Which type of Exchange Visa should YOU apply for? Depending on your reason…

Which type of Exchange Visa should YOU apply for?

Depending on your reason for visiting the United States, you could either apply for the J1 Visa which is a nonimmigrant temporary Visa for work and study based programs or the J2 Visa which is also a temporary Visa but you can only accompany a J1 Visa holder.

Can J1 Visa holders switch to other categories?

J1 Visa holders can change/switch to another category if they wish but in order to do that they must switch to a category related to their purpose of their visit and the switch must be necessary due to the circumstances.

What documents do you need for the J1 Visa?

For the J1 Visa you need these documents: a valid passport, SEVIS i-901 fee, insurance fee, the printed out DS-160 Form, the application fee receipt, a 2×2 photo of yourself, DS-2019 Form, the DS-7002 Form depending on which program you applied for.

Can you change your Exchange Visa status?

If for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or get a job offer, you will be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status via the U.S. to another category through the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If your Visa status changes through the USCIS then, there is no need to apply for a new Visa while you are in the United States. However, if you leave the United States, you have to apply for a Visa again but in the appropriate category of your travel.

What happens if you are ACCEPTED into an Exchange Visitor Program?

You will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) when you are accepted into the exchange visitor program you plan to take part in. Then, you will have to pay for the SEVIS I-901 Fee and a SEVIS-generated Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (Form DS-2019) is given to you after your program sponsor enters your information into the SEVIS system.

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!

How many J2 Visas have been issued?

J2 Visas just like F2 Visas are dependent temporary nonimmigrant Visas which not everyone is eligible for. In order to apply you need to be the spouse or unmarried child of the J1/F1 Visa holder. In comparison there are less J2 Visa applicants than the J1 Visa, therefore around 40,000 have been issued in past years.

Required additional documents for the J1 Visa?

The American Embassy or Consulate is allowed to ask for additional information even if you have all the required documents in your interview. When it comes to Exchange Visitor Visa Applicants, they ask for: evidence of the reason why you are traveling to the U.S., the purpose of departing the U.S. after the trip and financial proof that you can cover up all your costs during the trip!