photo_2022-08-28_16-31-45
U.S. Attorney for Visa Matters
J Visas (Exchange Visitor Program)

J Visa Category – Short-Term Visas for Exchange Program Participants – for Work, Internships, or Experience Exchange

The J-1 visa is issued to the participant of the program, while the J-2 visa is for accompanying family members.

Advantages of J Visas

  • No high costs or large documentation package required
  • Allows official work in the USA
  • 15 exchange programs cover a wide range of fields such as education, culture, agriculture, medicine, economics and business, architecture and construction, etc.
  • "Grace period" – an additional legal month of stay in the country after the program ends.

Who Can Apply for a J Visa?

Individuals pursuing education or holding a higher degree in the following fields can apply for a J-1 visa: agriculture, culture (museum workers, librarians), construction, architecture, education, social work, medicine, tourism, journalism, mass media, economics, business, law, engineering, and mathematics.

J-2 visas can be obtained by family members of the J-1 program participant – spouse or partner, and children under the age of 21.

Features of Obtaining a J Visa

The main feature of exchange programs is that candidates are selected by sponsors – specially appointed and verified organizations. The universal set of requirements for all participants includes:

- Sufficient language proficiency, certified by a language test

- Medical insurance

- Clear intention to return to the home country after the short stay in the USA

- Sufficient funds for living in the USA until the program ends

Each program has its own specific criteria, where candidates are scored, and those with the highest scores are selected. Applications for participation are sent directly to the sponsor organization.

There are over 1000 sponsor organizations for the J-1 visa in the USA. A full list of sponsors for all programs can be found on the official U.S. Department of State website.

Difficulties may arise if the candidate's English proficiency level doesn't meet the requirements specified in the application, or if answers to questions show insufficient familiarity with the field of activity. Having relatives in the USA may be seen as insufficient ties to the home country. Additionally, previous visa violations may be a negative factor. 

Schedule a consultation with the attorney

    What is the best way to contact you?

    Advantages of Obtaining a J Visa with Matthew Morley

    Matthew Morley is the only American attorney in Moscow specializing in U.S. immigration law. He is accredited by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and has a strong reputation with the U.S. Consulate in Russia. Matthew Morley has an in-depth knowledge of the U.S. Embassy’s procedures in Russia and other CIS countries.

    Since the decision to issue a J-1 or J-2 visa depends not only on the interview results (which is the last step), but also on the choice of program, sponsor organization, and correctly filed application, consulting an attorney can help avoid misunderstandings. Matthew Morley will help you select the appropriate program and sponsor organization, complete the application, and prepare for the interview based on the information provided.

    You have the opportunity to meet with the attorney in person at his office in Moscow for a consultation on the J-1 and J-2 visas, and you will receive the following benefits:

    - Communication with the attorney in the same time zone in Russian

    - Personal interaction ensures confidentiality

    - Convenience of paying services directly in rubles