5 Important Steps before applying for the J1 Visa! The most important steps…
5 Important Steps before applying for the J1 Visa!
The most important steps before applying for the J1 Visa are: 1. Applying for and being accepted into an exchange visitor program; 2. Paying the SEVIS I-901 Fee after getting accepted; 3. Checking the validity of your passport; 4. Gathering all the required documents for the Visa and 5. Scheduling 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.
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).
What do U.S. Universities offer to Exchange visitors?
American universities are known to offer their students internship options and courses with hands-on experience. This helps students get a better impression of the American employment market while motivating them to make contacts before graduation so that they can begin their career growth as quickly as possible. This means that you will be able to pursue a job by studying in the US before finishing your studies and putting yourself in the right career path.
Differences between a J1 and J2 Visa?
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.
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.
How to extend your Exchange Visa stay?
The responsible officer has the right to extend the program of a participant to its full regulatory period, that is to say, to the limit imposed by regulations specific to a type of program or to the designation of a program sponsor. The participant is issued with a new Form DS-2019 that represents the extension. For extraordinary or rare situations, extensions past the full length of the program are approved under some program types, with the approval of the Department of State. In order to receive approval for such extensions, the responsible officer must send an electronic request explaining the petition and, on behalf of the participant, provide the Department of State with supporting documents.
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!
