General
The J-1 visa permits foreign nationals to enter the United States to participate in a program that promotes cultural exchange. The purpose of the J-1 non-immigrant category is to promote and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, skills, education, the arts and sciences, and culture between the United States and foreign countries.
Who is Eligible for a J-1 Visa?
Those who may enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa include but are not limited to the following:
- students of all levels of education
- trainees seeking to either teach or learn certain procedure, knowledge, and/or skills
- teachers, professors, and researcher scholars
- those who wish to pursue professional courses in medicine and nursing
- those entering the U.S. to participate in an internship or summer work program
- au-pairs
- those who wish to enter the United States to learn, share, or demonstrate specialized knowledge or skills
- those entering the U.S. to participate in an exchange program approved by the U.S. Department of State
How Do I Obtain a J-1 visa?
The first step in obtaining a J-1 visa involves finding a placement program and/or sponsor. The placement can essentially be any program that accepts foreign nationals for the purpose of study, research, training, or cultural development. There are many institutions in the United States that sponsor individuals for J-1 programs, including schools, businesses, individuals, and various organizations.
Once you have found a sponsor you must go ahead and submit the proper documentation to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country and participate in an interview with the appropriate officials.
Two Year Home Country Requirement
Certain J-1 non-immigrants are required to return to their home country for at least two years upon the completion of their program. You will be subject to the two year home country requirement if the following conditions exist:
- Government funded exchange program – The program was funded by the U.S. government or your home or residence country’s government
- Graduate medical education or training - The exchange visitor entered the U.S. to receive graduate medical education or training
- Specialized knowledge or skill:- The exchange visitor is a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed the field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List
Ife S. Ashabo, B.A., J.D., F.L.C
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