J1 Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is J-1 visa?
2. Who are eligible for J-1 visa?
3. What privileges do I enjoy on J-1 visa?
4. What are the limitations of J-1 visa?
5. How long can I stay in the U.S. on J-1 visa?
6. Can I extend my stay on J-1 visa?
7. What is the process to extend or change my status, or change programs?
8. Can I study on J-1 visa?
9. How do I apply for J-1 student visa?
10. Where do I apply for J-1 visa?
11. What is the processing time for J-1 visa?
12. Can I change status while on J-1 visa?
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-1 visas?
16. Can my dependents study on J-1 visa?
17. Are there any travel restrictions on J-1 visa?
18. What is the 'Two-Year Rule' on J-1 visa?
19. Can the 'Two-Year Rule' be waived?
20. What other information is available about J-1 visa eligibility?
21. What is the Foreign Residency Requirement on J-1 visa?
22. On what grounds is the Foreign Residency Requirement waived for J-1 visa?
23. Who pays the J-1 training visa program fee?
24. Does receiving J-1 visa affect a trainee's chances of getting other visas?
25. Is health insurance a requirement for J-1 scholars?
26. How do I determine my current legal status in the U.S. as a J-1 status holder?
27. What is the grace period on J-1 visa?
28. Can I leave and re-enter the U.S. if my DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility, and I-94, Arrival-Departure document, are still valid but my visa has expired?
29. I am a J-1 student. How long can I participate in practical training upon completion of my degree program?
30. Can I change status to J-1 student from J-1 researcher?
31. Can I change from short term J-1 researcher to long-term J-1 researcher?
32. What is the relationship between a J-1 visa and an O-1 visa?
33. What are my chances of obtaining a J-1 visa waiver?
34. What role does the United States Information Agency (USIA) play in determining J-1 waivers?
35. If I have been denied a National Interest Waiver, will I be able to obtain a J-1 waiver?
36. Can I self-petition for a J-1 visa waiver?
37. When should I start the No-Objection Process for J-1 waiver and how long does it take?
38. What is an IGA waiver on J-1?
39. When is a good time to begin an IGA waiver for J-1?
40. Why should I wait until the latter stages of the program to begin IGA Waiver for J-1?
41. How long does an IGA waiver take?
42. What should I do if my time to process an IGA Waiver or No-Objection Letter has run out?
43. How can I obtain a No Objection statement and where should I forward it?
44. Can I request for a No Objection statement while in the application process?
45. If I am unable to obtain a No Objection statement for J-1 waiver from my former country of residence, what will be my status?
46. Based on the No Objection obtained from my host country can I apply for a J-1 waiver if I am a foreign medical graduate?
47. Based on a No Objection statement from the home government, why are foreign medical graduates ineligible to apply for a waiver?
48. When do I know that the No Objection statement is received?
49. In a situation when my application for "no-objection" statement is denied, will it be reconsidered?
50. Based on an interested U.S. government agency (IGA) application, what are the requirements for J-1 visa waivers?
51. Based on the fear of persecution if I return to my home country, how do I apply for a waiver?
52. 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?
53. Based on the fear of persecution, how do I check on the status of my application?
54. Can I apply for a waiver based on the exceptional hardship my American citizen or permanent resident family members would face if I return to the home country?
55. Based on exceptional hardship, how do I check on the status of my application?
56. On behalf of the foreign medical graduates, what are the government agencies who can apply for the waiver?
57. What are the U.S. government agencies who can apply for the waiver on behalf of the J1 exchange visitors?
58. As a J-1 exchange visitor, how do I get an extension for the 30-day voluntary departure status?
59. Who should pay the processing fee for J-1 visa?
60. What is the time taken to arrive at a decision on whether a J-1 waiver will be recommended?
61. Do I receive a notification from the Waiver Review Division when my J-1 waiver application is submitted to the USCIS?
62. Will I be informed about the reason why my J-1 waiver application is denied?
63. What are the possible reasons for denial of the J-1 waiver applications?
64. 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?
65. Can I request a reconsideration of my J-1 visa waiver application based on new evidence?
66. Can I ask for reconsideration, if my application for the exceptional hardship is denied by the USCIS?
67. Can I ask for reconsideration, if my J-1 waiver application based on fear of persecution is denied by the USCIS?
68. For a J-1 waiver recommendation case, what is the significance of an advisory opinion?
69. What is the appropriate time for me to seek an advisory opinion for J visa waiver recommendation?
70. Can anyone else request an advisory opinion for J-1 waiver recommendation on my behalf?
71. What information should I provide in my request for an advisory opinion for J-1 waiver recommendation?
72. Can you explain about the J-1 exchange visitor's skills list?
73. How do I know about my case number for J-1 application?
74. Are the eligibility requirements the same for the F-1 and J-1 categories?
75. 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.?
76. Which status is recommended, F-1 or J-1?
77. Will both the F-1 and the J-1 categories give me enough time to finish my degree program?
78. Which status, F-1 or J-1, will make it easier for me to get work permission in the U.S.?
79. Will there be a difference in my obligations as an F-1 that I would not have as a J-1, or as a J-1 that I would not have as an F-1?
80. What are the US J1 visa health insurance requirements?
81. If I am unsure whether my insurance for J-1 meets USIA requirements, how can I find out?
82. Is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) applicable for J-2 visa?