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The ultimate guide to the J-1 visa

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Every year, thousands of people go to in the U.S. on J-1 visas for research, education, study and intercultural activities such as au pairs, camp counselors and much more. While in the U.S J-1 visa holders have to manage their way through the various requirements, from insurance to taxes and much many more. A lot of people living in their U.S. on J-1 visa are however required to meet the two-year home residency requirement for them to change the status to permanent residence or switch to a non-immigrant visa (such like H-1B and L1).
This guide provides the essential information you must know as J-1 visa holder, from the eligibility requirements to costs, requirements and employment authorization, among others.

What is a J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa for exchange visitors was introduced in 1961 in order to facilitate education and cultural interaction between U.S. and other countries. Today, the U.S. Department of State manages the J-1 exchange visitor program that allows non-citizens to visit America U.S. to study, do research, teach, work, and acquire new skills by taking part in one of fifteen different program categories with approved sponsors throughout the U.S.
J-1 visa categories

15 different categories of programs are available under this J-1 visa exchange program for visitors The categories include:

Trainee

Physician

Teacher

Summer work travel

Specialist

Secondary-school student

Au pair

Intern

Visitor from the government

Students at universities or colleges

Short-term scholar

Research scholar

International visitor

Professor

Camp counselor

The U.S. State Department’s chart of comparison lets applicants evaluate various programs that best suit their interests, levels of education and experiences.

Every program category has specific the requirements for J-1 visas and they are available of different lengths. Certain programs permit parents and spouses of holders of J-1 visas to apply for J-2 visas in order they can travel with family members who hold J-1 visas on their journey to U.S. while others do not. For instance the camp counselor category doesn’t allow parents of immediate relatives to go to U.S. during the J-1 visa holder’s period, while the category of physician allows it. It is important to verify the program category you’re looking to join to determine if your children or spouse are allowed to join you while you are in the U.S.

J-1 visa for doctors

This J-1 Visa exchange program for visitors is very popular for doctors who have been trained in other countries would like to relocate into America U.S. to further their medical education and to further their education. It is the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates is the official medical professional’s sponsor for doctors who take part in this program. This program has strict rules for eligibility, yet it offers great opportunities to doctors who wish to enhance their medical education by pursuing advanced or clinical training. To be eligible for the physician program you must satisfy the following requirements:

Experiences, background and requirements that are compatible with the program

Written and oral English proficiency

Medical qualifying examinations must be passed by the ECFMG

Contract was signed by the responsible medical and administrative officials of the institution that will host it.

An official statement from your country of origin which states that the skills and training offered by the J-1 program are required in your country of residence

It is essential that you plan that you will return home to the nation of your birth once you have completed your J-1 visa as a doctor. Participants of the program are bound by the two-year home country residency requirement, unless they get a waiver from the requirement.

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Participants in the program are able to perform tasks that is related to their course, but aren’t able to pursue any other job during their time at the U.S. Physicians who have agreed to perform work within medically unserved areas for a minimum period of three years following completion of their studies may be able to be granted an exemption from the home country residency requirement. This can result in the issuance of a Green Card, the right to permanent residency at the U.S.

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J-1 visa duration

The length of your J-1 visa will be contingent on the particular program you are applying for and whether you qualify for an extension of your J-1 visa. After you have entered into the U.S. with your J-1 visa, you are able to stay in the United States until the date you have listed on the certificate of eligibility. The USCIS sets certain maximum times for time frames for J-1 visas which are based on the type of program. Here are some examples:

Secondary school students who are between the ages of 15-18 1/2 may generally only stay within the U.S. for a maximum of one year. On the other hand students from universities and colleges typically staying within their U.S. until the completion of their academic studies. At the conclusion of their course they may also be able to spend an additional 18 month in U.S. working in a similar area.

Research scholars, those who have specialized expertise such as teachers and professors who are at the U.S. as exchange visitors are allowed to stay in the United States for up to five years. They may stay for up to 30 days more time for preparing for the return trip to their countries of origin.

Medical students who are admitted in the U.S. to pursue graduate medical training can typically remain within the U.S. until they complete their education for maximum of seven years, plus another 30 days in order for preparing to return to their former home countries.

