What should YOU do before applying for the J1 Visa? Before applying for…

What should YOU do before applying for the J1 Visa?

Before applying for the J1 Visa at the US Embassy or Consulate, you must first apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization. After that you need to check the validity of your passport, gather all the required documents and schedule an interview with the Embassy/Consulate.

What are the general requirements of the Exchange Visitor Visa?

The general requirements for both Exchange Visitor Visas are: a valid passport, the printed out DS-160 Form, SEVIS i-901 fee, insurance fee, the application fee receipt, a 2×2 photo of yourself, DS-2019 Form, the DS-7002 Form depending on which program you applied for. Keep in mind that if you are applying for the J2 Visa you also need the I-94 document and the birth/marriage certificate.

Are you eligible to apply for the J2 Visa?

Eligibility for a J-2 Visa depends on the particular exchange program provided by a sponsor organization to the J-1 non-immigrant. J-2 Visas are not permitted by the exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student and summer work travel. Moreover, although some categories allow a J-1 Visa holder to be accompanied by spouses and/or dependents, there are specific programs that do not.

What are the BENEFITS of the J1 Visa?

The J1 Visa is a different kind of nonimmigrant Visa with many benefits. Not only does it allow employment to their dependents (J2 Visa holders), it also lasts longer than the usual nonimmigrant Visas, it allows you to find job opportunities and switch to another host/sponsor if they see fit.

What Forms do you need for the J1 Visa?

The Forms which J1 Visa Applicants need to fill and take with them in the interview with the American Embassy or Consulate are: The DS-160 Form, the DS-2019 Form and the DS-7002 if it is required based on the program the Visa applicant has chosen to participate in.

How many Exchange Visitor Visa holders are in the US?

Via the J1 Exchange Visitor Program each year, about 300,000 foreign tourists from 200 countries and territories come to the U.S. The highest number of exchange guests (35,000) is actually hosted by California, followed by New York (30,000) and Florida (15,000). J1 Visa holders mainly come from: China (40,000), Great Britain (20,000) and Germany (20,000).

How long does it take to get the J1 visa?

It takes six to eight weeks on average to apply for a J-1 Visa and be accepted. Depending on the particular consulate or embassy where you apply, this procedure can take anywhere from one day (if you may apply in person) to four or more weeks. To avoid possible delays, we recommend that you send to CICD your application for J-1 sponsorship well in advance of the desired start date of your training.

Why does the US have an increasing number of J1/J2 applicants?

The reason why so many Visa applicants apply yearly for the J1/J2 Visa in the US is because of the many benefits that it offers. Different from any type of Visa this Visa allows you to work while you finish your exchange program.