More than 25 years ago, the U.S. government enacted the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. The purpose of this act was to promote and foster the exchange of cultures through first-hand experiences by creating opportunities for people to travel to the United States. There are a variety of reasons that one may seek to get a J visa. While age is not a factor in obtaining a J visa, the list of possible experiences allowed under J visa are often aimed at young people. These cultural exchange experiences include roles like:
● Au Pair
● Camp Counselor
● Government Visitor
● College or University Student
● Secondary School Student
● Intern
● International Visitor
● Physician
● Professor and Research Scholar
● Short-Term Scholar
● Specialist
● Summer Work Travel
● Teacher
● Trainee
The duration of stay and rules for extensions for the J-1 visa vary based on the reason for your visit, so it is best to contact an immigration attorney if you have questions about your particular situation.
Duration of the most common programs, as an example:
· Au Pair: 12 months with the possibility of extension for additional 6, 9, or 12 months
• Business Trainees: 18 months
• College and University Students: the duration of the study plus additional time for practical training – 18 months for the graduates of bachelor or master programs, and36 months for doctorate degrees.
• College Professors: 36 months
• International Visitors: 12 months (this category is for programs that are sponsored by the U.S. government)
• Government Visitors: 12 months
• Medical Residents/Interns receiving medical training: the duration of the study, but not longer than 7 years.
• Primary and Secondary School Teachers: 36 months
• Research Scholars: 36 months
• Specialists: 12 months
• Summer Work/Travel: 4 months
Trainees in Flight Aviation Programs: 24 months
There are also a few "pilot" programs offered at this time for travelers from four specific
countries. These Include:
● The Summer Work Travel Pilot Program for Australians.
● The Summer Work Travel Pilot Program for New Zealanders.
● The Intern Work Travel Pilot Program for the Irish.
● The WEST (Work, English Study, and Travel) Program for South Koreans.
If you may be eligible for one of these four programs, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/exchange.html for more information.
Just like the visas we have already covered, a J-2 visa includes the spouse or minor children of a J-1 visa traveler.
Website development