Foreign nationals may experience life in the U.S. through the exchange program. A nonimmigrant visa classification designed for temporary visits to the U.S.
General Information
Exchange programs are a marvelous way for foreign nationals to come to the United States for a short period of time to experience the American way of life. Through educational and cultural exchange programs, participants can learn new skills to take back to their home countries. Everyone benefits through the development of lasting relationships and a better understanding of different countries. Indeed, the friendships that form as a result of exchange programs can last a lifetime.
Public and private entities act as exchange sponsors. Designated sponsoring organizations help foreign nationals enter the U.S. as exchange visitors in one of the following exchange visitor program categories:
* Au pair
* Camp Counselor
* Student, college/university
* Student, secondary
* Government Visitor
* International Visitor (reserved for U.S. Department of State use)
* Alien physician
* Professor
* Research Scholar
* Short-term Scholar
* Specialist
* Summer work/travel
* Teacher
* Trainee
Application Process
To participate in one of the programs you must secure a nonimmigrant exchange program visitor visa, otherwise known as a "J" visa.
The first step in the process is to apply and get accepted into one of the Exchange Visitor Program categories through a designated sponsoring organization. Once you have been accepted by a sponsor, you may apply for your J visa at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence.
Required Documentation
* Your exchange program sponsor will provide you with Form DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Your school will enter this information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an internet-based system that maintains nonimmigrant student information.
* A Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 (for trainee or intern visa applicants only).
* You will also provide Form DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application as well as DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant.
* A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age. It is also required for all applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, without exception. Five countries are now designated as state sponsors of terrorism, including North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran.
After your application has been received, you will attend an interview interview at the embassy or consulate if you are between the ages of 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate.
The consular official will determine if you are eligible for the J visa. The offical will determine if you fulfill all requirements including:
* That you plan to remain in the U.S. for a temporary, specific, limited period
* Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States
* Evidence that you have strong social and economic ties back home to ensure that you will return home when your exchange program visa expires.
You will need a passport with an expiry date at least 6 months past the end date of your period of study. A passport-type photograph must also be supplied as well as a receipt confirming all application fees have been paid. A digital fingerprint scan will be taken in addition to a digital photo.
Tip: Plan ahead! The summer months before the start of fall semesters are the busiest months for Embassies and Consulates, and you might have trouble getting an appointment during those months.
Spouses and Children
Some sponsors may give you authorization to be accompanied by your spouse (husband or wife) and children. If this is the case, your sponsor will enter your dependent(s) information into SEVIS and they will provide additional copies of Form DS-2019 so your dependent(s) can apply with you.
Be advised that your J2 spouse or children may not work in the U.S. unless they apply using Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization and receive permission to work. However, all J2 dependents may study while in the U.S. without needing to apply for a student visa.
Travel
You cannot arrive in the U.S. more than 30 days before your study start date. If you need to come sooner than this, you must obtain a visitor visa. Note, that if you choose this route, you will need to file for an adjustment from visitor status to student status. This will require an additional fee, and you can't begin your studies until the adjustment has been approved.
Entering the U.S.
When you arrive at the port-of-entry, you will provide Form I-20 to the Border Protection official. The official will review your documents and authorize your entry into the U.S. You will be enrolled in the US-VISIT program and an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record will be placed in your passport. DO NOT lose this form, as it is the only record of your arrival in the country.
Source: Department of State
More Ways to Get a Temporary Visa
* Student Visa
* Fiance Visa
* Visa Waiver Program
