J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is for non-immigrants that is granted to reside in the United States through an exchange program for foreigners approved by DHS. It is generally used to:
1. Students who want to attend College or University.
2. Students in High School exchange programs.
3. Individuals sponsored by the Au Pair program.
To be able to opt for this type of Visa you must be in:
College or University Program.
1. The student or program must be funded by:
a. The Government of the United States.
b. The country of the student.
c. An international organization.
2.The program must be in agreement between the United States and a foreign government.
3.The program must be in agreement between a University of the United States and a foreign University or a foreign Government.
4.The student is being funded by a personal or family source of funds. If a foreigner is granted a J-1 visa as a college or university student, then her / his spouse and child are allowed to work in the United States during the J-1 visa person's stay in the country.
Additionally, the J-1 visa grants students a longer period of practical training than foreigners with an F-1 visa. Students under the J-1 visa are also subject to the residency requirement abroad. Those with a J-1 visa who meet one of the following criteria are required to stay outside the United States for 2 years after completing their studies.
1. The alien participated in a program that received financial funds from the United States government or its foreign government.
2. The alien is a citizen or resident of a country designated by the State Department as clearly in need of the services of a person who has studied in the alien's field of specialized knowledge or skills.
3. The alien has received a J-1 visa in order to participate in postgraduate medical training in the United States.
High School Exchange Program:
This category applies to foreign students who are between fifteen and eighteen and a half years of age who wish to participate in a high school exchange program.
Au Pair Program:
This program is designed for national citizens who seek to stay a maximum of 2 years in the United States to provide childcare services for a host family and study part-time in post-secondary school.