J1 visa waiver, who does it apply too?

[utopia2004 2]

So on the work and travel visa, if you worked for an independent company, i.e restaurant or such the the year rule wouldn't apply?

But in terms of the rule of the visa that you dont intend to immigrate.... i have a boyfriend out there, so would that be looked badly on when we do apply for an application, that i already had a boyfriend before i undertook the J1 visa? and if we got married not next summer (when i did my visa) but the following summer (when im not on my visa, although i did want to do the J1 visa twice), would that mean i am violating the rules of the J1 visa for this summer? if you know what i mean.

Also if a mistake is made, shouldn't it be easy to rectify.. you just show the company you worked for is not government funded?

thanks

Yes, if you get sponsored by a private institution or company, the rule wouldn't apply.

About the non-immigration intend... when you apply for the J-visa you'll have to prove that you don't intend to immigrate. That's usually a simple collection of evidence that you have ties to the UK, i.e. you maintain an apartment while in the US, keeping bank accounts, showing a flight ticket with a return date for the end of the visa, stuff like that. So they won't ask you about your boyfriend and you don't have to bring it up as you don't have explicit plans on getting married yet - you're just thinking about it, right?

Should immigrate from your J-1 status, meaning you'd do the Adjustment of Status, the adjudicating officer will probably ask you about how and when you met and such things. If you tell them that you knew each other before getting a J visa, that might raise some concerns.

Remember, it's up to you to prove you had no intention to immigrate when you applied for the J-1.

You can always return after your J-1 stay and get married in the UK and start the K3/1 procedure instead. The processing times got much better since I go involved with the system (not my accomplishment :-).

Yes, if a mistake is made you can rectify it. It won't be easy though and it might require the use of an Immigration Lawyer and it might even go to an Immigration Court. This is time consuming, nerve wrecking and costly. I just wanted to mention it. I found that whole 2-year thing very confusing when I had to go through this process as I had contradicting evaluations from different institutions of the system, which made me spend a significant amount of money on an Immigration Lawyer that I wouldn't have had to spend otherwise. It all worked out well for me but I've read about other in similar situations that weren't as lucky as I was. That's why I'm still writing here and trying to pass on what I just had to learn...

Good luck,

Torsten.

So would it be a big risk to go for the J1 visa, this scenario unfortunately happened to you, but is it that common?

Yeah just thinking about it, no definite plans, we want to give our relationship more time anyway first. The J1 visa will be this summer.

[utopia2004 2]

bump

[juliava 80]

Why don't you apply for a J-1 Au Pair program?

You will be able to stay 1 year and you will not be subject of the section 212(e). There is also an opportunity to extend your staying for another year.

You will have great chances to get this visa as you are still in college. You can "freeze" 1 college year , can't you?Also this will give you more time with your boyfriend .

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

I got my J-1 for my internship at a hotel, the 2 year rule did not apply to me. Now I am adjusting my status, since I got married to my then husband during the year on the J-1 visa. A turkish colleague of mine had the 2 year rule, but filed a waiver and it got approved. So he returned to turkey and applied for K-1 from there right away. He will be back in the US very soon to be with his american fiancee. I am not sure how to file a waiver or when the 2 year rule applies to you ( I know that it does apply when the government pays for you while in US. In my case I guess it didn't count because the hotel paid me). Maybe this helps a bit. Good luck!

Betti, did you meet your fiance whilst on the J1 visa?

I have four UK employees, working with me now, who are on the J1 12 month program, and a one who is on the J1 work and travel program. The two year rule does not apply to them. I have one employee, from Ukraine, on the J1 12 month.. and the rule does apply to him. A lot depends on your country and what level you are in University. If you are doing the 12 month program, after you graduate, the two year rule will most likely apply. Doing two J1 work and travel programs ( 3-4 month) isn't going to be a problem.. but if you come the second year, with the intent to get married, it may be difficult for AOS. I know some people who have done it without a problem.. others had to return home and file to come back.

thanks

I wont have intent to get married on my J1 visa, i wont be marrying next summer, i have intent to get married to my boyfriend in the future that is all. Is it only intent to get married on that specific visa that is a problem?

So you could do an Internship in the summer, for say 4 months (government funded) and not receive the two year rule? if you were returning to university the following year? Are your employees who are on the 12 month program returning to university? Or would this be a risk that you might get the rule due to the Gov funding?

The one employee who the 2 year rule applies to is finished with University.. the others are returning when their employment ends with us. None of them had their programs funded by the government and do not get paid by the government.

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

A few more comments, from reading other posts ( without quoting them).

I am not sure why you think the J1 work and travel visa would be a big risk. If you are planning on coming, and not getting married, then there really is no risk.. someone mentioned not talking about your boyfriend in the interview and that would probably be wise. I have between 400 - 600 J1 work and travel students each summer. Approval rates are high, depending on the country you are from. The UK has an extremely low denial rate.. and showing that you are returning to university is going to be your proof of return to your country.

