American Dream! Who wouldn't want that? Most of us have a dream to go to America, the land of free. There are many things to do and some ways to achieve that American dream and one of that is by getting a J1 visa which is the main topic of this article.
What is a J-1 Visa?
A J-1 visa is one of the visas offered or issued by the USA to the non-immigrant who wish to reside in the United States of America as a cultural exchange student or promote cultural exchange.
Am I qualified to be a cultural exchange student?
To be qualified for the program, you have to check the specific requirements in legitimate visa-sponsors listed on the official website of the USA Government.
You can choose what J-1 visa sponsor would you like.
Here are also some list of the Visa Sponsors we had when I and my friends were J-1's participants before;
What are the programs in J-1 Visa?
There are three types of programs in J1 Visa.
1. Work and Travel - A program that lets you stay for 3-4 months in summer break starting June - September. You must join this program while you are still attending school.
2. Internship - A program that lets you stay for 12 - 18 months. You must attend this program right after your graduation and not more than 12 months after your graduation.
3. Traineeship - This program is for the professionals who have a working background in the Hospitality or Marketing or at least 5 years of experience outside America related to the required and desired available job (depend on the requirement of your chosen visa sponsor),
What kind of job should I do when I am in J-1 Program?
Mostly the job is related to hospitality or marketing. The job in work and travel program can be chosen by the participant if what suits them but for the interns and trainees, their jobs are more on professional levels with a very high standard of training.
What kind of establishments should I be working on?
You will be working in the famous and renowned establishments in the USA.
How much money should I prepare for the J-1 Program?
The money that you will gonna invest in the J-1 Program is nothing compared to what you will gain for your experience. Remember the Stipend of this program is per hour and you will be working for a year or more when you are in the internship or traineeship program
That includes;
1. Visa Fee
2. Program Fee
3. One way ticket fare from your origin to the USA
4. Accommodation payment for a month before your stipend comes
5. Allowance before your stipend comes
How long is the process for the J-1 Program?
The process of the program will be 2 - 6 months from the start to the end. It depends on how you and your visa sponsor work together.
Steps to apply for a J-1 Visa when you have chosen your Visa Sponsor
1. Email your Visa Sponsor - Usually, the application is by email. They will send some papers for you to fill up and review them in their system and what to do next and when you need to pay for the program fee.
2. Pre-screening Interview - Once your application letter has been received, the visa sponsors will email you and prepare you for your pre-screening interview.
3. Employer Interview - This time, you will have the chance to be interviewed by the employers, so give your best shot.
4.
Visa Interview in the Embassy - Once you have been accepted and received the needed papers for the program, you have to set an appointment in the Embassy to have some interview. Here is the site
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-typej.asp and there are steps there to follow. Bring your passport, documents, relax, and wear formal clothes.
5. Book a flight - When you passed the interview in the embassy, you need to book a flight. One-way or round trip flight, it is up to you.
6.
Attend CFO Seminar - You must set an appointment to the Commission on Filipino Overseas for J-1 Program Seminar, here is the link
https://cfo.gov.ph/exchange-visitor-program-j1-visa-holders/. They will give a sticker after the seminar. The sticker will be attached in your passport to be check by the immigration officer at the airport.
There you go! Hello USA! Enjoy and be ready to conquer the world!
Always remember that this J-1 program is just your stepping stone for the greater opportunity that awaits you.
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