There are different categories of the J-1 visa that are based on the exchange visitor’s previous academic and professional experience. As the J-1 visa sponsor, IA&A reviews the exchange visitor’s experience and will determine which category of the J-1 visa is the best fit for the exchange visitor and their proposed program in the United States.
Regardless of J-1 visa category, all exchange visitors must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to successfully participate in their program and function on a day-to-day basis.
The J-1 intern visa gives foreign university students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain exposure to American culture while receiving hands-on experience in their field of study. The maximum period of stay on the J-1 intern visa is 12 months.
An exchange visitor may be eligible for the J-1 intern visa if they are currently enrolled full-time at a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, or if they have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to the date that the internship begins. The degree received from the institution must be in a field related to the desired J-1.
The J-1 trainee visa gives foreign professionals the opportunity to deepen their understanding of American culture while participating in structured, work-based training programs. The maximum period of stay on the J-1 trainee visa is 18 months.
An exchange visitor may be eligible for the J-1 trainee visa if they have a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) or professional certificate from a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States and at least one year (12 months) of full-time, related work experience from outside of the United States. If the exchange visitor does not have a degree or professional certificate, they must have at least five years (60 months) of full-time, related work experience from outside of the United States, directly preceding the desired dates of the visa.
In order to confirm trainee eligibility, IA&A will reach out directly to your professional references to confirm specific months and hours of work experience. Please be prepared to provide us with names, titles, and email addresses of your professional references.
The J-1 short-term scholar visa gives foreign artists, curators, researchers, and other individuals with similar education or accomplishments the opportunity to travel to the United States for a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. The maximum period of stay on the J-1 short-term scholar visa is 6 months.
An exchange visitor may be eligible for the J-1 short-term scholar visa if they have, at minimum, a degree from a post-secondary academic institution outside of the United States and proof of past and current work in their field (e.g. articles, publications, exhibitions, etc.) that is also primarily outside of the United States.
The J-1 research scholar visa gives foreign artists, curators, researchers, and other individuals with similar education or accomplishments the opportunity to travel to the United States to conduct research, observe, or consult at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. The maximum period of stay on the J-1 research scholar visa is 5 years.
An exchange visitor may be eligible for the J-1 research scholar visa if they have, at minimum, a degree from a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States and proof of past and current work in their field (e.g. articles, publications, exhibitions, etc.) that is also primarily outside of the United States.