
J Visa Attorneys
The J Visa Exchange Visitor Program
The U.S. J Visa Exchange Visitor Program is intended to foster reciprocal interactions between the peoples of the world and people in the U.S. through educational and cultural opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad. J visa exchange visitors come to the U.S. to experience the American educational system or our way of life and thereafter to take such experiences back to their home countries, thereby transferring such knowledge experiences to their peers, colleagues, and families. It is a wonderful program of exchange that not only enriches citizens of participating countries but also the people of the United States.
Contact The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates at (888) 915-5057 to speak to our J visa attorneys about this program. We have offices located in Columbus Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Southfield Michigan and Washington, D.C.
How the J Visa Exchange Visitor Program Works
A person interested in being sponsored under the J visa Exchange Visitor program must first contact an organization that has been certified by the U.S. government to participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The U.S. Department of State has delegated the responsibility of evaluating and designating private and public organizations to operate as sponsors. Such organizations will set forth specific criteria for the entry of foreign nationals to embark on activities approved for the J visa under applicable U.S. laws.
There are a vast variety of activities and occupational classifications that are appropriate under the J visa program.
Such classifications include:
- Au pairs
- Students
- Physicians
- Professors
- Research scholars
- Summer work and travelers
- Camp counselors
Contact us so that we may assist you in the selection of the appropriate J visa program that is suitable for you and to evaluate the various certified agencies that might be best suitable for your circumstances.
Applying for J Exchange Visitor Visa through a Sponsoring Organization
If you are interested in being sponsored under the J visa Exchange Program, you must first be accepted by a certified SEVP sponsoring organization. As mentioned, these organizations will require that you meet certain criteria imposed by U.S. immigration laws and regulations in order to be classified in the desired activity in the U.S.
Once you meet these criteria and your application is approved, the sponsoring organization will provide you with a document called DS–2019 (which replaced the prior approval document known as IAP–66), as well as other documentation which will enable you to receive the J visa. You must remember that obtaining approval from the sponsoring organization does not mean that you now have a J Exchange Visitor’s visa. You must apply for the J Exchange Visitor’s visa before the U.S. Consulate having jurisdiction over your permanent place of residence abroad.
