Do I need a host company before applying for the J-1 visa?

Yes, securing a host company in the U.S. is required before starting the J-1 visa application process.

What documents are required for the J-1 visa?

Participants must submit DS-2019, DS-160, SEVIS fee payment receipt, proof of health insurance, and other program-specific forms.

Can I apply if I am not eligible for a specific J-1 program?

You must meet the eligibility requirements of the J-1 program you intend to join, including age, education, and program type.

How do I prepare for the visa interview?

Review all forms and documentation, understand your program objectives, and be ready to answer questions about your host company and training plan.

Who can I contact if I have questions during the process?

Correspond provides guidance throughout the process. You can contact them via email at info@correspond.info or through the contact form on their website.

The Process

Host Company

Before we can get started on the visa process, you must have been hired by a host company first. The host company provides the internship or traineeship for you in the United States. If you still need a company, we can help you find one. If you have found your own company, you can proceed to the visa process immediately.

Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form, or give us a call. We will set-up a one-on-one call with one of our experts. You will be asked a few routine questions and we will check your eligibility. Once you are confirmed eligible, we will send you a contract to review and sign to get started.

J-1 Visa

A J-1 visa can only be obtained with help of a J-1 visa sponsor organization. These organizations are licensed by the US government to issue documents required to obtain a J-1 visa. We are an official partner with these organizations and we will guide you through the entire J-1 visa process. We make sure that all documents are prepared seamlessly so that the sponsor will approve you as quickly and smoothly as possible. Once everything is approved, you will be issued your DS-2019 form, and you will be prepared for the final step of the process: an in-person visa interview at your local US embassy or US consulate in your home country.

J-1 Visa Process Timeline

The steps below are for individuals who already have a company to go to. Still need a company? We can help you with that! Contact us to learn more.

Complete A Free Online Call

Go to "Sign Up Now" in the menu to get started.
You will hear back soon to schedule your free online call with us.
We will assess your visa eligibility and explain the entire visa process.

The online call will take approximately 30 minutes.

Collecting Visa Documents

We will be collecting required visa documents from you and the host company.
Documents will be reviewed and submitted to our J-1 visa sponsor partner.

Visa documents will be submitted as soon as you and your host company have delivered all required documentation. We understand personal documents contain sensitive information and we will secure your information safely. All personal information will be erased after you completed your J-1 program.

Document Review & DS-2019 Issuance

Correspond has already verified the documents at this stage, but the visa sponsor will conduct a second check and approve you as soon as they have finalized their vetting process.
Visa sponsor will conduct company background checks and engage in a verification call with you and the host company.
In some cases, a site visit may be required as well during this step.
Form DS-2019 will be issued to you by the visa sponsor: you need this document for the next step.

This stage will usually take between 2 and 4 weeks as long as no obstacles are in the way and all involved parties are responding promptly to updates.

In-Person Visa Interview Appointment

Schedule your visa appointment at your local US Consulate or US Embassy.
We will prepare you for the visa interview and perform a quick document check with you.
Show up to the appointment and bring all documents with you.
After approval you will receive your visa within a week and you're ready to go!

This step can take 1 - 3 weeks depending on appointment availability. You will be able to request an expedited appointment if your start date is sooner than the first available appointment date.

Departure to the USA

We always recommend booking your flight after you have received your J-1 visa OR book a flexible ticket with a departure date that you are allowed to change after booking.
You can fly to the USA as soon as you have received your visa inside your passport from the US Embassy or US Consulate.
After arrival you are required to check in with the visa sponsor so they can validate your visa.
You will have to apply for a social security number in-person and open a bank account to get paid.

The entire process from step 3 (after signing the contract) to step 6 (departing to the USA) can take around 4 - 6 weeks on average. Please be aware that this is only a best estimate meant to help you manage expectations.

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