J-1:
Exchange Visitor Visas
The J-1 allows foreign nationals to come temporarily
to the U.S. for work experience or engage in cultural activities. Applications
must demonstrate the individual has a residence abroad which he/she does
not intend to abandon, and proof they will not immigrate to the
U.S. The minimum requirements vary according to the sponsor, between
a Bachelor’s Degree to a High School Diploma. Sponsors
may have age or other requirements.
Application procedure:
Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor
Status, is required from the sponsor. DS-2019 is not valid for
travel unless accompanied with a J-1 visa.
Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement
Some J-1 programs require the foreigner to return
to their country of nationality for at least 2 years before becoming
eligible to return to the U.S. Programs that require foreign residency
are generally:
-
A program that was financed in whole or part, directly or indirectly,
by an agency of the U.S. government or by the exchange visitor's
country or last residence; or
-
The exchange visitor’s country has been designated as requiring
the services in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in
which the alien was engaged during the exchange visitor program;
or
- The exchange visitor was a physician who entered the U.S. to
receive medical education or training.
Dependents:
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are able to live in the
U.S. on a J-2 visa. Each may obtain employment,
but J-2 dependents may not if the income is needed
to support the J-1 principal alien.
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