The J-1 visa
is designed to provide educational and
cultural exchange programs, and to
promote the sharing of individuals,
knowledge and skills in education, arts
and sciences. This visa enables people
to participate in exchange visitor
programs in the United States.
Participants in this visa include
students, trainees involved in
on-the-job training, teachers engaged in
research and teaching and international
visitors interested in traveling,
researching, consulting and
demonstrating specific knowledge.
Your spouse and/or unmarried children
under the age of 21 may apply for entry
under J-2 status.
Steps
You should apply for a J-1 Visa at the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate with
jurisdiction over your place of
permanent residence. While you may apply
at any U.S. consular office abroad, it
is advised you apply within your
jurisdiction.
Participants in the J exchange program
should present a Form IAP-66, prepared
by a designated sponsoring organization.
Documents
The following documents are required for
the J-1 Visa:
- A filled-in visa application
Form OF-156.
- One recent photograph 1 & 1/2
inches square (37mm x 37mm) of
each applicant, with the entire face
visible. The picture should
be taken before a light background
and without head covering.
- A passport, valid for travel to
the United States for at least
six months longer than your intended
visit.
- A completed form, IAP-66,
prepared by a designated sponsoring
organization.
A completed form,
IAP-66, prepared by a designated
sponsoring organization.
You must also demonstrate the that you
have binding ties to a residence in a
foreign country which you have no
intention of abandoning, and that you
are coming to the United States for a
temporary period of time.
