What are the privileges and limitations of a J1 visa?

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Individuals who move to the U.S. on a J-1 visa need to understand the various privileges and limitations of a J-1 visa.

The following are some of the privileges that J-1 visa holders are entitled to:

• Individuals can participate in an exchange visitor program that is approved by the U.S. Department of State.
• J-1 visa holders can move in and out of the U.S. during the visa period. They can also stay in the U.S. continuously until the expiration of their visa.
• J-1 visa holders can take their dependents, including their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 with them to the U.S.
• J-1 visa holders can get work permits for their relatives who accompany them.

There are some limitations to the J-1 visa. The following are some of the disadvantages:

• J-1 visa holders must restrict themselves to the purpose for which the visa was approved. For instance, if an individual moves into the U.S. to study, it is essential that they not partake in any other activities without prior approval.
• Before any individual can apply for the J-1 visa, they should be a part of the program that is approved by the DOS.
• An exchange visitor, who is participating in a certain kind of program, must return to their home country for at least two years before being permitted to apply for a green card. An alternative is to this is to change status to another non-immigrant category.

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