J-1 VISA

The J-1 visa is open to people who wish to participate in exchange visit programs in the U.S. It is designed to provide cultural and educational exchange programs in arts, sciences etc. Participants in this visa category could include students, job trainees, teachers engaged in research and teaching and international visitors interested in traveling, researching, consulting and demonstrating specific knowledge.

The spouse and unmarried children of the J-1 visa holder can enter into the U.S. by applying for entry on J-2 visas.

Procedures

The application for a J-1 Visa should be made to the U.S. Embassy or Consular Office with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of permanent residence. However, the applicant can apply for a J-1 Visa at any U.S. overseas consular office. We recommend that it be submitted to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the applicant's jurisdiction

Forms and Documents

To apply for a J-1 Visa, the applicant should apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with the following forms and documents

Form OF-156, completed and signed;
A passport with a validity date of at least six months from the end of the intended stay;
One photograph 1.5 inches square;
Completed form IAP-66 prepared by a designated sponsoring organization;
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.
Demonstrable ties to a residence in a foreign country; and
Promise/statement that they are coming to the United States for a temporary period.
The applicant must demonstrate the that he or she has binding ties to a residence in a foreign country. He or she has no intention of abandoning his or her home country residence. The purpose of such evidence is to show that the applicant is coming to the U.S. only for a temporary period of time.

The spouse and dependent children of the J-1 visa holder can apply for J-2 Visas:
They must present the J-1 holder form IAP-66. Other basic documentation are also required;
Proof that they will have sufficient financial resources to support themselves while in the United States.