Industrial and business students are allowed to stay at the U.S. for a maximum of 18 months, plus 30 days for preparing for leaving the country.

Interns can be granted J-1 status for a period of 12 months, in order to be employed in a field that is associated with their education with an U.S. employer after the conclusion in their education.

The au pair must have age of 18 to 26 in order to be eligible for the J-1 visa program for au pairs to exchange as visitors. They are permitted to stay within their home country of the U.S. and work as an au pair for a period duration of twelve months. For that period they will be paid the minimum wageand be employed for a maximum of 10 hours per day , and up to 45 working hours per week. They must complete at minimum six credit hours at an institution of higher learning or a university.

Camp counselors typically remain at their home country of U.S. on J-1 visas for up to four months. Additionally, they can be a part of as part of the work programs for summer, and remain at America for a maximum of four months. U.S. for a maximum of four months in the summer.

Short-term students can stay at the U.S. while they complete their courses for a maximum period of six months.

Government visitors can be issued J-1 visas to finish their travel plans for a maximum period of 18 months.

Visa requirements for J-1 visas

To be eligible for J-1 visas applicants must fulfill the requirements for their programme of choice. Some programs have more strict specifications than other programs. For example, J-1 hopefuls doctors must have completed an medical school in their home country who wish to pursue higher medical school within the U.S., pass rigorous tests and meet other prerequisites.

The J-1 visa holders are required to locate a sponsor, and then secure admission to a program. They must be fluent in English and show non-immigrant intent and satisfy insurance requirements. Visa applicants must be able to pay for the associated fees for their visa, except for the case where the federal government or the specific program is able to cover these cost.

Locating an appropriate partner

The initial requirement you have to meet for a J-1 visa application is locating an appropriate sponsor and getting admission to an exchange program. It is important to note that the U.S. Department of State is a designated sponsoring agencies in the different categories of programs that are situated throughout the U.S. Once you’ve selected a program and obtained an offer, you’ll be issued a Form D-2019.

English language proficiency

All J-1 exchange visas for visitors require the applicants comprehend, speak the language, read, and write English.
Nonimmigrant intent as well as the requirement of two years of home-country residence

In order to complete an application for J-1, it is possible to be required to show your U.S. government that you don’t intend returning to your home country once your J-1 program is completed. To prove your case you will need to show your the bonds you have with your community and family as along with any evidence of the ownership of any property or investments. You can prove your work ties by providing documents from the current company, stating you will return to work when it is time to return home to. In addition, you may demonstrate that you’ve held different visas in the past and that you have always returned back to your home country after each visit to another country.

The requirements for insurance

Another general requirement for all J-1 visa exchange travelers is that they are covered by medical insurance that covers the duration of their stay within the U.S. The same insurance requirements apply to holders of J-2 visas that accompany J-1 exchange travelers in the U.S. People must have medical insurance that is in line with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act and that includes the following minimum levels of insurance coverage:

The minimum coverage is $100,000.

The medical evacuation insurance of $50,000

A minimum repatriation insurance of $25,000

The maximum deductible is $500.

You will need to prove that your insurance will be in force while you’re living in the U.S. If you allow your insurance to expire during your stay you could violate the conditions of your visa, which could cause being terminated. If you buy your own insurance certain sponsors might offer medical insurance.

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Costs for J-1 visas

A variety of fees and costs are related to taking part with J-1 Visa programs. The sponsors of programs that are not federally funded might charge program-related fees to participants, which can differ depending on the program and the duration. For a complete the list of charges and costs, you must get in touch with your sponsor.

The SEVIS I-901 charge is due at the Department of Homeland Security. Once you have been accepted in a J-1 exchange program, the responsible sponsor officer will issue a Form DS-2019 . They will let you know if you’re legally required to cover the SEVIS I-901 cost or when your sponsor pays the fee on behalf of you. If the sponsor pays it on behalf of you and you are a recipient, you will be issued an invoice to prove that the fee has been paid. The majority of J-1 exchange travelers have to pay SEVIS I-901 charges of 220 dollars. However, those participating in camps counselor, au pair or summer programs for work-related travel generally have to be responsible for SEVIS I-901 fees in the amount of $35. Participants in exchange visitor programs which are funded by the federal government are not required to pay charges. J-2 visitors are not required to pay SEVIS I-901 charges.

