The visa exchange program grants nonimmigrant exchange visitor visas (J-1 visa) to persons who have been approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United State for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.

J-1 Visa Sponsoring

J-1 visa applicants are sponsored by an exchange program that has been designated as such by the Department of State. These programs were designed to promote the personal interchange of knowledge or skills in education, the arts, and science. Some of these programs require the J-1 visa holder to return to their home country for two years at the end of the exchange visitor program. Before someone can apply for a J-1 visa, they must first apply or, and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a designated sponsoring organization.

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the J-1 visa holder to the United States can apply for a J-2 visa in order to do so. However, the exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student, and summer work travel do not permit J-2 visas. The J-2 visa holder can stay in the United States for as long as the principle J-1 visa holder has valid J-1 status.

Some examples of exchange visitors include the following:

• Professors or scholars
• Research assistants
• Summer work employee
• Students
• Trainees
• Teachers
• Specialists
• Nannies and au pairs
• Camp counselors

Some examples of countries the U.S. has J-1 visa programs with include the following:

• Australia – Summer Work Travel
• New Zealand – Summer Work Travel
• Ireland – Intern Work Travel
• South Korea – Work and English Study Travel

A list of skills by country can be found here.

Experienced immigration attorney Mona Tehrani can assist you with your application for a J-1 or J-2 and guide you through the entire process as well. Please contact us to receive more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

Additional Information

Visa Exchange Program
Exchange Visitors