How to get a J-1 visa ?
Step-by-step guide
Location
City and country of birth
Country of citizenship
Country of permanent residence
Get a visa is the first step of your expatriation to the United States !
You must get the proper documents to be authorized to work in the United States. Prospective international postdocs can generally apply either for a J-1 or H-1B visa, although it may depend on your individual circumstances. However, the university will preferentially sponsor J-1 status even if you would qualify for both J-1 and H-1B status. We will detail the steps to apply for a H-1B visa in a future article.
Most international postdoctoral scholars are sponsored on J-1 visas.
Get a J-1 visa through the Exchange Visitor Program
The Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), allows universities to host international researchers for a defined period of time.
– Three categories may apply –
J-1 Research Scholar
(In most cases)
Up to 5 years
J-1 Short Term Scholar
Up to 6 months
No extension allowed
J-1 Specialist
For experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skill
Up to 1 year
No extension allowed
A step-by-step guide to apply for your J-1 visa
Created April 1st, 2017
4 – Pay visa application fee ($160) and request an interview at a U.S. embassy
You need to get an appointment for an interview at a U.S. embassy in your country of current residence or home country.
– Here is how to proceed –
1 Visit the website for appointment service for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant.
2 Select the country from which you apply for your J-1 visa and you will be redirected to a webpage to sign-up.
3 You select “I have completed the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa application (DS-160) form and I need to apply for a visa”.
4 Enter you last name, first name, email address and set up a password.
5 Once you are logged in, enter DS-160 confirmation number for your visa application.
6 Complete the courier document return process.
7 Pay the Nonimmigrant Visa (MRV) application fee.
8 Now you can schedule a consular section appointment !
If your country was not listed in the above link, please visit this page:
Important
Prepare the documents you will need for the interview
- Form DS-2019. (Idem for family members traveling with you)
- Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Confirmation and Instructions page printed from the appointment website.
- Current passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay in the United States. (Idem for family members traveling with you)
- The Student and Exchange Visa Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee receipt.
- One 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) color photo taken within the last 6 months.
- If you have dependents applying for J2 visa, an original marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21), as applicable.
Optional but recommended:
- Payment receipt for visa application fee.
- Original and copy of the appointment/offer letter from your future employer.
- Original and copy of Ph.D. diploma.
- Evidence that you have significant ties (employment and/or family) to your home country or country you intend to return at the end of your visa (family record book, property in your home country…).
- Proof you have sufficient funds to cover part or all of the expenses while in the United States (appointment letter, bank account statement, payslips).
Tips for the interview !
A consular officer will review your paperwork to make the final decision as to whether you qualify for the J-1 visa. It is important that during the interview you justify your intention to depart the United States upon completion of your postdoc.
Here are some common questions you should be asked:
- Why do you want to go to the U.S.?
- What will you be doing in the US?
- What is your current occupation?
- What are your qualifications?
- Which university have you graduated from?
- What program are you applying to?
- Who is going to pay for your expenses?
- Tell me about your housing.
- Do you have family in the U.S.?
You must expect to have your fingerprints scanned as part of your application.
5 – Wait to receive your visa
Depending on the U.S. embassy/consulate, your passport will either be returned by picking it up at the embassy/consulate or delivered by courier.
You can obtain the estimated wait time to receive an interview appointment and the processing time for your visa to be ready for delivery by courier:
Please note that if your visa goes under administrative processing, it will take additional time, up to 60 days.
You can also check the status of your visa application:
We hope you will get your visa fast!
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Hello!
My son is presently in USA. His DS 2019 has been duly extended till june 2021 but his passport only shows the old visa stamp which has expired. He wishes to visit India from 9th to 24th Dec. Is it possible to get a fresh visa extension stamp on his passport before he leaves USA? If yes then pl advise the process . If he needs to apply in US consulate in India then does he again need to appear for an interview or he only applies on line and can submit his passport after reaching India? We are worried that since his visit in India is too short whether he can do the needful before leaving USA on 9th dec. Thanks in advance
Dilip