J-1 Visas: Your Pathway to Studying, Teaching or Gaining Professional Experience in the United States
About the J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is designed for individuals approved to participate in the U.S. Department of State designated exchange visitor program for purposes such as:
- Teaching
- Researching
- Lecturing
- Studying
- Training
- Consulting
- Demonstrating special skills
Common J-1 participants include professors, scholars, teachers, university students, research assistants, trainees, interns, au pairs, camp counselors, specialists are a few examples of exchange visitors.
What Is the Purpose of the J-1 Visa?
The J-1 exchange program is intended to enhance international understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. By bringing global talent to the United States, the J-1 fosters collaboration, professional development, and ongoing international relationships.
What Are the Requirements?
All J-1 exchange visitors must have a program sponsor: a public or private organization approved by the U.S. Department of State to promote the “interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and science.”
J-1 programs fall into various categories, each with its own purpose, eligibility rules, time limits, and ongoing program requirements.
Examples of J-1 Visa Categories
The following are a few examples of the different J-1 Visa categories:
J-1 Trainee
Allows international professionals to receive structured training with a U.S. sponsor for up to 18 months, and provides a valuable opportunity to gain professional experience and expand industry skills.
J-1 Intern
Allows international students or recent graduates to undertake supervised workplace training with a U.S. organization for up to 12 months, offering exposure to U.S. business culture and professional development.
J-1 Professor & Research Scholar
Allows research scholars to lecture, collaborate, research, or observe research development projects or conduct long-term projects within U.S. institutions, either academic or corporate for 3 weeks to 5 years.
J-1 Specialist
Allows international experts and subject-matter professionals to participate in specialized programs requiring their expertise for 3 weeks to 12 months.
J-1 College & University Student
Enables international students to pursue full-time study at an accredited U.S. university or college.
J-1 Teacher
Allows international educators to teach full-time in U.S. primary and secondary schools for up to 3 years, with the possibility of a two-year extension.
Additional Categories
Other program types include:
- Au pair
- Camp counselor
- Physician
- Secondary school student
- Short-term scholar
- Summer work travel
Will I Be Able to Work in the United States?
Yes, many J-1 categories explicitly allow work or professional training, provided the work is:
- Authorized by your program sponsor
- Integral to the program’s purpose
- Directly related to the activity listed on your Form DS-2019
For example:
- J-1 Interns and Trainees may work as part of their structured training programs.
- J-1 Teachers, Professors, and Lecturers are authorized to work as part of their academic or research placement.
- J-1 Students may work on-campus and, in many cases, participate in authorized academic training.
However, J-1 holders generally cannot accept employment outside the scope of their approved program or sponsor.
How Long Does a J-1 Visa Last?
J-1 participants may remain in the United States for the duration of status, meaning as long as they continue to participate in their approved exchange program. Program lengths range from several weeks to multiple years, depending on the category.
Extensions may be available through the program sponsor for some of the J-1 exchange visitor programs.
What About Family Members?
Spouses and unmarried children under age 21 may qualify for J-2 dependent visas. J-2 spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization; however, their earnings may not be used to financially support the J-1 exchange visitor.
FAQs
What happens if my program is terminated?
If your sponsor ends your program or your participation is terminated for cause, the sponsor will report it, and you are generally expected to depart the United States.
When can I enter the U.S.?
You may arrive up to 30 days before the start of your program and must depart no later than 30 days after the program end date.
Can I participate in another J-1 program later?
Yes, however, your visa is program-specific. Once one program ends, you must depart the U.S. and apply for a new J-1 visa to begin a new program with a new sponsor.
Can I work for an employer other than my sponsor?
No, you are only permitted to engage in the work or activities authorized on your Form DS-2019 and approved by your exchange program sponsor.
J-1 Visa Success Story: Argentinian Startup Founder Completes U.S. Entrepreneurship Exchange Program
A 27-year-old tech founder from Argentina, was selected to participate in a four-week YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) Fellowship Program hosted by an innovation lab in Austin, Texas. The program focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs from the Americas (LatAm, Caribbean, Canada) with fellowships and training to boost regional economic potential.
Although the client had a promising AI-driven logistics startup, he was unsure whether he qualified for the J-1 Intern/Trainee category because his company was still small and he lacked formal business training. He worried that the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires might view his participation as unauthorized work rather than structured training.
How we helped:
- Worked with the Founder to apply for the YLAI fellowship program outlining the client’s professional entrepreneurial experience and knowledge, and skills to be gained in the program.
- Demonstrated that his activities met J-1 training criteria by clearly distinguishing the program from hands-on employment or active management of his foreign company.
- Collected evidence of his entrepreneurial achievements, pitch competition wins, early customer traction, and letters from mentors to show his selection was merit-based.
- Prepared strategic guidance for the consular interview, including how to explain the temporary nature of the program and his plans to return to Argentina to scale the business.
- Ensured compliance with program funding requirements, documenting both his personal savings and the stipend offered by the host organization.
Outcome:
Client’s J-1 visa was approved after a brief interview. During his four-week program, he successfully refined his technical entrepreneurship training and leadership development, and connected with a U.S. entrepreneurial leader that led to a partnership with a Texas-based distributor, including a network of U.S. advisors. Upon returning to Argentina, he closed a $2M (Argentine Peso) seed round, crediting the U.S. exchange program for sharpening his business model and international strategy.
Why Work with Principe Immigration Law?
Strategic visa planning for students, scholars, professors, researchers, and international trainees can be a viable option on its own or when other visa options such as the H-1B or L-1A are not available. At Principe Immigration Law, we guide you through each step of the process from eligibility screening and document assembly to application filing and interview preparation with the goal of ensuring a strong and well-supported application.
Whether you are pursuing education, professional development, training, or teaching opportunities in the United States, we serve as your trusted advisor and advocate every step of the way.