The J1 Visa allows foreigners to study, work, research, or exchange cultural knowledge in the United States through participation in one of its 15 programs.
The State Department estimates that each year some 300,000 foreigners from more than 200 countries participate in this program, so if you want to join the list and enjoy the benefits it offers, through this article you will learn what the J1 Visa is, what programs are there and how you can apply.
What is the J1 Visa
The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa program extended by the United States aimed at people who wish to visit the country as an exchange, for work and travel for a limited time, for example, programs for the promotion of exchange cultural and Working Holiday.
In some cases it is also issued to students, schoolchildren, and researchers who would carry out academic activities within the United States for a short period of time, for example, to train or carry out professional practices.
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Programs to apply for the J1 Visa
The programs available to apply for the J1 Visa exist under different categories from which you can choose those that suit your needs and conditions, as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Next, we will mention the programs that participate in the process of this Visa:
J1 visa for Au-pair
It allows you to participate in an Au Pair program aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 26 who, at least, have completed secondary school and are fluent in English.
J1 Visa for Summer Camp Counselors
As its name indicates, it is a type of visa that opens the possibility of participating in programs to work in summer camps in the form of a counselor, that is, supervising the campers at all times and leading educational and recreational activities included within the plan.
This program is open to foreigners over 18 years of age and it is important to consider that it is not only open to fulfill this profile, that is, but it also does not apply to work options that consist of manual and operational tasks such as kitchen, administrative staff or cleaning.
J1 Visa for College Students
With this type of Visa, foreign university students will have the opportunity to participate in academic study or internship programs, in some cases funded by the United States government or, by the government of the student’s home country, their institution, or an organization. international provided that it presents its particular support.
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J1 Visa for Government Visitors
Foreign persons of special relevance can be chosen to participate in this program, receiving the opportunity to interact with members of the agencies of the federal, state, and local governments in the United States.
J1 Visa for Professional Internships
For students who attend a foreign university or finished their studies in the last 12 months, this program opens up the possibility of training their skills or developing new skills by doing internships in a company located in the United States.
J1 visa for international visitors with high capacities
In this Visa program, candidates are chosen by the US government from foreign leaders recognized for great professional potential and high skills.
J1 visa for future doctors
This program is intended for foreign doctors who wish to train or carry out internships in the United States.
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J1 Visa for University Professors
As its name suggests, it is a program where it is issued for university professors.
It is important to note that candidates for this program cannot have had a J1 visa in the previous 12 months, except for certain exceptions that you should consult particularly.
J1 visa for researchers
This program, known in English as Research Scholar, allows the application of this to university students or graduates who work on academic research projects linked to an institution or organization.
As in the limitations of the J1 Visa for university professors, the participation of people who have enjoyed this visa in the last 12 months is not allowed.
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J1 Visa for High School Students
It is designed for students between 15 and 18½ years old, at the time of starting the secondary education program.
It should be noted that access to this program is not allowed to international students who have previously studied in a high school in the United States with a J1 visa or with an F1 student visa.
J1 Visa for University Professors and Researchers
As its name suggests, the visa program is aimed at university professors and researchers. It is characterized because the maximum time of the program is six months and extension or change is not possible.
J1 visa for specialist experts
This program is aimed at specialist professionals in their field of knowledge who wish to work in the United States for a period of permanence of a maximum of one year, therefore, they will not be able to apply for jobs that require a fixed position.
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J1 visa for work and travel
If you are a university student and wish to work in the United States during your summer vacation, you will have the right to apply for a J1 visa with the advance notice established for your respective country.
J1 visa for teachers
This program is for teachers who want to work in the United States within elementary or secondary schools. As a requirement, it is necessary to have completed studies equivalent to the degree in Education or in the subject they wish to teach, in addition to demonstrating a minimum of 24 months of experience in teaching areas or the related field.
J1 visa for apprentices
This program is known in English as the Trainee Program. It is required to have a professional certificate from an institution of post-secondary studies and one year of work experience or five years of work experience in the field in which you want to do the internship.
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How to apply for the J1 Visa
Once you have decided the program to which you want to send your application, it is time to find out about the particular conditions of each one and of course, request it taking into account the data and steps that we will see below:
Requirements to apply for the J1 Visa
The requirements to apply for this visa are the following:
- Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)
- Valid passport
- Fees paid (SEVIS and Visa)
- Non-immigrant visa form DS-160
- International medical expenses insurance
- Requirements of each United States Embassy or Consulate where the J-1 Visa is requested
All international candidates traveling to the United States must be registered by their host institutions in the SEVIS system, a database that keeps information on students and exchange visitors in the United States up to date. For this service, it will be necessary to pay the corresponding fee.
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J1 Visa application process
As we have previously mentioned, one of the main characteristics of the J1 Visa is the need to have a sponsor, who must be previously authorized by the State Department, which can be found on the official website of this program (https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply).
These are the steps you must follow to start the application process:
- The first step is to choose the option of the program in which you want to participate. Without the sponsor, the visa cannot be applied for.
- Once you have a sponsor, it will include the candidate in the computer system known as SEVIS and will deliver a document known as DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
- As soon as you have the DS-2019, you can apply for a non-immigrant visa using the online form DS-160. All the instructions on the form must be followed for the payment of the fee, photos, fingerprinting and a certain appointment at the consulate for the interview.
The consular officer is the one who decides whether to approve the visa. In other words, having obtained the DS-2019 document at no time guarantees its approval.
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