J-1 Visa Classification

The J visa is a nonimmigrant visa and participants are granted entry into the U.S. with the understanding that they will complete the objectives of a single program category. The J-1 visa is inappropriate for foreign nationals seeking to work under conditions other than the allowed activities of those Exchange Visitor Program categories permitting employment. The J-1 visa is also inappropriate for foreign nationals seeking to immigrate permanently to the U.S. The J-1 visa is also inappropriate for organizations seeking to augment their personnel complement. Parties so interested must use other legitimate avenues of immigration and/or temporary employment, described in the Immigration and Nationality Act.