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American J1 Visa

The Exchange Visitor (J1) Visa is a temporary Non-immigrant Visa which allows a foreign employee to be actively engaged in on the job training under circumstances equivalent to that of an American employee in the same situation.

The aim of this program is to encourage people of other countries to travel to America to participate in educational and cultural exchanges in order to increase mutual understanding between countries. Once a J1 Visa has been granted, the visa holder is allowed to enter America and remain for the duration of their exchange program.

The J1 Visa is available for:

• Foreign medical graduates or physicians undertaking graduate medical education or training;
• Au Pairs;
• Students participating in exchange programs (secondary and college/university);
• Research scholars;
• Pursuing business and industrial training programs;
• Professors;
• Research assistants;
• Summer work/travel;
• Foreign nationals who are recognized as potential leaders or experts to engage in observation tours, discussions, consultation, professional meetings, and training; and
• Organisations authorised by the Department of State (DOS) to sponsor foreign nationals for training.

The applicant must be accepted as a participant in an American exchange program and be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements as well as the specific requirements and regulations each category of exchange requires.

The basic requirements for applicants are:

• They plan to remain in America for a temporary, specific, limited period;
• They hold a valid passport;
• They have been offered an exchange program placement through a designated sponsoring organisation;
• Be able to meet all qualifying criteria for the exchange program they have entered into;
• They have sufficient funds to cover expenses in America; and
• Intend to return to their country of nationality at the end of the program.

Once a visa has been issued by the American Embassy or Consulate, the visa holder must enter America 30 days or less in advance of the start of their exchange program. Spouses and dependent children under the age of 21 may join the principle J1 Visa holder providing they meet the basic requirements for a visa.