J - SUMMER WORK-TRAVEL, INTERNS, TRAINEES, AU PAIRS (BABY SITTERS), ETC.

J-1 is an exchange visitor visa category for students, scholars, interns, trainees, teachers, research assistants, au pairs and international visitors who participate in a program of studies, training, research developed by the U.S. Department of State.

There are several requirements a foreign national must meet in order to qualify for J-1 visa:

• J-1 visa candidates must be accepted into a DOS-approved program of their choice prior to applying for a visa. Applicants should apply to be accepted into a program directly through the program sponsor.
• J-1 visa candidates must be able to prove that they will have enough money to cover all expenses during their stay in the United States. Exchange visitors who obtain J-1 visa through work-based projects can site their salary as the source of funds that will be used towards expenses, while J-1 students can site a scholarship or personal resources to be used during their stay in the U.S.
• J-1 visa candidates must be fluent in English. English competency will allow exchange visitors to effectively participate in the program of their choice. Candidates who plan to travel to the United States as J-1 students must pass English proficiency test, such as TOEFL, to qualify for the program.
• J-1 students must be able to prove their intent to return back to their home country upon completion of their program. Evidence establishing exchange visitor program applicants’ possessions and property ownership, close family ties, as well as long-term employment at home country should be submitted along with J-1 application to prove their intent to return to home country.

Law Offices of Ilya Fishkin will help you establish your availability for J-1 Visitor Exchange Program and streamline the application process.