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Is a J-1 Visa Holder Eligible to apply for a Green Card?


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J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Participants are integral to the success of the program. Here you can learn more about obtaining the J-1 Visa and other relevant visas.

Yes, a J-1 visa holder is eligible for a green card.

To obtain a green card, the alien must first file a petition I-140 with the USCIS. After this, it is essential to apply for an Adjustment of Status (AOS) or for an immigrant visa. If the alien resides in the U.S., they should use an AOS application. If the alien lives in a foreign country, they need to apply for an immigrant visa.

In-order to apply for immigrant status, you can consider any one of the following options:

  • Family based immigration: A petition can be filed by your relatives who are U.S citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Employment based immigration: In this case, you must find an employer who will file a labor certificate at the DOL for you.
  • EB-1: Based on the classification of EB-1A “alien of extraordinary ability” or EB-1B “outstanding professor or researcher,” you can file an immigrat petition.
  • National interest waiver: There are certain waivers available to individuals who can prove themselves as “aliens of extraordinary ability.” Waivers are also available to individuals seeking opportunities to work in the U.S. These waivers are called national interest waivers. Filing an immigration petition through the national interest waiver can help you obtain immigrant status.

Petitions for green cards can be filed at any time, even if the individual is subject to the requirement to reside outside of the U.S. for a period of two years. The individual must satisfy the two-year foreign residency requirement after the petition has been approved. A waiver can be obtained for the foreign residency requirement, in which case the individual need not move to the home country.

Are you eligible to apply for a Green Card?

Are you currently living in the United States?
Have you lived in the US for more than 3 months?
Did you enter the United States with an active visa or green card?
Are you married to a US citizen?
Do you have an immediate family member that is a U.S. Citizen or is a Green Card holder?
Analyzing Eligibility
We're sorry.
You are probably not eligible to apply.
Request Consultation
If you would like to apply for a Green Card, instead of a Renewal, we can help you.
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Congratulations!
You are eligible to apply for a Green Card with SimpleCitizen!
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Filed Under: J-1 Visa Tagged With: Adjustment of Status, Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, J-1 visa, National interest waiver

About Sam Stoddard

Sam Stoddard is CEO and co-founder of SimpleCitizen. He founded SimpleCitizen in 2015 after frustrating personal experiences dealing with his wife’s immigration process.

Sam was previously a financial analyst & accountant at MX, and has held business finance positions at KPMG, Kennedy Center BYU, and was an East Asia News Analyst at CenCore, LLC. He has experience working throughout Asia.

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SimpleCitizen, Inc. is not a law firm. The services and information provided are not legal advice and do not substitute the same level of advice, opinion, guidance or recommendation that a licensed immigration attorney can provide. SimpleCitizen is not affiliated with the USCIS. The purchase price of services does not include USCIS government filing fees.

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