J1 Exchange Visitor Visa

J1 Exchange visitor visa is given to foreign nationals who come to US as part of Exchange Visitor program under the Mutual and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. You have to be one of the following to be a part of this program: Au pair, camp counselor, Government visitor, professor, alien physician, international visitor, student, research scholar, short term scholar, specialist, teacher, trainee, or summer work/ travel. This program is initiated with the motive of establishing educational and cultural exchanges at the international arena.

The INA (Immigration and Nationality Act) has made certain mandatory specifications that have to be positively met before applying for the visa which includes the proof your temporary stay in the US, source of funds and social and economic ties in your home place that would ensure that you would surely return back to your home country.

J1 exchange visitor visa applications must be preceded by SEVIS generated DS 2019 which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Visa. If your was SEVIS generated DS 2019 was issued on or after September 1, 2004, then you have to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee to the Department of Homeland Security either through mail or Western Union.

The next step consists of filing of the application which has to be done at the US embassy or consulate that covers your jurisdiction. An interview will be conducted for applicants in the age group of 14 to 79, during which digital fingerprints are taken.

If you are a trainee or an intern with DS-2019 forms on or after July 19, 2007, then you have to submit form DS-7002, a training or Internship placement plan.

The J1 exchange visitor visa includes form DS-156 (non immigrant visa application form), DS-157 (supplemental non immigrant visa application for all the male applicants from 16 to 45 years of age), DS-158 (contact information and work history), a valid passport and a photograph adhering to the standards laid by the USCIS.

The application fee for J1 exchange visitor visa is $100 (non-refundable) and, in addition, you may have to pay an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee.

Under the J1 exchange visitor visa you can enter the US only 30 days (or less) before the program starts. At the port of entry the CBP officials would issue you form I-94 which holds your arrival-departure record. Due to the terror threat, the procedure of getting visa has become stringent.