J-1, Exchange Visitors

The J1 visa is designed to provide educational and cultural exchange programs, and to promote the sharing of individuals, knowledge and skills in education, arts and sciences. This visa enables people to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The applicant must be a student, professor, research scholar, on-academic specialist, foreign physician, teacher, counselor, au pair or summer student in a travel/work program.

The foreign visitor must be entering the U.S. to take part in an exchange visitor program that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). The applicant must be fluent in English and maintain sufficient funds and adequate medical insurance.

Certain J Visa holders are subject to a requirement that they must return to their home country or country of last residence for a two year period upon completion of their training in the U.S.

Applicant may be granted a waiver of the two-year residence requirement under special circumstances.

• The request for a waiver may be sought by a U.S. government agency on behalf of the exchange alien.
• Departure from the U.S. would impose an exceptional hardship
• The applicant would be subject to persecution on account of race, religion or political opinion.
• “No-objection” letter issued by the applicant’s home country regarding the applicant’s decision to not return home.