant program-based visa (as opposed to being employer-based, like the H-1B visa).