Exchange visitors generally also have to pay an nonimmigrant visa processing fee when applying for a visa through an U.S. consulate, consulates or Embassy. The price for most J-1 visa programs is $160. There are no fees payable for the official U.S. government-sponsored exchange and education programs. If you are applying for a J-1 visa, it is required to undergo an interview with an official at the U.S. consulate, or an embassy in your country of residence. In order to be able to attend the interview, you’ll be required to present an official receipt to prove that you’ve paid the processing fee for your visa application except if you are enrolled in an U.S. government-sponsored exchange program with an identification number that starts in G-1 G-2 or G-7 on the form DS-2019.

In addition, based on the country in which you have your residency, you may be required be required to shell out a visa cost. If you are in a country that requires the cost of issuance of visas for U.S. visitors, the U.S. charges a reciprocal visa cost for issuance. You can check the table of visa reciprocity to determine if you’ll be required for a visa-issuance charge and what it will cost. But, if you’re involved in the U.S. government-sponsored J visa exchange visitor program that includes your family members, you are not required to pay fees for visa issuance.

The families of visa applicants with J-1 status

Parents and dependent minor children are permitted to travel with certain J-1 visa holders in travel to the U.S. on J-2 visas until an individual who holds a J-1 visa is completing the program. Certain J-1 programs don’t permit spouses and children traveling to U.S. on J-2 visas. Similar to J-1 visas, J-2 visas are not immigrant visas. The programs that do not permit relatives to obtain J-2 visas include :

Au pair

Camp counselor

Summer work travel

Student at secondary school

Contact your program’s sponsor to determine if your children or spouse are allowed to obtain J-2 visas so that they can remain with you during your time within the U.S.

J-2 visa applicants must fulfill the same requirements for insurance like J-1 holders. In the event that their insurance is not renewed both the J-1 visa owner as well as holders of J-2 visas would both be in violation of the terms of their visas and could be forced to immediately return to their country of origin. The holders of J-2 visas are usually permitted to work in the U.S. if they secure work authorization issued by Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How do I obtain J-1 visa? J-1 visa?

To obtain a J-1 Visa typically, you’ll need to go through the following steps:

Find an organization to sponsor

Join the program and get accepted

Fill out the DS-2019 Form and make an appointment at your local U.S. consulate or embassy in your country.

Pay the charges and ensure insurance coverage

Participate in the interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy

After your application to your program is accepted the officer responsible for your program at the organization that sponsors you will issue you with a Form DS 2019. It is a proof of your eligibility. It will also include specifics about your program including dates, as well as other details. You must submit this application to your U.S. consulate or embassy in your country of origin to arrange an interview make payment for any necessary fees and bring your receipts to the interview.

When you go to your interview with the U.S. consulate or embassy Bring proof of your intention for return home to the country you grew up in. If you satisfy all the criteria, you will receive a visa stamp J-1 in your passport . This allows you to go to America. U.S. to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program.

The J-1 Visa and the Employment Permit are two types of visas.

J-1 visa holders are able to typically work in their sponsoring programs without the requirement of additional authorizations for employment However they are typically prohibited from working in other programs while they are here in the U.S. Every job has to at first get approval from the program’s sponsors. In the event of an emergency situation, the program sponsor could make exceptions to this requirement.

The J-2 visa holders that are accompanying an applicant for J-1 visa need to get employment authorization issued by the Department of Homeland Security to work in the U.S. They can apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765 with the Department upon their arrival within the U.S. The time to process the second employment authorization application can vary between three and five months.

J-1 visa exchange visitor tax requirements

Visitors to J-1 exchange programs are required to pay U.S. taxes while they are participating in their programs within the U.S. To be tax-efficient J-1 exchange participants are classified as nonresident aliens that must pay state, local, and federal taxes.

Taxes on income for those with J-1 visas are contingent on the place of the program. In every state you’ll be required to complete a federal tax report (either or the form 1040NR form or the form 1040NR-EZ) If you earn money via your programs.

Your sponsor will mail you a form W-2, the tax form that details the amount of salary or wages you earned in the prior year and also the taxes that you have withheld. The form must be handed directly by the company sponsor before January. 31 each year that you participate in the program. You will require this form to fill out the tax return form. Tax returns should be submitted by April 15th.

