J-1 Visa
J-1 exchange visitor visa categories — au pair, intern, trainee, teacher, research scholar, and summer work travel. Covers two-year home residency requirement, waivers, and sponsor organization rules.
No Confirmed J-1 Crackdown Under Trump Policies in November 2025
Despite widespread November 2025 rumors, no official U.S. policy has newly targeted J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas. Existing vetting rules remain in force, and reported delays largely stem from holiday consular…
J-1 Waivers During a Government Shutdown: IGA, Hardship, No Objection
USCIS will keep processing fee-funded I-612 J-1 waiver applications during a funding lapse, but delays may occur when…
Can J-1 Academic Training Be Authorized During a Government Shutdown?
Academic Training for J-1 students continues during shutdowns because RO/ARO approvals are school-managed and SEVIS remains fee-funded. Students…
Do J-1 Visa Stamp Appointments Cancel During a U.S. Shutdown?
J-1 visa stamp appointments continue during the 2025 shutdown because consular services are fee-funded. Valid J-1 stamps allow…
J-1 DS-2019 Issuance by Sponsors Continues in Shutdown
During a shutdown, sponsoring organizations keep issuing DS-2019s and SEVIS stays active; USCIS processes fee-funded cases including J-2…
DHS Proposes Fixed Admission Period for F-1, J-1, I Visas
DHS proposed ending D/S for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders, replacing it with fixed admission through the…
Understanding J-1 Waiver Attorney Fees and Payment Options in 2025
J-1 waivers require a DOS recommendation (Form DS-3035) and a USCIS decision. Expect attorney fees of $2,800–$5,000+, DOS…
J-1 Waiver Costs: Attorney Fees and Government Fees Explained
In 2025, J-1 waiver costs usually fall between $1,500 and $7,000+, combining attorney fees ($1,200–$5,000+) and government filing…
U.S. Proposes Fixed Admission Periods for F-1, J-1, I Visas
DHS’s 2025 proposal would replace Duration of Status with fixed admission periods: F-1/J-1 up to four years and…
Michigan Conrad-30 and HHS Waivers for J-1 Physicians (2025-2026)
Michigan’s Conrad-30 (30-slot cap) opens Sept. 2025–Nov. 2025; both it and the year-round HHS Clinical-Care Waiver require three-year,…