Right here’s one other version of “Ask Sophie,” the recommendation column that solutions immigration-related questions on working at know-how corporations.
“Your questions are very important to the unfold of information that permits individuals everywhere in the world to rise above borders and pursue their goals,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration legal professional. “Whether or not you’re in individuals ops, a founder or in search of a job in Silicon Valley, I might like to reply your questions in my subsequent column.”
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Pricey Sophie,
I simply discovered that I’ve been chosen as a trainee within the J-1 alternate program.
I’m at present within the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 customer visa. The sponsoring firm would love me to begin in August. I heard it could possibly take a number of months to vary my standing to a J-1. Is there a approach to get a J-1 quicker?
Is there something I ought to know concerning the J-1, notably if I later determine to remain within the U.S. as soon as the J-1 program ends?
— Techie Trainee
Pricey Techie,
Congratulations on being chosen as a J-1 instructional and cultural alternate trainee!
The aim of the J-1 is to alternate information between nations. Take a look at my podcast that gives an summary of the J-1 in addition to the waiver course of. The J-1 visa is meant for individuals from across the globe to work or examine within the U.S. after which take their newly acquired information and expertise again to their dwelling nation.
The Trainee J-1 often lasts 18 months. Some J-1 holders are required to return to their dwelling nation for not less than two years as soon as your J-1 standing ends. The waiver course of may be notably difficult. I like to recommend you seek the advice of an immigration legal professional earlier than you start your program to verify in case you are topic to the two-year overseas residency requirement. They will additionally assist you to with any J-1 change of standing or waiver utility as crucial.
Excellent news: USCIS simply rolled out premium processing for J-1 modifications of standing, shortening the method for people at present inside america!
Picture Credit: Sophie Alcorn
Take into account: non-immigrant intent
Most U.S. visas such because the B-1/B-2 for guests, J-1 for alternate guests, and F-1 for college students require their holders to have non-immigrant intent: it’s your job to show to the U.S. authorities that you just plan to depart america on the finish of your program. Proof of immigrant intent—your intention to reside completely within the U.S. by acquiring a inexperienced card—is trigger for immigration officers to disclaim your visa. Different elements, like having a U.S. citizen vital different, or stating that you’re planning to work within the U.S. long-term, may be interpreted as proof of your immigrant intent.
For the J-1, you will have to show to immigration officers that you just intend to finally return to your property nation by sustaining a residence in your nation or displaying you’ve got ties to your nation of residence. The rationale the State Division administers this program is to advertise the movement of information world wide. (Keep in mind, earlier than the web, we typically needed to bodily journey to share information, data, and community with individuals in different nations!)
Tips on how to get a J-1
After you enroll in a program, it’ll problem you a Type DS-2019, which is the Certificates of Eligibility for Alternate Customer (J-1) Standing. Most individuals as of not too long ago have been making use of for brand spanking new J-1 visas on the consulate and obtain a a number of entry visa. The period is predicated on no matter reciprocity agreements the State Division has in place with the federal government of your nation of citizenship.