How long can you stay in the US with the J1/J2 Visa? The…
How long can you stay in the US with the J1/J2 Visa?
The length of time you will stay in the U.S. under your J-1 visa depends on your particular program, but, except under some cases, the limit can be seven years. As for the holders of the J2 visa, the length of the visa varies, since the holders of the J2 visa are permitted to remain for the same length as the holders of the J1 exchange visa. So, if their program is going to last two years, then the holder of the J2 can stay for the full term of two years or less.
The J1 Visa or the Exchange Visitor Program is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows international applicants to participate in work and study based programs to travel and gain experience in the United States. As for the J2 Visa holder, they go to the US to accompany the J1 Visa holder, meaning you can only get a J2 Visa issued if you are the child or spouse of the J1 Visa applicant.
How to apply for a J1 Visa?
Before you can even apply for this Visa, you need to select the type of J1 Visa program you want to enroll in. After that you need a sponsor which will help you with the application process. You get the DS-2019 Form from them and have to pay for the SEVIS Fee. After that you have to complete the Online nonimmigrant Visa application, the DS-160 and schedule an interview with the Embassy or Consulate.
3 States with the most J1/J2 Visa holders?
Almost every year, around 300,000 international visitors come to the United States through the Exchange Visitor Visa. The highest number of Exchange guests are in California with 35,000; after California we have New York with 30,000 and Florida with 15,000 visitors.
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.
Where do you apply for an Exchange Visitor Visa (J1/J2)?
First you must complete all the necessary forms online (DS-160) in order to be able to apply for this type of Visa. After you gather all your documents and check your passports’ validity, you have to schedule an interview appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate. That is where you apply for the Visa while you attend the interview!
Which documents do you need for the Exchange Visa interview?
The documents needed to be able to apply for the J Visas at the embassy/consulate 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.
Why are there so many J1/J2 applicants?
The United States is an amazing diverse place that offers many opportunities to international students to study, job opportunities to trainees and exchange programs for everyone. It is no surprise that there are many J1/J2 Visa applicants yearly and that the number of applicants keeps increasing!
