Nonimmigrant J-1 Visa

Research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in cultural exchange programs will qualify for the J-1 visa. Medical and business programs are considered most favorably for this visa.

Requirements include:

• An academic institution, private sector entity or government program is sponsoring the applicant
• Meet English language proficiency requirements
• Meet all other eligibility requirements as listed online
• Some J-1 holders are subject to the two-year home residency requirement listed under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 212(e)

Length of stay under J-1:

• This visa is valid until the end date listed on form DS-2019 as the end of the cultural exchange program. Following that date, there is an additional 30-day “grace period.”
• Visa holders who leave the country during the grace period cannot re-enter, even if the 30 days have not passed.
• Some J-1 visa holders who have tried to leave during the grace period have encountered difficulty at the airport, because the expiration date listed on the visa appears to have passed. This is likely because the J-1 visa itself does not make any note of the 30-day grace period. Ask for advice on how to address this possibility in advance if you know you will be departing during the grace period.

To schedule an initial consultation with us today, don't hesitate to contact us at (949) 478-4963.