|
Exchange Visitors
There are two nonimmigrant visa categories available for those seeking to participate in exchange visitor programs in the U.S. – the “J” Visa and the “Q” Visa. The J Visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs that have been specifically designated by the Department of State. The Q Visa is for international cultural exchange programs that have been designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
J Visa
The J visa is intended for educational and cultural exchange programs that have been designated by the Department of State. The J visa program was created for the purpose of increasing mutual understanding between the people of the US and other countries through educational and cultural exchange. To be eligible for a J visa, your U.S. sponsor must be accredited through the State Department’s Exchange Visitor Program.
Some examples of such programs include:
- Physicians
- Au pairs
- Interns
- Teachers
- Camp counselors
- Research scholar
Q Visa
The Q Visa is designated for educational and cultural exchange programs that have been designated by USCIS. The Q cultural exchange program was created for the purpose of providing practical training and employment, and to share the history, culture, and traditions of the participant's home country in the United States and vice versa.
To have the exchange program approved by USCIS, the sponsoring U.S. employer must file Form I-129Q. The employer will need to file a new petition every time she or he wants to bring additional persons into the United States in Q status. Please note that there are no derivative visas for the children or spouses of Q Visa holders. |
