The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that can be used for certain approved programs for exchange visitors to the United States. If you are thinking about applying for this type of visa, it is important to know how to apply correctly and be aware of how much time it will take to get it, so you will be able to start your program when you need to. If all goes well and your application is approved, the time from applying to receiving your visa can be anywhere from 8 weeks to 13 weeks, but there are factors that can affect this timeline. A consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer can help prevent problems and expedite the process so you can receive your visa as quickly as possible.
What is the J-1 Visa Program?
The J-1 Visa Act was established in order to have better communication of ideas between United States citizens and those living outside the United States. These visas allow noncitizens who wish to participate in teaching, instructing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, or graduate medical education in the United States. The amount of time visa holders are allowed to stay depends on the program they are in, and after the visa program is complete, they must return to their home country for two years and apply the newly learned skills. Some of the programs that can be applied for under the J-1 include:
- Full-time students
- Short-term scholars
- Professors and teachers
- Trainees and interns
- Physicians
- Government visitors
- Summer work travelers
- Professional international visitors
- Camp counselors
- Au pairs.
Most J-1 visa holders can stay an extra 30-days after they conclude their program in the United States. They must be able to fund their trip and also have adequate medical insurance, speak the English language, and maintain an overseas residence during this period and show they intend to return to their home country.
What is the Time it Takes to Get a J-1 Visa?
There are several stages involved in getting a J-1 Visa, and there are different wait times associated with each stage. The following are the steps and the typical processing times:
Step 1: Find a Sponsor
The J-1 visa must be sponsored by an approved designated organization. When you know what you want to do, you choose a sponsor that offers the program in which you wish to participate. You contact that organization directly to learn more about the program and the application requirements. You should then submit the required documents to the sponsor as early as possible to start the process.
Step 2: Form Processing
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) manages data of the exchange visitors and international students in the United States. After you are approved by your sponsoring organization, your sponsor will issue you a DS-2019 Form that certifies your eligibility to apply for a J-1 visa. Your will receive an email message with your SEVIS ID number and information on how to pay the SEVIS fees and get a payment receipt. This processing period takes about two to three weeks.
Step 3: DS-160 Application and Schedule of Interview
Your next step is to complete the online DS-160 form which requests a nonimmigrant visa to travel to the U.S. This form must be completely filled out accurately and truthfully, and all required information and documents must be provided, or your visa will be delayed or denied. At this time, you should also schedule your visa interview with the embassy or consulate in your home country, as it can take 2 weeks to over a month to get an appointment, depending on the embassy or consulate and how busy it is.
Step 4: Your Visa Interview
When your interview is scheduled, you will be informed of the date, time and place where it will take place and also of the documents you will need to bring for the interview. Missing your appointment or not having all required documents can delay your visa approval. Your immigration attorney will help prepare you ahead of time for this interview so you can answer each question confidently and truthfully.
Step 5: Get Your Visa
If your J-1 visa application is approved, you should receive a visa sticker for your passport so you can travel to the United States for your program. This usually takes three to seven business days.
How to Expedite the Time it Takes to Get a J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is not available for premium processing that shortens certain visas and green card processing to 15 days. However, if you need to get your visa quickly, an experienced immigration attorney can help by making sure all forms and required documents are submitted correctly and in a timely manner. In addition, some sponsoring organizations may have options to expedite the process if they need you within a certain timeframe.
In some circumstances, if you need to extend your J-1 visa, your program sponsor could issue you a second DS-2019 form to grant an extension. Once you’ve filed this form, processing will generally take 2 to 3 weeks, similar to the timeframe of the first petition. Your immigration attorney and your sponsor can give you more accurate information on whether your circumstances warrant an extension.
Get J-1 Visa Help from an Experienced Immigration Lawyer
While every immigration case is different, to get a better idea of your individual J-1 visa processing time and the best way to speed along the process, get help from the skilled experienced immigration lawyers at Carman Fullerton in Lexington, Kentucky. Attorneys Kirby Fullerton and Dan Carman have many years of experience representing clients in immigration cases and can make sure everything is done correctly so your application is not rejected or delayed. Our compassionate staff and attorneys speak Spanish and accommodate speakers of other languages as well.
Call us today to get started so we can help ensure that your application will be successful and processed in the shortest time possible.
GET STARTED NOW CALL 859-971-0060
Attorney Kirby J. Fullerton
Mr. Fullerton’s practice is focused on immigration law. He speaks Spanish, and represents clients in cases before the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals. He began his career practicing criminal defense, and understands how matters in criminal courts can affect a client’s immigration status. [Attorney Bio]
