J1 Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the J-1 visa?
2. Who is eligible for a J-1 visa?
3. What privileges do I enjoy on J-1 visa?
4. What privileges do I enjoy on J-1 visa?
5. What privileges do I enjoy on J-1 visa?
6. Can I extend my stay on J-1 visa?
7. What is the process to extend or change programs?
8. Can I study on J-1 visa?
9. How do I apply for a J-1 visa?
10. Where do I apply for a J-1 visa?
11. What is the processing time for J-1 visa?
12. Can I change status while in J-1 status?
13. Can I apply for Green Card while on J-1 visa?
14. Can I bring my dependents on J-1 visa?
15. Can my dependents work on J-2 visas?
16. Can my dependents study on J-1 visa?
17. Are there any travel restrictions on J-1 visa?
18. Does receiving J-1 visa affect my chances of getting other visas?
19. Is health insurance a requirement for J-1 exchange visitors?
20. What is the grace period for a J-1 visa?
21. I am a J-1 student. How long can I participate in practical training upon completion of my degree program?
22. Can I do a J-1 Trainee program after completing the J-1 Intern program?
23. Can I change from J-1 student to J-1 researcher?
24. Can I change from short term J-1 researcher to long-term J-1 researcher?
25. What is the 'Two-Year Rule' or the Home Residence Requirement for the J-1?
26. How do I waive the J-1 212(e) 2-year home residency requirement?
27. What are my chances of obtaining a J-1 visa waiver?
28. Can I self-petition for a J-1 visa waiver?
29. When should I start the No Objection Process for J-1 waiver and how long does it take?
30. How can I obtain a No Objection statement and where should I forward it?
31. If I am unable to obtain a No Objection statement for J-1 waiver from my former country of residence, what can I do?
32. Can I apply for a NOS J-1 waiver if I am a foreign medical graduate?
33. When do I know that the No Objection statement is received?
34. In a situation when my application for "no objection" statement is denied, will it be reconsidered?
35. What is a J-1 Interested Government Agency waiver?
36. When is a good time to begin an IGA waiver for J-1?
37. Why should I wait until the latter stages of the program to begin IGA Waiver for J-1?
38. How long does an IGA waiver take?
39. What should I do if my time to process an IGA Waiver or No Objection Letter has run out?
40. What are the U.S. government agencies who can apply for the waiver on behalf of the J-1 exchange visitors?
41. What are the requirements for an IGA J-1 visa waiver?
42. How do I apply for a J-1 Persecution Waiver?
43. How do I apply for a J-1 Hardship Waiver?
44. Can I apply for a J-1 waiver based on my twin fear of persecution and the exceptional hardship that could be faced by my family on my returning to the home country?
45. How do I check on the status of my Form I-612 J-1 Hardship or J-1 Persecution Waiver?
46. On behalf of the foreign medical graduates, what are the government agencies who can apply for the waiver?
47. What is the time taken to arrive at a decision on whether a J-1 waiver will be recommended?
48. Do I receive a notification from the Waiver Review Division when my J-1 waiver application is submitted to the USCIS?
49. Will I be informed about the reason why my J-1 waiver application is denied?
50. What are the possible reasons for denial of the J-1 waiver applications?
51. What is the process followed by the Waiver Review Division on the status of appeals on denials and unfavorable recommendations of a J-1 waiver?
52. Can I request a reconsideration of my J1 visa waiver application based on new evidence?
53. Can I ask for reconsideration, if my application for the exceptional hardship is denied by the USCIS?
54. Can I ask for reconsideration, if my J-1 waiver application based on fear of persecution is denied by the USCIS?
55. For a J-1 waiver recommendation case, what is the significance of an advisory opinion?
56. What is the appropriate time for me to seek an advisory opinion for J visa waiver recommendation?
57. Can anyone else request an advisory opinion for J-1 waiver recommendation on my behalf?
58. What information should I provide in my request for an advisory opinion for J-1 waiver recommendation?
59. What is the J-1 Exchange Visitor's Skills List?
60. How can I find out my J-1 application case number?
61. Are the eligibility requirements the same for the F-1 and J-1 student categories?
62. Can I change my status, from F-1 to J-1, or from J-1 to F-1, after my arrival in the U.S.?
63. As a J-1 exchange visitor, how do I get an extension for the 30-day grace period?
64. Which status is recommended for students- F-1 or J-1?
65. Will both the F-1 and the J-1 student categories give me enough time to finish my degree program?
66. Which status, F-1 or J-1, will make it easier for me to get work permission in the U.S.?
67. Will there be a difference in my obligations as an F-1 student that I would not have as a J-1 student or vice versa?
68. What are the US J-1 visa health insurance requirements?
69. If I am unsure whether my insurance for J-1 meets USIA requirements, how can I find out?
70. Is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) applicable for J-2 visa?
71. What is the relationship between a J-1 visa and an O-1 visa?