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J 1 Visas – Exchange Students and Visitors
Includes foreign students, scholars, experts, medical interns and residents, and business and industrial trainees coming to U.S. to participate in an approved Exchange Visitor Program. Programs must be approved and designated by U.S. Information Agency. There are special programs for au pairs, camp counselors and summer interns. Duration of visa depends on the category.
Disadvantage: Two year home residency requirement sometimes applies - i.e. after completion of J-1 program, student or exchange visitor may be required to return to home country for two years before being eligible to change to another visa or to apply for permanent residency. Depends on source of funding, governmental or private. Also depends on whether person's home country has a Skills List - a list of those skills which are considered in short supply.
Two organizations have been designated umbrella programs:
American Counsel on International Personnel - (212)688-2437
Association for International Practical Training - (301)997-2200
Employment of J-1s:
Practical Training - Eligible for 18 months practical training after completing degree; training must be related to their academic program, not available in the home country and authorized by a school official.
Economic Necessity - Employment during school if it is considered an economic necessity; employment cannot be full-time and is authorized by a school official.
Note: Spouses of Persons on J1 visas (J2s) may be authorized to work by the DSO of the school attended by the J1.
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