You will be required to use a U.S. Sponsor.. like CIEE. Most employers are not their own sponsors unless they are the government, or a huge company like Disney, so we all use a sponsor agency to assist with the visas for our employees. CIEE is a good company, and I do not want to knock any of the work and travel agencies, but they are also the most expensive one for the employee.

Your best bet is to find a work and travel agency in your country and talk to them about a job. There are going to be be hundreds of agencies in the UK, so do some research and find out who is going to offer you the best deal with the most assistance. All of the agencies in the UK will be working with a US Sponsor: CIEE, CCUSA, INTEREXCHANGE, WISE, CCI.. those are just a few.

There are two types of programs you can sign up for. One is the self-arranged program where you find your own job through web pages or Job boards specifically for J1 employers. You will do most everything yourself, but the agency will help you with the US Sponsorship.

The other is a the full service program, where the agency will help to locate you a job. Many of these agencies have job fairs where you will have a face to face interview with the employer. I spend most of my winter months traveling to these job fairs and interviewing students for the jobs with my company. On this kind of program, the agency will prepare your documents for you, arrange your DS 2019 and everything else needed for your interview. It's more expensive, but you get a huge amount of assistance with everything.

Many employers will do web cam or phone interview.. or simply make an offer based on your CV. Since I hire such a large number, I do most of my hiring at the job fairs in the home countries. Way too many people to do via web cam!

What state are you trying to work in? My company has amusement parks in 17 locations and we are always in need of J1 visa students in the summer. I can give you some contacts!

Edited October 17, 2009 by Jenn and Fuat

[hudons 0]

When I came over on my 3rd J-1 - at the same place, the lady at London embassy asked me if I had friends where I was going to work, or any special relationships. I said yes, (I was dating my bf, had been since 07) I was convinced they would deny and was very scared but I couldn't lie to her.

Then I got accepted. We got married 4 months later. I'm applying for AOS.

I am now also a recruiter for summer camp and apply for J-1s for our summer staff.... many of whom return for 3 or 4, sometimes even 5 summers. Never had one with a 2 YHRR.

I hope this helps, best of luck.

p.s- If you were thinking of going to work at camp, DO IT. It's amazing fun.

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

When I came over on my 3rd J-1 - at the same place, the lady at London embassy asked me if I had friends where I was going to work, or any special relationships. I said yes, (I was dating my bf, had been since 07) I was convinced they would deny and was very scared but I couldn't lie to her.

Then I got accepted. We got married 4 months later. I'm applying for AOS.

I am now also a recruiter for summer camp and apply for J-1s for our summer staff.... many of whom return for 3 or 4, sometimes even 5 summers. Never had one with a 2 YHRR.

I hope this helps, best of luck.

p.s- If you were thinking of going to work at camp, DO IT. It's amazing fun.

Camps are GREAT! I worked at one, for a few years, before I ended up working for the amusement park industry. If you like working with kids, and want to have a fantastic summer, that's a great way to go.

We have also had employees come back 3, 4 and 5 summers! For what you want to do, the J1 work and travel program is going to be a great way for you to come over for a summer or two, before you decide to get married.

[utopia2004 2]

A few more comments, from reading other posts ( without quoting them).

I am not sure why you think the J1 work and travel visa would be a big risk. If you are planning on coming, and not getting married, then there really is no risk.. someone mentioned not talking about your boyfriend in the interview and that would probably be wise. I have between 400 - 600 J1 work and travel students each summer. Approval rates are high, depending on the country you are from. The UK has an extremely low denial rate.. and showing that you are returning to university is going to be your proof of return to your country.

You will be required to use a U.S. Sponsor.. like CIEE. Most employers are not their own sponsors unless they are the government, or a huge company like Disney, so we all use a sponsor agency to assist with the visas for our employees. CIEE is a good company, and I do not want to knock any of the work and travel agencies, but they are also the most expensive one for the employee.

Your best bet is to find a work and travel agency in your country and talk to them about a job. There are going to be be hundreds of agencies in the UK, so do some research and find out who is going to offer you the best deal with the most assistance. All of the agencies in the UK will be working with a US Sponsor: CIEE, CCUSA, INTEREXCHANGE, WISE, CCI.. those are just a few.

There are two types of programs you can sign up for. One is the self-arranged program where you find your own job through web pages or Job boards specifically for J1 employers. You will do most everything yourself, but the agency will help you with the US Sponsorship.

The other is a the full service program, where the agency will help to locate you a job. Many of these agencies have job fairs where you will have a face to face interview with the employer. I spend most of my winter months traveling to these job fairs and interviewing students for the jobs with my company. On this kind of program, the agency will prepare your documents for you, arrange your DS 2019 and everything else needed for your interview. It's more expensive, but you get a huge amount of assistance with everything.

Many employers will do web cam or phone interview.. or simply make an offer based on your CV. Since I hire such a large number, I do most of my hiring at the job fairs in the home countries. Way too many people to do via web cam!

What state are you trying to work in? My company has amusement parks in 17 locations and we are always in need of J1 visa students in the summer. I can give you some contacts!

Hi thank you for the info!

I'm trying to work in PA?

