J1 Visa
In an effort to promote cultural exchange between the United States and other nations, the J1 visa was created. The J1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to come to the United States to work or study in a variety of fields. J1 visa holders are permitted to remain in the United States for the completion of their study, or for a pre-determined period of time which varies depending on the field of work. These fields of work include au pairs, camp counselors, professors, teachers, physicians. The J1 visa also covers secondary school students, short-term scholars, govermnent or international visitors, and college students.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a program designed to monitor the exchange programs, and requires that all J1 visa holders register with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Spouses and children under the age of 21 of the J1 visa holder can accompany them to the United States by obtaining derivative J visas. They are permitted to remain for the duration of the J1 visa holder’s stay, but cannot work while in the United States. In order to work they must apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and receive permission to do so.
