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An Exchange Visitor program under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 is conducted to enable the exchange of educational and cultural aspects of participating countries resulting in sharing of knowledge and building long lasting relationships. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides the exchange visitor being a foreign national a nonimmigrant visa or the J1visa.
How to Apply for J 1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa):
Exchange visitor applicants are required to have a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) generated DS 2019 given by Designated Sponsor. This is submitted along with the application for the exchange visitor visa. Application should be made at anytime before the beginning of the exchange program at the American Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the permanent place of residence. The following are filed:
- Application for Nonimmigrant Visa – Form DS-156.
- Supplemental Visa Application – Form DS-157.
- Contact Information and Work History – Form 158.
- Valid passport for travel to the US.
- Other details as and when required.
Dependent Visa (J2) can be made at the same time, provided the sponsor authorizes it.
Eligibility for J 1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa) :
The applicants are required to ensure that they satisfy the following conditions for J 1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa):
- They intend to stay in the US for a short period (temporary).
- Funds required for meeting expenses in the US have been ensured and proof of evidence enclosed.
- Proof of social and economic ties abroad that substantiates the need and compulsion to return to the home country.
- They do not fall under the list of persons in Form DS-156 who are not eligible under US Laws.
Length of Stay and Extension For J 1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa) Holders:
On the issue of Visa the exchange visitors are allowed to enter the US not more than 30days before the start of their exchange program. However for an earlier entry, a visitor visa should be obtained. The exchange visitors should not extend their stay beyond 30 days from date of completion of the exchange program. Overstaying will amount to violation. Upon the discretion of the officer the stay will be extended to its maximum duration as per the regulations specific to the program or to the program sponsor’s designation.
J 1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa) Holders Whether Qualified to Apply for other Visas & Citizenship:
Where the exchange visitor is subject to 212(e) requirement, change of visa status to H,L and K is not allowed until the person returns to his/her home country for period of two years or gets a waiver. Where the exchange visitor makes an early entry to the US under visitor visa is required to apply for a change of visa from B to J before the exchange program begins. J2 (Dependents) visa holders can work provided they apply for employment authorization. Spouse and/or child on a J2 visa can study in the US without an F-1 visa.
In which case your J 1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa) Visa Application will be rejected:
J 1 Visa Applications are rejected on the discretion of the consular where the eligibility criteria’s are not satisfied or for lack of proper evidence as the case may be.
Conclusion for J 1 Visa:
The exchange visitor program is called the Summer Work and Travel Program organized by the Govt to encourage learning about the country and promote cultural understanding. This program enables foreign students to enter the US and work for 4 months during summer vacations. |