I don't really want to do au pair because im not the best nanny! but I had a look into the J! last year, but i was to late to apply as i looked in to around may. This year i will apply much earlier!

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

A few more comments, from reading other posts ( without quoting them).

I am not sure why you think the J1 work and travel visa would be a big risk. If you are planning on coming, and not getting married, then there really is no risk.. someone mentioned not talking about your boyfriend in the interview and that would probably be wise. I have between 400 - 600 J1 work and travel students each summer. Approval rates are high, depending on the country you are from. The UK has an extremely low denial rate.. and showing that you are returning to university is going to be your proof of return to your country.

You will be required to use a U.S. Sponsor.. like CIEE. Most employers are not their own sponsors unless they are the government, or a huge company like Disney, so we all use a sponsor agency to assist with the visas for our employees. CIEE is a good company, and I do not want to knock any of the work and travel agencies, but they are also the most expensive one for the employee.

Your best bet is to find a work and travel agency in your country and talk to them about a job. There are going to be be hundreds of agencies in the UK, so do some research and find out who is going to offer you the best deal with the most assistance. All of the agencies in the UK will be working with a US Sponsor: CIEE, CCUSA, INTEREXCHANGE, WISE, CCI.. those are just a few.

There are two types of programs you can sign up for. One is the self-arranged program where you find your own job through web pages or Job boards specifically for J1 employers. You will do most everything yourself, but the agency will help you with the US Sponsorship.

The other is a the full service program, where the agency will help to locate you a job. Many of these agencies have job fairs where you will have a face to face interview with the employer. I spend most of my winter months traveling to these job fairs and interviewing students for the jobs with my company. On this kind of program, the agency will prepare your documents for you, arrange your DS 2019 and everything else needed for your interview. It's more expensive, but you get a huge amount of assistance with everything.

Many employers will do web cam or phone interview.. or simply make an offer based on your CV. Since I hire such a large number, I do most of my hiring at the job fairs in the home countries. Way too many people to do via web cam!

What state are you trying to work in? My company has amusement parks in 17 locations and we are always in need of J1 visa students in the summer. I can give you some contacts!

Hi thank you for the info!

I'm trying to work in PA?

I don't really want to do au pair because im not the best nanny! but I had a look into the J! last year, but i was to late to apply as i looked in to around may. This year i will apply much earlier!

We have a park in Allentown, PA.. and there are some great summer camps in PA as well. What city are you wanting to go to? I have J1 employer contacts in several areas in PA.

[utopia2004 2]

A few more comments, from reading other posts ( without quoting them).

I am not sure why you think the J1 work and travel visa would be a big risk. If you are planning on coming, and not getting married, then there really is no risk.. someone mentioned not talking about your boyfriend in the interview and that would probably be wise. I have between 400 - 600 J1 work and travel students each summer. Approval rates are high, depending on the country you are from. The UK has an extremely low denial rate.. and showing that you are returning to university is going to be your proof of return to your country.

You will be required to use a U.S. Sponsor.. like CIEE. Most employers are not their own sponsors unless they are the government, or a huge company like Disney, so we all use a sponsor agency to assist with the visas for our employees. CIEE is a good company, and I do not want to knock any of the work and travel agencies, but they are also the most expensive one for the employee.

Your best bet is to find a work and travel agency in your country and talk to them about a job. There are going to be be hundreds of agencies in the UK, so do some research and find out who is going to offer you the best deal with the most assistance. All of the agencies in the UK will be working with a US Sponsor: CIEE, CCUSA, INTEREXCHANGE, WISE, CCI.. those are just a few.

There are two types of programs you can sign up for. One is the self-arranged program where you find your own job through web pages or Job boards specifically for J1 employers. You will do most everything yourself, but the agency will help you with the US Sponsorship.

The other is a the full service program, where the agency will help to locate you a job. Many of these agencies have job fairs where you will have a face to face interview with the employer. I spend most of my winter months traveling to these job fairs and interviewing students for the jobs with my company. On this kind of program, the agency will prepare your documents for you, arrange your DS 2019 and everything else needed for your interview. It's more expensive, but you get a huge amount of assistance with everything.

Many employers will do web cam or phone interview.. or simply make an offer based on your CV. Since I hire such a large number, I do most of my hiring at the job fairs in the home countries. Way too many people to do via web cam!

What state are you trying to work in? My company has amusement parks in 17 locations and we are always in need of J1 visa students in the summer. I can give you some contacts!

Hi thank you for the info!

I'm trying to work in PA?

I don't really want to do au pair because im not the best nanny! but I had a look into the J! last year, but i was to late to apply as i looked in to around may. This year i will apply much earlier!

We have a park in Allentown, PA.. and there are some great summer camps in PA as well. What city are you wanting to go to? I have J1 employer contacts in several areas in PA.

Hi,

Sorry for the late reply, been so busy at uni. I will be staying in the Lebanon area of philly.. Just had a look on the map.. allerton is not in this area. Do you have any or know of any J1 opportunities in this area?

Im not sure about summer camps because i will be living with my boyfriend.

Thanks

Edited October 27, 2009 by utopia2004