J-1 Visa Program in the USA - Program for up to 1-2 Years of Working

Hi All,

I had a nice talk with a member of the Meetup on Saturday, and she told me about the J-1 visa program. It seems to have different ways of entering and a variety of jobs available under it. As a first step to entering the US and working, I thought I would post details.

"Around 300,000 participants from more than 200 countries and territories visit the United States on J-1 visas each year. Eighty-six percent are 30 years of age or younger. Fifty-four percent are women or girls. More than 1,400 designated U.S. sponsors participate in the program.

Professors and Research Scholars: These two categories promote the exchange of ideas, research, and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries.

Short-term Scholars: Professors, scholars, and other accomplished individuals travel on a short-term visit to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills at U.S. research and academic institutions, museums, and libraries.

Trainees: Professionals with a degree, professional certificate, or relevant work experience gain exposure to U.S. culture and receive training in U.S. business practices through a structured and guided work-based program.

Interns: College and university students or recent graduates gain exposure to U.S. culture as they experience U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.

College and University Students: Students study at a U.S. degree-granting post-secondary accredited academic institution, participating in a degree, nondegree, or student internship program.

Teachers: Educators teach full-time at a U.S. accredited primary or secondary school or in an accredited pre-kindergarten program.

Secondary School Students: Secondary school students study at an accredited public or private high school and live with an American host family or at an accredited boarding school.

Specialists: Experts in a field of specialized knowledge observe U.S. institutions and methods of practice and share their knowledge with their U.S. colleagues.

Alien Physicians: Foreign medical graduates pursue graduate medical education or training at a U.S. accredited school of medicine or scientific institution, or pursue programs involving observation, consultation, teaching, or research.

Camp Counselors: Post-secondary students, youth workers, teachers or others with specialized skills interact with and supervise American youth at U.S. camps.

Au Pairs: A young adult lives with a host family for 12 months and experiences U.S. culture while providing child care and taking courses at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.

Summer Work Travel Program: College and university students at foreign universities gain first-hand experience as they work in seasonal or temporary jobs and travel in the United States during their summer.

h t t p : / / j 1 v i s a . s t a t e . g o v / p r o g r a m s