J1 Visa USA

The J1 visa is one of the areas on which we can advise those who want to work in the USA. If you need a visa J1 for employment in a number of different fields, we recommend taking the Global Visas free assessment. A consultant will call you back within 24 hours to discuss your visa J1 options, as well as any other US visa categories.

The exchange visitor J1 visa covers a wide variety of activities. Below is a summary of the main categories. To find out whether you can obtain a J1 visa to USA visitors, take our free assessment.

Visa J1 for USA exchange visitors

The J1 visa is for people wishing to take up prearranged employment, training or research in the USA on a scheme that is sponsored by an educational or non-profit institution. This would cover:

• Postgraduate students and foreign medical graduates wanting to pursue graduate medical training.
• Foreign scholars being sponsored as temporary faculty members.
• Young people on summer employment schemes.

Holders of the J1 visa may enter the US up to 30 days before their designated start date and remain for up to 30 days after their course or scheme has ended. Former exchange visitors may later be prevented from obtaining a different category of visa until they have satisfied the conditions of the Two Year Home Country Physical Presence (Foreign Residence) Requirement.

J1 Visa for Au Pairs, Nannies and Mother’s Helpers

Visitors to the US seeking employment as an au pair will normally have to obtain an exchange visa J1. US visa law does not usually permit B1 or B2 visa holders or those admitted without a visa to work as au pairs, nannies or mother’s helpers. Exceptions are made for applicants who accompany a US citizen or non-immigrant visa holder. The J1 visa must be obtained through an officially approved exchange visitor scheme, which is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Visa J1 for USA Internships

The J1 visa is also required for applicants who want to train through an internship with a US-based employer. A B2 visa is not suitable for this purpose. There are two routes to obtaining the J1 visa for these activities:

• If the prospective employer is a designated sponsor for an exchange visitor scheme, they can issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Such schemes cover many occupations, including the arts, media and communications, education and finance.
• Even in cases where there is no exchange visitor scheme, applicants may still be able to obtain sponsorship through one of the approved work exchange schemes.

Apply for Your Visa J1 Through Global Visas

The experts at Global Visas can advise you if you need help understanding the J1 visa rules. To save time, contact our advisers by clicking on the link below to take the free assessment.

Work Visa USA

The J1 is not your only US work visa option. Find out your full range of choices by visiting the Work Visa USA page.

Green Card

Another option for living and working in the US is to apply for a Green Card. This will allow you to permanently live in the country. There are several different ways to qualify, including family, business and employment.

Employment-based Green Card

There are employment-based Green Cards available that will allow you to permanently live and work in the USA. The Green Card offers the most benefits to migrants, so use the free assessment to find out if you can qualify.

US L1 Visa

The US L1 visa is yet another option allowing you to work in the US. It allows international companies to transfer their employees to the USA. Visit this page to find out if the L1 is the visa for you.

Working Holiday Visa USA

Find about your options for temporarily living and working in the US on a working holiday via a range of visa options.

USA Visa

Find out more US visa options by visiting this page. You can also use the free assessment to enter your details and quickly determine your ideal visa. Find out further information on our Employment-based Green Card page.