The J-1 was created to promote academic, cultural, and scientific exchange between the visitor and the host country. J-1 exchange visitor visa status is available to Interns, Trainees, Scholars and other limited categories, allowing them to engage in educational and cultural programs in the United States. J-1s must return to their home country for a period of 2-years before being allowed to transition to any other visa status in the U.S. (not even to adjust status to green card based on marriage). The goal of the program is to allow them to share their experiences, as well as to encourage their colleagues from the US to participate in educational and cultural programs abroad.
The period of authorized stay can vary across the array of J-1 Visa types for interns, trainees, students, researchers, professors, short-term scholars, and specialists. Depending on the category, these programs can be valid for multi-week to multi-year periods, but regardless of the duration of the program, the applicant must focus on the specific goals of the program for the duration of their stay in J-1 statuses.
J-1 Trainees. The J-1 Trainee visa is for professionals seeking career development opportunities in the U.S. for up to 18 months, offering them a chance to engage with U.S. professionals and learn about American business practices.
J-1 Interns. The J-1 Intern visa is for students and recent graduates from universities outside the country who want to apply for an internship in the USA, to gain practical experience in their field of study for up to 12 months.
J-1 Research Scholars and Professors is for participants in programs primarily involving teaching, research, long-term professional observation, or consulting. These programs can range from 3 weeks to 5 years.
J-1 Short-Term Scholars are professors, research scholars and other individuals with similar education or accomplishments travelling to the United States on a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions or similar types of institutions.
J-1 Specialists are experts in a specialized field of knowledge or skill coming to the United States for observing, consulting, or demonstrating special skills.
Our law firm helps design the Training Plan for Interns and Trainees, helping the Host entity (employment sponsor) draft a viable application for the J Umbrella Organization and the U.S. Department of Status. Because our work interfaces with the umbrella organization that has permission to issue the DS-2019 allowing J visa status, we help guide the requirements process and application through its various stages, not a small task given the complexity of having to provide thorough answers that align with the ultimate purpose of the J application.
Essentially, we facilitate the application process involving the various forms and the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application to be submitted to the U.S. consulate which ultimately must determine whether the individual will be permitted to obtain the J visa.