What is a J-1 visa?

The J-1 visa also referred to as the J student visa or Exchange Visitor Visa basically is a visa for individuals living outside the United States. It is for those people who want to study and work being part of the exchange programs that are approved by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

There are around 15 different categories of program types. The following are these: 

• International Visitor
• Government Visitor
• Au Pair 
• College & University Student
• Camp Counselor
• Secondary School Student
• Professor
• Physician
• Intern
• Trainee
• Short-term Scholar
• Research Scholar
• Teacher
• Summer Work Travel
• Specialist

It is important to note that these programs are sponsored by a nonprofit or educational institution. These institutions are required to be accredited through the Exchange Visitor Program appointed by the U.S. State Department.

Moreover, this type of visa is for those individuals who want to get practical training that is not available in their home country. It is essential that their training should be directly linked with the academic program.

Eligibility Criteria

Following are certain criteria that you need to meet in order to apply for a J-1 student visa. 

The most important thing is to have around 50% of the funding for your program from an accredited sponsor. They must not be your family member or friend. 

In addition, you need to satisfy the English language requirements of the course of the university or college you are planning to get enrolled in. 

Moreover, it is vital for you and any dependent of yours to have valid medical insurance. It must meet the required standards that the host university demands. 

Along with that, other important things to take into account are to follow all the rules of the J-1 visa, have a valid passport, fulfill home residency requirements, update your address, follow working limits, maintain full-time study during the academic year, and get required pre-arrival information. 

Responsibilities of J-1 Visa Program Sponsor

There are a number of responsibilities of a J-1 visa program sponsor. 

After the state department approves the application of a sponsor, all steps of the J-1 exchange program are then the responsibility of a sponsor to manage, not USCIS. 

It is important for the sponsor to screen the potential employers and hosts. Moreover, they need to ensure the applicant is meeting all the eligibility requirements mentioned above. 

In addition, the sponsor needs to provide the exchange visitor with orientation as well as required information so that they can carry out their activities in the U.S in a better manner.

Application Process

Following are the steps that you need to take during the application process for a J-1 visa: 

• Initially, you will be required to apply for the DS-190 form. This is used by the US Department of State which will further allow you to get an interview with the consulate or embassy of the US. 
• Next, you need to pay the fees. There are two types of fees. First is the SEVIS I-901 fee and the other one is Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee. Before paying it, you need to ensure whether it will be paid by you or your sponsor. 
• Once the fee has been paid, you will then be required to schedule an interview with the nearest U.S consulate or embassy.

It is important to note that you need to submit the following documents to the consulate or embassy when applying for a J-1 visa. 

• DS-2019 Form
• Form DS-160
• DS-7002 Form
• A passport which is valid for US travel for at least six months after your program has been completed
• One 2x2 photograph

How Can RB Law Help You? 

When applying for a J-1 visa, it is important to be extremely careful as a small mistake can hinder the entire application process, further delaying your visa application. For that reason, it is vital to take help from a professional in this field, and RB Law is one of the best out there. Contact us today and allow us to help you with your J-1 visa application.