J1 Graduate Visa - covid19

[GraceMurphy 0]

Hi, 

Since the pandemic started, my visa situation has gotten complicated. 

I was applying for j1 visa under the graduate programme that let's me do an internship for a year. 

 

I went through the whole process, went for the interview and got my visa. I had my flight booked the 10th of April. Since the pandemic happened, I did not fly. 

 

My plan was to wait for this to be all over and contact the company (usit)  that helped me get my papers so I can update them.

 

A month ago, Usit has gone into liquidation.  They are gone and will not be refunding any money. 

 

Here is where my problem lies, I got all my paper done before any of the Covid had taken effect. All I needed to do was fly out. 

 

Is my visa still valid? I technically didn't cancel my trip, the US government did. So is it their responsibility to issue me new papers and visa? 

 

I've tried to do some research but this is such a new circumstance for everyone, there's not much out there.

 

I would be grateful for any advice, as I feel I'm really stuck right now.

I have no idea who to contact.

 

Thanks. 

[Just Paul 4,595]

9 minutes ago, GraceMurphy said:

Hi, 

Since the pandemic started, my visa situation has gotten complicated. 

I was applying for j1 visa under the graduate programme that let's me do an internship for a year. 

 

I went through the whole process, went for the interview and got my visa. I had my flight booked the 10th of April. Since the pandemic happened, I did not fly. 

 

My plan was to wait for this to be all over and contact the company (usit)  that helped me get my papers so I can update them.

 

A month ago, Usit has gone into liquidation.  They are gone and will not be refunding any money. 

 

Here is where my problem lies, I got all my paper done before any of the Covid had taken effect. All I needed to do was fly out. 

 

Is my visa still valid? I technically didn't cancel my trip, the US government did. So is it their responsibility to issue me new papers and visa? 

 

I've tried to do some research but this is such a new circumstance for everyone, there's not much out there.

 

I would be grateful for any advice, as I feel I'm really stuck right now.

I have no idea who to contact.

 

Thanks. 

If you can travel before the visa expires then you are fine. Otherwise it is up to the consulate.

[millefleur 5,046]

When does the visa expire?

[SalishSea 17,847]

2 hours ago, GraceMurphy said:

Is my visa still valid? I technically didn't cancel my trip, the US government did. So is it their responsibility to issue me new papers and visa? 

Doesn't work that way.

[GraceMurphy 0]

9 hours ago, Paul & Mary said:

If you can travel before the visa expires then you are fine. Otherwise it is up to the consulate.

Will I need new ds2019?? 

9 hours ago, millefleur said:

When does the visa expire?

My visa expires April 2021

[GraceMurphy 0]

7 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

Doesn't work that way.

What way does it work 

[Just Paul 4,595]

7 hours ago, GraceMurphy said:

Will I need new ds2019?? 

Yes if you are past your start date of the program.   Contact the DSO.

14 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

17 hours ago, GraceMurphy said:

Is my visa still valid? I technically didn't cancel my trip, the US government did. So is it their responsibility to issue me new papers and visa? 

Doesn't work that way.

Your VISA is still valid unless you were told it was cancelled.

7 hours ago, GraceMurphy said:

What way does it work 

Just because you have a VISA doesn't mean you can enter the country.   Be grateful you didn't get turned around in the US.

[SalishSea 17,847]

9 hours ago, GraceMurphy said:

What way does it work 

The "responsibility of the US government to issue new papers and visa" to you.  

[Boiler 45,559]

Seems unlikely you will not be able to enter before April 2021.

[jvette 13]

My girlfriend is in a similar situation — she has her J1 (trainee) visa and DS-2019 and was supposed to be start her program a month ago but was unable to do so due to the travel restrictions. Our understanding is that the visa is still valid but she will need an updated DS-2019 reflecting the new start date of her program. 

 

You're definitely in a tough spot if your sponsor (USIT) has gone into bankruptcy. One would hope they'd still be required to take care of their current program participants...but have you considered the fact that you might need to find a new sponsor organization? Hope it all works out for you! 

[GraceMurphy 0]

17 hours ago, Boiler said:

Seems unlikely you will not be able to enter before April 2021.

Due to the pandemic?? 

[GraceMurphy 0]

16 hours ago, jvette said:

My girlfriend is in a similar situation — she has her J1 (trainee) visa and DS-2019 and was supposed to be start her program a month ago but was unable to do so due to the travel restrictions. Our understanding is that the visa is still valid but she will need an updated DS-2019 reflecting the new start date of her program. 

 

You're definitely in a tough spot if your sponsor (USIT) has gone into bankruptcy. One would hope they'd still be required to take care of their current program participants...but have you considered the fact that you might need to find a new sponsor organization? Hope it all works out for you! 

Yeah it's a tough situation. But theres many of us out there so hopefully a protocol will be made for this grey area that has been created. Just feel very lost at this moment 

[GraceMurphy 0]

21 hours ago, Paul & Mary said:

Yes if you are past your start date of the program.   Contact the DSO.

Your VISA is still valid unless you were told it was cancelled.

Just because you have a VISA doesn't mean you can enter the country.   Be grateful you didn't get turned around in the US.

Its hasn't been canceled. I've heard nothing due to everything being shut down. I understand the US is currently blocking all immigration but when things do start opening up again, I was wondering what's the best way to go about it. This has never happened before so it hard to know what's the next step.  

[Boiler 45,559]

Probably depends also on what you were going to be doing, I have friends who use J1's for the summer season, Hotel and Brewery, and the ski resorts use them in the winter. Now  of course Hotels and Breweries are shut, and it will soon get to the point where the summer season will be a wash. I have also had a few people contact me desperate for work so when they do open there should be no shortage of staff as it will take some times for business levels to return to normal.