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The J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, popular for research scholars, students, and medical grads. Such people usually learn specific skills from America and return to their home country later. Hence, know everything there is to know about the J1 visa below!
Let’s begin!
A J1 visa has many categories available under it. However, broadly speaking, it is a visa for both work and travel. In addition, it is a non-immigrant visa issued to individuals who wish to visit the US as a part of work, travel, or short-term international student visa.
In the J1 visa program, the individuals can learn in the US for a short duration, then return home and apply their skills. Moreover, their dependents can also follow them, albeit on a J2 visa. There are strict eligibility criteria for availing of this visa.
There are various subcategories for a J1 visa. Hence, your eligibility for this visa will depend on the program that you have applied for. The organisation that will sponsor your J1 visa will also have some eligibility criteria, so you are advised to check with both for eligibility.
However, 2 primary criteria remain, notwithstanding the others. These are -
There are 14 types of J1 visas covering various jobs and study programs. They are -
These are the various subcategories. To know more about each subcategory, you can click here.
However, keep reading to learn more on how to apply for a J1 visa!
Here’s how to apply for a J1 visa. Follow these simple steps.
Upon completing this process, you will have to interview at a local US Embassy or consulate to get your visa. Young children and adults over 80 years old do not require an interview except in certain cases.
Among the J1 visa requirements are a host of forms and documents. The documents pertain to the applicant, the sponsor program and the United States government.
Hence, these are the documents required for a J1 visa.
This form will be generated after your details have been logged into a US database called SEVIS. Your sponsor should forward this form to you. Check it thoroughly to see that the details of the form are accurate and match your passport.
This form has four sections regarding your sponsor and yourself. The Department of State requires these details. Your sponsor will have to fill out some part of the form.
The DS-160 Online Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application is the next form in the gamut. You will have to fill this form online before you book an appointment with the US embassy. In addition, you will have to mention a place where you can attend your visa interviews.
You will require a valid passport that will not expire 6 months beyond the period of stay. Every member of your family who is coming along with you must also comply with these rules.
You will need a recent coloured photograph to upload or carry with you for a successful J1 visa application.
The DS-160 will cost you $160, and the SEVIS will cost you $180. However, the J1 visa cost varies from program to program and will differ for different applicants. Moreover, if you want a J1 visa fee waiver, you must pay $ 120 for the DS-305 form. Further, for an extension, you will have to pay $367 for a new DS-2019. People from certain countries need to pay a reciprocity fee.
The processing time may take up from 5 weeks to 2 months. Every application is different and depends on the staffing of the consulate or embassy you are applying to.
The duration of the stay depends on the program. You can, however, stay for 7 years on a J1 visa.
We have shown the validity for certain programs below -
Program |
Duration of Stay |
Teachers/ professors/scholars/researchers |
5 years |
Medical grad students |
7 years |
Professional trainees and government visitors |
1 year and 6 months or even up to 2 years |
Camp counsellors and summer workers |
4 months |
Nannies and au pairs |
1 year |
Employees of the International Communication Agency |
10 years or more. |
Here are the various benefits of the J1 visa -
In conclusion, it should be noted that a J1 visa is issued mostly for the training of individuals in America. It isn’t to take American jobs as the H-1B visa allows.
Hence, this is the most popular visa route of choice for students, scholars, and research workers. Therefore, apply for your J1 insurance today!