J-1 Visa
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J-1 Visa : Types, Requirements and Application
All the international students planning to Study in the US are looking for different types of study visas. J-1 Visa is a kind of study and exchange visa. It is very important to know the types, requirements and criterias of the J-1 visa if you are planning to immigrate and study in the US.
What is a J-1 Visa?
J-1 Visa is a study and exchange visa for anyone who wants to go for work and study-based programs in the United States. Generally, this visa is sponsored by an educational institution.
What are the Requirements of a J-1 Visa?
J-1 student and exchange visa has certain requirements that the candidate must meet :-
- Enough Funds - You must have at least 50% funding for your program done by an educational institution.
- Valid Passport - The candidate must have a passport that is valid for at least six months ahead of your program completion date.
- Part-time Work Restrictions - If you are doing part-time then ensure that you work only for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
- DS Forms - The candidate who is accepted for the exchange program will receive a DS form-2019 and DS-7002.
- Medical Insurance - You can have medical insurance that is sponsored by your host university.
- Colored Photographs - Along with the application form, you will have to submit recent two- color photographs.
What are the Types of J-1 Visa?
There are several types of J-1 Visa. You can choose the program you are interested in.
1. Au Pair - The Au Pair Category allows the candidate between the ages of 18- 26 to go to a host family for taking care of children. In exchange, the candidate will get a room and stipend.
2. Camp Counselor - The candidate will have to do the American camp work. You must be at least 18 years of age and be proficient in the English language.
3. Government Visitor Program - In this program, international people selected by US government agencies are invited to visit and strengthen their relationship with America.
4. Intern - The internships are offered in specific fields like hospitality, agriculture, business, finance and law. You must fulfill any of these conditions in order to qualify for the intern category of the J-1 Visa.
4. Intern - The internships are offered in specific fields like hospitality, agriculture, business, finance and law. You must fulfill any of these conditions in order to qualify for the intern category of the J-1 Visa.
- Currently enrolled at an university
- Graduated from post-graduate academic institution or university in the last 12 months
- Enrolled in the certificate-granting academic institution
5. International Visitor - An International Visitor must be selected by the Department of United States. You must demonstrate special skills or take part in consultation, research and training.
6. Physician - In order to qualify for Physician, the candidate must have completed the education and have the required medical training. The candidate must have passed either Part-1 or Part 2 of National Board of Medical Examiners Examination, Foreign Medical Graduate Examination or Visa Qualifying Examination.
7. Professor and Research Scholar - Through this, you can engage in research and lecturing at universities in the United States. There are two categories :-
- Professor Category - It is for the candidates who wish to teach and lecture at post-secondary school or educational institutions.
- Research Scholar - It is for the candidates who wish to research and consult at research institutions, museums, libraries and other institutions.
8. Short-term Scholar - The duration of this program is six months and no extension is granted to any candidate. It allows professors, researchers to demonstrate their skills for a short period of time.
9. Specialist Program - It allows experts and skill specialists to travel to the US for a year in exchange for knowledge and skills among the Americans.
10. Summer Work Travel Program - This program allows students to travel to the US in summers. The student must be proficient in English language and enrolled in a full-time course at post-secondary education institutions. The duration of this program is four months.
11. Teacher - Teachers are permitted to work for up to three years as primary and secondary school instructors in the United States. A teacher must meet the requirements for teaching in primary or secondary schools in their home country, have three years or more of teaching experience and meet the state teaching standards in the US.
12. Trainee Program - Through these programs, professionals can learn training in US business. A foreign national who has a degree from a foreign post-secondary academic institution, along with a minimum of one year of work experience in their respective occupational field is required to be a trainee.
How to apply for a J-1 Visa?
The steps to apply for a J-1 Visa are as follows -
Step 1 - Select a Sponsor
One of the primary requirements for obtaining a J-1 student visa is having a non-personal sponsor for your program. To get funding for your program, you must find a sponsor. One of the main steps is that the sponsor needs to have an accreditation from the United States Department.
Step 2 - Submit the DS-2019 Form
You must submit the DS-2019 form after submitting an application to a sponsor and being accepted into the program. You should make sure you have received the correct DS-2019 form as it is supplied by your chosen sponsor.
Step 3 - Pay the Additional Fees
There are a few other expenses you will have to pay throughout the application process in addition to your program fees. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System I-901 fees need to be paid to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The two additional payments are for processing nonimmigrant visa applications and issuing visas, which can be paid at the US embassy in your country of residence. If the US Agency for International Development or the Department of State is sponsoring your program, you are exempt from paying these fees.
Step 4 - Schedule an Interview
The candidate will be interviewed by an officer at a local US embassy. One should make sure that they apply for it as early as possible. The candidate will be interviewed to understand the purpose of understanding the intention of traveling to the US.
What is the Cost of a J-1 Visa?
The total cost of a J-1 Visa is $185. The cost of the visa also depends on the type of J-1 Visa you are applying for. The candidate needs to submit an additional fee as per the country they are applying from.
Contact Stark Visas - the Best US Immigration Consultant
Stark Visas is the Best US Immigration Consultant in India. We will help you in checking your eligibility and evaluate your profile accordingly. All the candidates want to enjoy a hassle-free visa application procedure. We will ensure that the documentation process is done on time.
Stark Visas is regarded as the no.1 agent in immigration industry. We understand that your dreams are important. We will be there for you till you board your flight to the US. We have a team of certified immigration lawyers. We recognize that each customer is unique, with their own goals and circumstances. Our consultants take the time to comprehend the individual requirements to customize it accordingly. Contact us today for more details about our services.
Read these FAQs
Is J-1 eligible for green card?
Those in the United States on J-1 visas are eligible to apply for a Green Card through employment based or family based immigration.
How much money do you need for a J-1?
You need to bring the minimum proof of funds $800 to enter the USA, which should keep you going until you start getting paid depending on your rent and other expenses you may have.
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