Changing Your J-1 Program Sponsor
A straightforward guide to transferring your J-1 exchange visitor program from one designated sponsor to another.
EB-2 and EB-3 Employer-Sponsored Green Cards
The most common employment green cards for graduates with a U.S. job offer, plus the National Interest Waiver, which can skip the job offer entirely.
J-2 Dependent Visas (Spouses & Children)
Your eligible family members can join you in the U.S. on J-2 visas, tied to your J-1 status. Learn what you need to know in this overview of J-2 Dependent Visas for spouses and children.
J-1 Academic Categories: Eligibility & Requirements
Your J-1 category is chosen by your sponsor based on your qualifications, role, activities, and length of stay. Here's how the academic and research categories compare.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
The J-1 program is the U.S. Department of State's framework for international educational and cultural exchange. This overview explains what it is and how it's run, then links to the details.
Maintaining J-1 Status & Program Changes
Keeping J-1 status means meeting reporting obligations to your sponsor and handling program changes the right way. Learn about the landscape for scholars in this overview for maintaining J-1 Status and program changes.
The Two-Year Home Residency Requirement & Bars to Re-Entry
Three separate J-1 rules are often confused: the 212(e) two-year home-country residency requirement, the 24-month bar, and the 12-month bar. This guide explains each and how they differ.
Pre-Arrival, Orientation, English & Health Insurance
Before and just after you arrive, your sponsor must give you certain orientation and arrival information and confirm that you meet a few requirements. Learn what to expect in this overview for pre-arrival, orientation, English, and health insurance while in the United States.
Postdoctoral Positions: Special Considerations
Postdocs face choices that other scholars don't — especially J-1 vs H-1B and how those choices might affect a future green card. Here's what to weigh.
Applying for a J-1 Visa
Once your sponsor issues your DS-2019, you can apply for your J-1 visa. The core process matches the student J-1 process, with a few scholar-specific funding points.
Employment, Teaching & Study on J-1 Status
While holding J-1 visa status in the U.S., your activities must center on your program objectives, and most work opportunities will need your RO/ARO's prior written approval. Here's the framework, with real scenarios.