About the J-1 Visa Program for Exchange Visitors

About the J-1 Visa Program for Exchange Visitors

The J-1 visa program enables foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to study, teach, conduct research or receive training for up to several years. The J-1 visa program is administered by the U.S. Department of State, which designates public and private entities to serve as sponsors for J-1 visa applicants.

Typically, J-1 exchange visitors include students, teachers, professors, research assistants, physicians, summer workers, trainees, interns, nannies, camp counselors or specialists in the fields of education, the arts and science. Some J-1 exchange visitors enter the U.S. to work and others just to study.

Requirements for a J-1 visa

To be eligible for a J-1 visa, applicants must be proficient in the English language and carry medical insurance at the minimum benefit levels as outlined in the program regulations. Prior to arrival in the U.S., sponsors are required to provide J-1 visa program participants with information about the program as well as any relevant contractual obligations.

In addition, sponsors must provide an orientation program for all participants as well as any family members who may be coming to the U.S. with them on a J-2 spouses or dependents visa. Sponsors are also required to monitor program participants during their stay.

J-1 exchange program fees

Sponsor organizations typically charge program fees unless the program is a federally funded exchange program. Sponsors should provide participants with a full list of program costs and fees prior to arrival in the U.S.

Once accepted into a program, a participant will receive a form DS-2019 from the program sponsor, who will advise the participant if he or she has to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security or if that fee is already included in the program fees.

In addition, J-1 visa applicants who apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate are required to pay a nonimmigrant visa application processing fee.

The attorneys at Jurado & Farshchian, P.L. can assist with your immigration or residency issues. Please contact us at (305) 921-0440, or email us at info@jflawfirm.com.

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