Along with federal income tax You may also have to pay local and state tax on income. Although most states have government-imposed income tax but a few don’t. Some states permit local governments to collect local income tax, but most don’t. It is important to inquire with your tax advisor to determine if local and state income taxes are tax-free in their respective areas.

If your organization is in a state where there is a tax system for income tax for state residents then you must fill out and file the tax returns for your state along with the federal tax return.

Medicare as well as Social Security taxes are usually taken from the pay of U.S. citizens and residents to pay retirement and health benefits for them when they retire. They are considered obligatory tax withholdings that are required for U.S. citizens and residents. If you are a non-resident, you don’t typically need the obligation to cover Social Security or Medicare taxes. If the taxes are deducted from your salary then you must seek refunds by the Internal Revenue Service.

Even if you don’t earn any income when you participate with an exchange visit program, you have to file a tax return to the IRS. You must complete Form 8843 and submit it to the IRS. J-2 travelers must also submit income tax returns during their time within the U.S.

Other taxes you may anticipate paying include sales tax. These are taxes imposed on sale of consumer goods and services , and aren’t taxed in all states. In states with sales tax, these taxes are added to the list price for products and services that are sold to consumers. So, the amount you see is not the amount you pay at the counter after you have completed your purchase.

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J-1 visa extensions

If you are unable to complete your work on your exchange visitor program prior to when your J-1 visa expires you may be eligible for an extension to your J-1 visa. In order to get the extension of your J-1 visa the program’s sponsor must provide you a brand new DS-2019 Form and your visa should permit you to obtain an extension. J-1 visa extensions aren’t available for all programs.

Your chances of getting an extension is contingent on the maximum length of your J-1 category. If you’re left with time in the time allowed of your specific J-1 visa it is possible get an extension in order to complete your application.

In order to apply, you’ll be required to prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses for at least one full year when they are provided by your sponsoring institution. The applicant must fill out a Form I-94, the Form IAP-66, as well as an DS-2019 form and your passport. Also, you’ll need to show proof of having medical insurance that will protect your expenses during the extension time and give a thorough explanation of the reasons for an extension to the J-1 visa program.

J-1 visa waivers

Some J-1 exchange travelers are subject to the two-year residency requirement. The law requires that certain kinds of J-1 visa holders are required to go back to the country they were born in for a minimum period of two years following their J-1 exchange programs are over. The requirement of two years residence in the home country must be satisfied before J-1 visa holders are able to obtain different visas for non-immigrants for their return back to America. U.S. or to pursue Green cards. This requirement is not applicable to all holders of J-1 visas, however.

If the two-year residence requirement is applicable to you, then you’ll be required to either be returned to your country of origin after two years or apply for the J-1 visa waiver in order to stay permanently in the U.S. There are five main reasons to be granted waivers, which include the ones listed below:

The fear of persecution should you be you are forced to return to your homeland

The hardship is caused to an U.S. citizen or resident spouse or children when one of the holders of J-1 visas goes back to their country of origin.

An U.S. government agency petitions for J-1 visa holders to remain here in U.S. for its needs

A declaration that there is no reason to object from the country of origin that states that the country does not require J-1 visa holders to be allowed to return

The state health department submits an official request to allow the exchange visitor to stay within the U.S.

If you meet any of these criteria If you meet one of these requirements, you may apply for a waiver of the J-1 visa. The applicant must submit the application for the Department of State, which will evaluate the application and then make a recommendation to USCIS. U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) The agency that determines whether to approve or deny the waiver application.

J-1 visa Consultations

The requirement to have a home in the country is not applicable to all holders of J-1 visas. The requirement for two years of home presence is applicable to J-1 exchange visitors taking part in programs funded by the government. This is also applicable to students in medical graduate programs and training programs as also exchange visitors with qualifications that are deemed “needed” by their home countries.

It is the U.S. State Department maintains an exchange visitor skills list for countries participating in the exchange which you can review. If you’re not sure whether the requirement is applicable to you, get an opinion of the Department of State. This advisory decision will provide information on how your passport is affected by the 2-year residence requirement. It will also determine if you should seek an exemption or return to home.