EXCHANGE VISAS TO THE UNITED STATES

SPECIALIST EXCHANGE (J-1) VISA

The Specialist exchange category allows foreigners with specialized knowledge in various fields to come to the United States to observe, consult or demonstrate their special skills. Specialized knowledge means special knowledge possessed by an individual of a particular product, service, research, equipment, technique, management, process, procedure or other interests.

Specialists may assist corporations, government agencies, scientific institutions, museums and other organizations in a variety of fields of specialized knowledge. Examples of fields are media communication, environmental science, museum exhibitions, youth leadership, labor law, public administration and library science.

DO I QUALIFY FOR A SPECIALIST EXCHANGE VISA (J-1) TO THE US?

Our Free Exchange Visa Eligibility Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to apply for a Specialist Exchange (J-1) Visa to the US. This assessment uses the criteria set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

SPECIALIST EXCHANGE VISA (J-1) BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for an Exchange visa under the Specialist exchange category, the applicant must demonstrate expertise in a field of specialized knowledge. Before applying for the visa, the applicant must find a sponsoring organization and meet the requirements of the sponsoring organization selected. Finally, applicants may be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

SPECIALIST EXCHANGE VISA (J-1) ENTITLEMENTS

An Exchange visa holder under the Specialist category is entitled to remain in the United States for up to one (1) year provided the specialist continues to provide specialized knowledge for the host institution.

An Exchange visa holder's spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may accompany them to the US upon approval of their derivative (J-2) visas. A dependent (spouse or child) may accept employment upon approval of a work authorization application for the duration of their stay in the US. Any dependent, school aged children may attend primary or secondary school in the US for the duration of their stay.

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