What Are The USA J-1 Visa Requirements?

For studies, the USA always remains the first choice for students as the quality of education and grade universities are there and well-supported to be able to offer an excellent education to attract any student towards it. United States provide lively and vibrant campus life and cultural diversity where discrimination is zero. In this article, we will get to know about the USA J-1 visa which is required for those who want to do their higher studies in the USA anyone who wants to apply for a J-1 visa will get all the complete information here- J-1 visa requirements, what are the eligibility criteria, which documents are needed, process and validity of the J-1 visa?

Who Qualifies for a J-1 visa?

Students who go USA for higher education require a J-1 VISA. Around the world students who are willing to get their higher degree in the USA are eligible for a J-1 student visa. There are many kinds of visas but J-1 visas are only for the students. To get a J-1 visa and understand the J-1 visa requirements, the students need to follow some steps which we will be learning further in this article.

Also know about Student Visa, the Application Process and the Requirements

Eligibility Criteria Required For J-1 Student Visa

To get a student visa which is a J-1 visa you need to be eligible for the same. Below are the eligibility criteria for your convenience-

• Applicants must get enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
• You must be proficient in English.
• Applicants must hold proof of financial funds which demonstrate that they can bear their study-related financial obligations.
• Applicants must have ties to their home country that show an intent to return after they finish studying in the United States of America.

Documents Required To Apply For J-1 Visa

Before applying for a J-1 student Visa in the USA you must have the documents which will be needed at the time when you apply for the visa-

• A passport-size photograph is required.
• NOC from School/Institute
• Applicants must have an IELTS scorecard.
• A valid medical Insurance is required of the applicant.
• The applicant is required to attend the pre-arrival orientation.
• An applicant is required to have a valid passport.

How To Apply For a J-1 Visa?

Apart from learning about  J-1 visa requirements, you should also know how to apply for a student visa you need to follow the few steps given below-

• Get accepted into an educational program- Applicants chosen by the institution’s International student office will send you an I-20 form. This form will be required in the visa interview.
• The applicant has to register for SEVIS and pay the fee which means the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System need to have your fee before the DS-160 is completed.
• Applicants are required to attend the interview with the Embassy and Consulate in the country where they live.
• Lastly, check the decision you will get on your interview. 

J-1 Visa Processing Time

There are different timelines for different visas. After applying, your J-1 visa processing time can be anywhere between 8 weeks to 13 weeks, however, you should keep in mind that visa timelines can vary and affect the total processing time.

• The time required to get your application processed is defined below step by step-
• Finding a designated sponsor: time frames vary.
• DS-2019 and SEVIS ID processing will take 2-3 weeks.
• 2-4 weeks will be required for completing the DS-160 and scheduling the interview.
• Lastly, you will be likely to get your visa in 7 days.

Get to know about the types of visas the USA

How much does a J-1 visa cost?

The J-1 and J-2 visas do not come with a separate $160 application processing cost. This cost must be paid by almost all applicants for non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas. That comprises: Those applying for business, tourism, and medical treatment B visas

The Validity Period For J-1 Visa

J-1 visa validity completely depends on the program that is sponsoring you. There are very few cases in which a J-1 visa holder can stay longer than 7 years. below we have mentioned the validity period based on the more popular programs:

• Professors, Researchers, Scholars and Teachers can stay for a maximum of five years.
• Medical graduate students have a validity period maximum of seven years.
• Camp counsellors and summer workers have a J-1 maximum duration of one year.
• Nannies are generally given a maximum duration of one year.
• Professional trainees and government visitors can remain in the U.S. for up to 18 months.
• International Communication Agency, is one example of a program that allows its participants to stay more than seven years.

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FAQs

Here was all about the J-1 visa requirements. Hope this blog has answered all your questions and doubts. To get more updates on topics like study abroad, best universities abroad or visa abroad etc you just need a click to follow Leverage Edu’s page.

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