J-1 Visa Issued to Exchange Visitors

J-1 visa is issued to business trainees, students, professors or scholars, short term scholar, non academic specialist, foreign physician, international visitors, government visitors, etc. The main purpose of J-1 visa program is to promote cultural exchange. The exchange visitors participating in such a program may engage in teaching, lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills or receiving training. Some programs may permit employment.

Period of Stay. The length of stay in the U.S. depends on the fields of programs, ranging from 4 months to 3 years or even longer time. Now, Admission for D/S is usually endorsed on I-94 card.

Two-year Foreign Residency Requirement. Certain exchange visitors are required to return to their home country upon completion of their program in the U.S. if (1) s/he financially sponsored in whole or in part directly or indirectly by an agency of the U.S. government or the government of his/her own country; (2) the program in which they are admitted into is on the skill list of U.S. Department of State.

Change or Adjustment of Status. J-1 visa holders generally cannot change to H or L visa categories, or adjustment of status in the U.S., unless they meet the two-year foreign residency requirement, or have this required waived.

Family Members (spouse/children). The exchange visitors’ family members can accompany or following to join the visitors with J-2 visas. Spouse or child of the visitors can work in the U.S. with employment authorization.