J1 Visa: Eligibility Criteria, Types & Application Process

A J1 visa has many categories available under it. However, broadly speaking, it is a visa for both work and travel. In addition, it is a non-immigrant visa issued to individuals who wish to visit the US as a part of work, travel, or short-term international student visa.

In the J1 visa program, the individuals can learn in the US for a short duration, then return home and apply their skills. Moreover, their dependents can also follow them, albeit on a J2 visa. There are strict eligibility criteria for availing of this visa.

There are various subcategories for a J1 visa. Hence, your eligibility for this visa will depend on the program that you have applied for. The organisation that will sponsor your J1 visa will also have some eligibility criteria, so you are advised to check with both for eligibility. 

However, 2 primary criteria remain, notwithstanding the others. These are -

1. English proficiency
2. Sufficient health insurance

There are 14 types of J1 visas covering various jobs and study programs. They are -

• Au Pair and EduCare
• Camp Counsellor
• Government Visitor
• Intern
• International Visitor (Department of State use)
• Physician
• Professor and Research Scholar
• Short-term Scholar
• Specialist
• Student /Secondary
• Student, College/University
• Summer Work Travel
• Teacher
• Trainee

These are the various subcategories. To know more about each subcategory, you can click here.

However, keep reading to learn more on how to apply for a J1 visa!

Here’s how to apply for a J1 visa. Follow these simple steps.

• Step 1: Find a designated sponsor, whom the US Department of State should approve. Make sure to have received acceptance into any of their programs as listed above.
• Step 2: Next, fill in Form DS-2019, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Status Visitor.
• Step 3: You will then have to pay a ‘Sevis I-901’ fee to the Department of Homeland Security.
• Step 4: Fill out a couple more forms and submit your passport, along with a coloured photograph, as a part of the J1 visa process.

Upon completing this process, you will have to interview at a local US Embassy or consulate to get your visa. Young children and adults over 80 years old do not require an interview except in certain cases.

Among the J1 visa requirements are a host of forms and documents. The documents pertain to the applicant, the sponsor program and the United States government.

Hence, these are the documents required for a J1 visa.

1. DS-2019: This form will be generated after your details have been logged into a US database called SEVIS. Your sponsor should forward this form to you. Check it thoroughly to see that the details of the form are accurate and match your passport.
2. DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Program: This form has four sections regarding your sponsor and yourself. The Department of State requires these details. Your sponsor will have to fill out some part of the form.
3. 3. DS-160: The DS-160 Online Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application is the next form in the gamut. You will have to fill this form online before you book an appointment with the US embassy. In addition, you will have to mention a place where you can attend your visa interviews.
4. Passport: You will require a valid passport that will not expire 6 months beyond the period of stay. Every member of your family who is coming along with you must also comply with these rules.
5. Coloured Photograph: You will need a recent coloured photograph to upload or carry with you for a successful J1 visa application.

The DS-160 will cost you $160, and the SEVIS will cost you $180. However, the J1 visa cost varies from program to program and will differ for different applicants. Moreover, if you want a J1 visa fee waiver, you must pay $ 120 for the DS-305 form. Further, for an extension, you will have to pay $367 for a new DS-2019. People from certain countries need to pay a reciprocity fee.

The processing time may take up from 5 weeks to 2 months. Every application is different and depends on the staffing of the consulate or embassy you are applying to.

Here are the various benefits of the J1 visa -

• It does not require approval by the Department of Labor, only the Department of State.
• Spouses and dependents can be approved via a J1 visa.
• Any extension of the J1 visa is approved through the sponsoring organisation.

In conclusion, it should be noted that a J1 visa is issued mostly for the training of individuals in America. It isn’t to take American jobs as the H-1B visa allows.

Hence, this is the most popular visa route of choice for students, scholars, and research workers. Therefore, apply for your J1 travel insurance today!