Foreign national exchange visitors who will participate in a US government-approved program for the purpose of gaining experience, studying, or doing research in their respective fields may apply for the J-1 visa.
Upon completion of their stay in the US, some categories of foreign nationals are required to return to and spend 2 years in their home country or country of last residence (waiver application may be appropriate in certain situations)
J-1 visa holders are exempt from federal tax withholdings. Dependents of J-1 visa holders may enter with the exchange visitor as long as he maintains that status, and may apply for J-2 visa to attend school during the exchange visitor’s stay. Dependents are eligible for employment authorization and may apply to work in the US, unless the purpose for working is to support the J-1 visitor.
Duration and Extensions of Stay or Entry
Students: Secondary - 1 year; university - anticipated length of program
Short-term Scholars: 6 months / No extension
Trainees / Interns: Usually 18 months / Extensions up to 24 months, depending on program
Teachers: Primary and secondary - 3 years
University Professors / Research Scholars: 3-5 years
Specialists: 1 year
Medical Graduates: For length of their program / with typical maximum 7 years
Summer Ss work / Travel: 4 months
International Visitor: 1 year
Government Visitor: 18 months
J-1 Waiver (of 2-year foreign residence requirement)
Those subject to the 2-year foreign resident requirement, and those who want to change their status may be eligible for the J-1 Visa Waiver
Upon completion of their stay in the US, some categories of foreign nationals are required to return to and spend 2 years in their home country or country of last residence (waiver application may be appropriate in certain situations)
J-1 visa holders are exempt from federal tax withholdings. Dependents of J-1 visa holders may enter with the exchange visitor as long as he maintains that status, and may apply for J-2 visa to attend school during the exchange visitor’s stay. Dependents are eligible for employment authorization and may apply to work in the US, unless the purpose for working is to support the J-1 visitor.
Duration and Extensions of Stay or Entry
Students: Secondary - 1 year; university - anticipated length of program
Short-term Scholars: 6 months / No extension
Trainees / Interns: Usually 18 months / Extensions up to 24 months, depending on program
Teachers: Primary and secondary - 3 years
University Professors / Research Scholars: 3-5 years
Specialists: 1 year
Medical Graduates: For length of their program / with typical maximum 7 years
Summer Ss work / Travel: 4 months
International Visitor: 1 year
Government Visitor: 18 months
J-1 Waiver (of 2-year foreign residence requirement)
Those subject to the 2-year foreign resident requirement, and those who want to change their status may be eligible for the J-1 Visa Waiver