When should someone get a "J" exchange visitor visa?
What types of exchange visitor visas are available?
What's the purpose of a "J" exchange visitor visa?
What's the purpose of a "Q" visa?
When should someone get a "Q" visa?
What's my first step if I want to be an exchange visitor with the US?
Where do I apply for an exchange visitor visa?
Could I just get a visitor visa instead of an exchange visitor visa?
Are there certain requirements that must be met to qualify for a "J" exchange visitor visa?
Can I participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to enroll in college?
Is there an online system that tracks exchange programs and their students?
Will I have to undergo an interview to receive an exchange visitor visa?
What documentation and forms do I need to submit to the US Embassy or Consulate?
I was denied an exchange visitor visa. What can I do?
Is there a wait time to receive an interview appointment?
Who decides whether to grant me an exchange visitor visa?
You should seek a "J" visa if you've been accepted to an educational or cultural exchange program that's designated by the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
There are two main exchange visitor visas: the "J" visa and the "Q" visa.
The purpose is to foster an understanding between people from the US and people from other countries through cultural and educational exchanges.
The purpose is to provide practical employment and training. It's also meant to share the culture, history and traditions of the visitor's country in the US.
You should seek a "Q" visa if you're part of an international cultural exchange program that's been approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You should join an exchange visitor program that's been certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
You should apply at the US Embassy or Consulate that's located in your home country.
You need an exchange visitor visa if you want to engage in any vocational study. A visitor visa will only allow you to engage in recreational or short periods of study.
There must be evidence that you only plan on staying for a temporary time and that there's money available to pay your expenses. There also needs to be evidence of "strong ties" so that you'll return to your country at the end of the visit.
You can't participate in the VWP if you want to be an exchange visitor. You must obtain an exchange visitor visa.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) keeps current records on exchange visitors and tracks exchange programs throughout the US.
Most people have to undergo an interview as part of the visa application process. If you're age 13 or younger, or age 80 or older, you're usually exempt from the interview requirement.
A: There are several forms and documentation that need to be submitted:
You can apply again if you have new evidence to overcome the reason for the refusal.
Wait times can vary. There's no specific period of time you have to wait. The US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, provides a website so that you can check the wait times at each US Embassy or Consulate.
A consular officer from the US Embassy or Consulate where you apply will decide whether to grant you a visa.