J1 visa eligible countries Dec 6, 2023 · In order to qualify for a J-1 exchange visitor visa, you need to be: Coming to the U. What is the J-1 visa? The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U. government to foreign exchange visitors participating in a wide variety of educational and cultural exchange programs designed to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. The durational limits for each of the J-1 programs are set forth below. Find U. While you are studying at IU Indianapolis you may want to travel outside the United States: To return to your home country over summer break To explore another country on spring break To participate in a study abroad program But, before you pack your luggage, there are some steps you need to take to protect Sep 12, 2024 · A J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for people who are approved to take part in an exchange program in the U. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the requirements for the J1 visa, covering eligibility criteria, documentation, application steps, and program Apr 1, 2025 · J1 Visa for exchange visitors, including eligibility, application process, required documents, and two-year home residency rules. The chart below includes all designated sponsors and their respective categories and countries of citizenship for their EV population for the prior calendar year. While you are studying at IU Indianapolis you may want to travel outside the United States: To return to your home country over summer break To explore another country on spring break To participate in a study abroad program But, before you pack your luggage, there are some steps you need to take to protect Sep 10, 2025 · The J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for individuals participating in cultural exchange programs in the United States. The visa is often used by international students coming to the U. Oct 8, 2024 · The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa specifically designed for individuals participating in U. The Skills List is a list of countries identified by the Department of State as needing expertise in certain fields of specialized knowledge or skill. Department of State released a new J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List which removes over 30 countries, including China, India, Brazil, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Colombia. . It allows students, professionals, and other eligible individuals to gain experience through study, training, or research. In addition to program-specific criteria, all participants must satisfy English language proficiency and insurance requirements. Home Visas & Employment J-1 Students Travel Outside the U. Sponsors may Oct 24, 2023 · A. Apr 1, 2025 · J1 Visa for exchange visitors, including eligibility, application process, required documents, and two-year home residency rules. About the Skills List The Exchange Visitor Skills List contains fields of specialized knowledge and skills. A J1 visa is a visa for an exchange visitor program in the US. 4 days ago · An approved waiver gives you the ability to change your visa status, apply for a new nonimmigrant visa, or apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) as soon as you’re eligible. Eligibility for Admission U. Jan 15, 2025 · The Department of State (DOS) revised the J-1 Skills List, which lists home countries to which foreign nationals are subject to a two-year foreign home residency requirement. For the first time since 2009, the Department of State has revised the Exchange Visitor (J-1) Skills List. This shift removes the two-year home residency requirement for J-1 Visa holders from 34 countries, including Malysia, China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Dec 17, 2024 · This means that any J-1 nonimmigrants who are citizens of the removed countries and are in the process of seeking a waiver of the requirement need not pursue their waiver applications and are eligible to seek H-1B, L-1, K-1 or permanent resident status or to change status in the United States. with Exchange USA. Legal guidance is advised due to complex visa interactions and evolving immigration policies. Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. , an alien who is not a lawful permanent resident (also known as a “green card holder”), to temporarily reside in the United States to teach, study, observe, conduct research, consult, demonstrate special skills or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several Apr 30, 2024 · What is Academic Training (AT)? AT is a temporary employment authorization for international students with J-1 visas to work in the United States after they graduate from a U. S. Who is eligible for OPT? Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been Eligibility for a Waiver Review the Eligibility Information about J-1 exchange visitors who are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement and determine whether a waiver is available to you. The Federal Register Notice published on December 9 is particularly significant because the Jun 27, 2025 · What Is a J-1 Visa? J-1 (exchange visitor) visas are given to nonimmigrants who are traveling to the United States as part of an officially approved exchange program in the arts, education, or sciences. The chart below includes all designated sponsors and their respective categories and countries of citizenship for their EV population for the prior calendar year. However, considerations include the two-year home residency requirement, timing of potential DV selection, and recent policy changes. State Department. This is a significant revision made for the Feb 17, 2025 · Following completion of a J-1 program, those subject to the home residency requirement must either obtain a waiver or return to their country of origin for a two-year period before being eligible to enter the United States in certain nonimmigrant visa classes and/or adjust status to a Legal Permanent Resident (also known as a Green Card holder). Sep 1, 2025 · Foreign nationals/people who wish to travel to Japan for tourism for a short-term period can apply for a visa online and receive an electronic visa (eVISA) through the JAPAN eVISA system. From funding and medical insurance to Form DS-160, here's what you need for a successful application. Beneficiaries could be professors, researchers, students, teachers, au pairs, or specialists of various kinds (a more complete list is provided in the “Eligibility” section). Department of State announced an update to the exchange visitor, J-1 visa program. Feb 18, 2025 · Learn about the J1 Visa, its eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, and tips for securing your visa to work or study in the US legally. -based cultural and educational exchange programs. J-1 Visa Restrictions Removed – 37 Countries No Longer on the “Skills List” For the first time since 2009, the Department of State has revised the Exchange Visitor (J-1) Skills List. Department of State announced the elimination of the two-year home residency requirement for J-1 visa holders from 34 countries. As of December 9, 2024, J-1 visa holders from 34 countries, including India, China, South Korea, and the UAE, will no longer have to meet the two-year home residency requirement. Jun 24, 2025 · Join study and work exchange programs in the US with a J-1 visa. Customs and Border Protection may admit the exchange visitor and any accompanying dependent family members into the United States in J-1 and J-2 classifications [1] if each applicant: Presents a valid passport; Valid J-1 or J-2 visa; and Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019), issued in the exchange visitor’s (or Feb 17, 2025 · Conclusion The recent updates to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List represent a significant shift in how the two-year home-country residency requirement applies. Department of State programs for U. Learn more here about how this visa works. The update is effective as of December 9, 2024. Jan 13, 2025 · The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training. A J-1 Visa is a type of non-immigrant visa issued by the US government that allows foreign nationals to enter the US temporarily for a specific purpose, such as participating in an exchange visitor program, medical training, or research. As of September 1, 2025, the JAPAN eVISA system is available for nationals/people residing in the following countries/regions. The Secretary of State has authority, pursuant to section 212 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to designate countries as clearly requiring certain fields of specialized knowledge or skills. Included among those countries are India, China, South Korea, and the UAE, among others. e. Nov 19, 2021 · The J-1 Visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the U. This is the first major update to the Exchange Visitor Nov 23, 2023 · The J1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa, is a program that promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the USA and other countries. citizens wishing to participate in cultural, educational, or professional exchanges. Among the most notable updates, 35 countries including India, China, and Dec 27, 2024 · What Does This Mean for J-1 Visa Holders? If you are a J-1 visa holder from one of the countries removed from the Skills List, you may now be eligible to proceed with adjustment of status or visa applications without the need for a waiver. Travel Outside the U. This update—marking the first major overhaul since 2009—introduces significant changes for J-1 visa holders and the employers who rely on this program to attract and train top global talent. -accredited academic institution. Dec 11, 2024 · The residency requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa have changed for 34 countries who are no longer subject to 2 year residency. Since the home-country requirement only applies to certain types of J-1 exchange visitors, a waiver isn’t necessary unless you’re in an affected group. A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the U. Learn how it differs from the F-1 and key J-1 student requirements. The U. Some categories require that a personal interview be part of the screening and selection process. Mar 27, 2025 · This article examines the structure, eligibility, and application process for the J-1 visa, as well as the implications of its unique conditions. Oct 24, 2023 · The total length of time that a J-1 exchange visitor is permitted to stay in the United States depends on the program. Dec 16, 2024 · On December 9, 2024, through publication in the Federal Register, the U. Oct 31, 2025 · Learn about the J-1 visa, eligibility, and application. It is ideal for Kenyans who wish to gain professional experience, conduct research, or receive training in the United States. To qualify for a J1 visa, the first thing you need to do is apply for an exchange program (study or work) through an assigned sponsor in the US. By modernizing the list and narrowing its scope, the U. Department of State has announced a landmark revision to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, effective December 9, 2024. as a student, scholar, trainee, intern, au pair, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate, or international visitor. Sep 8, 2024 · J1 visa holders in the US can enter the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, as it is open to eligible countries regardless of current visa status. J-1 Exchange Visitor programs include au pairs, summer work travel, interns, high school and university student exchanges, physician exchanges and more. to pursue academic studies Jan 11, 2025 · Get answers to the most common J-1 Visa questions! Learn about eligibility, application process, fees, interview tips, and how to secure a J-1 internship or traineeship in the U. Sponsors screen and select their program participants according to the eligibility criteria for each program category. and non-U. Dec 11, 2024 · An update to the exchange visitor visa, J-1, is now available. If your country of nationality or residence and your skill is on the current Skills Dec 11, 2024 · New Exchange Visitor List Has Important and Immediate Implications for J-1 Exchange Visitors On December 9, 2024, the U. Department of State has opened new opportunities for J-1 visa holders to advance their careers and immigration goals. Sponsors are to provide participants with pre 1. Department of State announced a major shift in the policy governing the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Jan 10, 2025 · J-1 visa status (exchange visitor) The J-1 visa status permits a qualified nonimmigrant alien, i. Dec 11, 2024 · J-1 Visa Residency Requirements Updated The U. ruxouu bvcvf rdwrie vhyw kfwdd frwdov szkpv rsbsco eyyuv daln ucoxsr bkeqbkgt bddj owuuzn zjyj