J1 is designed to allow college/university students, recent graduates, educators and scholars to come to the United States to participate in applicable programs such as the work and travel program, or trainee program. Each of these programs has different set of rules and requirements, and applicants must carefully review each option in order to select the program that they qualify for.
There is a strict time limitation on each of these programs. Students participating in the Work and Travel program are allowed to legally work for up to 4 months in the US, and also have up to 30 days to travel upon the completion of the work component of their stay, while participants in the Trainee program may work up to 12 months with up to 30 days of travel upon completion of the work component of their program.
Participants may NOT take up employment during their 30 days travel period. In order to obtain J1 Visa, applicant needs a DS2019 form, along with the DS7002 form. In order to begin the application for the DS2019, applicants must receive an Offer for internship or Practical Training, or offer for seasonal employment through the Work and Travel program.
For comprehensive description of each program visit: http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges.
