Working Holiday Visas
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Working Holiday Visas in the United States. This page is intended to provide detailed information and guidance on the various visa options available for individuals seeking work and study experiences in the U.S. Our primary focus is on three essential visa categories: the J visa for exchange visitors, the F visa for academic students, and the M visa for vocational students. Each of these visas serves distinct purposes and offers unique opportunities for cultural exchange and professional development. Whether you are a student, a young professional, or someone interested in exploring the diverse cultural and educational landscape of the United States, this guide will facilitate your understanding of the prerequisites, advantages, and application procedures for each visa type.
The United States offers several visa categories to accommodate nonimmigrants. Typically, international students arriving in the U.S. opt for one of three primary visa types:
- J Visas: Exchange Visitor Program
- Description of the J visa program
- Types of J visas (e.g., au pair, intern, trainee, teacher, etc.)
- Eligibility criteria for each type of J visa
- Application process and required documentation
- F Visas: Academic Students
- Introduction to F visas
- Types of educational institutions and programs eligible under F visas
- Application requirements and process
- M Visas: Vocational Students
- Overview of the M visa category
- Eligible vocational and non-academic programs
- Application procedures and essential documentation
J Visa
Exchange visitor
Typically, a foreign national seeking entry into the United States is required to secure a visa, which can be a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary visit, or an immigrant visa for permanent residency. The Exchange visitor (J) visas fall under the nonimmigrant category and are designated for individuals authorized to engage in exchange visitor programs within the United States.
J-1
The J-1 visa category is for individuals planning to engage in approved exchange programs in activities such as teaching, instruction, lecturing, study, observation, research, consulting, showcasing special skills, training, or graduate medical education or training.
The U.S. Department of State, in managing the Exchange Visitor Program, appoints various public and private organizations to serve as exchange sponsors. Consequently, individuals on J-1 visas are sponsored by these State Department-recognized exchange programs. These initiatives aim to foster the exchange of people, knowledge, and skills in areas like education, the arts, and sciences.
Some examples (but not limited) jobs able for this Visa:
- Professors or scholars
- Research assistants
- Students
- Trainees
- Teachers
- Specialists
- Au pairs
- Camp counselors
How to apply
The primary responsibility for overseeing the J-1 exchange visitor program lies with the U.S. Department of State. Therefore, the initial step in acquiring a J-1 visa involves submitting the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form, which was previously known as an IAP-66, is provided by your sponsoring agency. Collaborating closely with your sponsoring agency’s officials, who will guide you through this process, is crucial. The person in charge of issuing the Form DS-2019 is referred to as a responsible officer (RO) or alternate responsible officer (ARO), who will advise you on the necessary documents for the DS-2019.
Once you have the Form DS-2019, you can proceed to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the U.S. Department of State. Given that the waiting period for an interview can vary, it is advised to apply for the visa well in advance, although entry into the U.S. in J-1 status is not permissible more than 30 days before your program’s start date.
If you want more information about how to apply please contact with your embassy here.
Necessary Documents
- A passport valid for entry into the United States – It must have at least six months of validity remaining after your intended stay in the U.S., except for countries with specific agreements.
- Every person applying for a visa, including dependents listed in your passport, must submit an individual application.
- The confirmation page of the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
- A receipt for the application fee, if payment is required prior to your interview.
- A photograph – Upload this while completing the Form DS-160 online. If the upload is unsuccessful, bring a printed photo meeting the specified requirements.
- The Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019, provided by your sponsor, is necessary for all exchange visitors registered in the SEVIS system. This also applies to your spouse and/or minor children accompanying you to the U.S.; each will need a separate Form DS-2019.
- For J-1 Trainee and Intern participants, the Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 is required in addition to Form DS-2019, as indicated in Box 7 of the form. Further details about the Trainee and Intern programs are available for reference.
J-2
The J-2 Visa, a non-immigrant visa granted by a consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate, is for the spouses and dependent children (who are unmarried and under 21 years old) of J-1 exchange visitors. It allows them to accompany or subsequently join the J-1 visa holder in the United States.
Your spouse and children who are unmarried and under 21 years old, regardless of their nationality, are eligible for J-2 status. They can obtain work authorization, but their earnings should not be used as your main financial support. To seek employment authorization as a J-2 nonimmigrant, your spouse or child must submit the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. For detailed application guidelines, refer to the “Employment Authorization” page.
F Visa
Academic Student
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) permits entry into the United States for full-time studies at an accredited institution such as a college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or for participation in a language training program. Enrollment in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate is required, and the educational institution must have authorization from the U.S. government to host international students.
F-1
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) permits entry into the United States for full-time studies at an accredited institution such as a college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or for participation in a language training program. Enrollment in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate is required, and the educational institution must have authorization from the U.S. government to host international students.
How to apply
The visa application process involves several stages, and the sequence and specific requirements can vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is advised to check the instructions available on the website of the embassy or consulate you are applying through.
Complete the Online Visa Application To apply, fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. More information on how to complete the DS-160 is available. Two key steps include: 1) finishing the online visa application, and 2) printing the confirmation page of the application form for your interview. Photo – While completing the Form DS-160 online, you must upload a photo. This photo should meet the criteria outlined in the Photograph Requirements.
Necessary Documents
Collect and ready the essential documents prior to your visa interview:
- Ensure your passport is valid for U.S. travel – It should remain valid for at least six months beyond your U.S. stay duration (country-specific agreements may provide exceptions). Every visa applicant, including family members on your passport, must file a separate application.
- Confirmation page of the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
- Receipt for the application fee if payment is needed before your interview.
- Photo – Upload this photo while filling out the Form DS-160 online. Should the upload not succeed, carry a printed photo matching the Photograph Requirements.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students, Form I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20 – Your educational institution will issue you a Form I-20 after entering your details in the SEVIS database. Both you and a school official must sign the Form I-20. All students must be registered in SEVIS. Your spouse and/or minor children planning to reside in the U.S. with you will each need their own Form I-20.
F-2
The F-2 visa is a type of U.S. visa specifically designed for dependents of F-1 student visa holders. This includes the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the F-1 visa holder. The primary purpose of the F-2 visa is to allow families to stay together while the F-1 visa holder pursues their studies in the United States.
Holders of an F-2 visa are allowed to reside in the U.S. but have certain restrictions, particularly in terms of employment. F-2 visa holders are generally not permitted to work in the United States. However, they may engage in studies, with adults typically allowed to pursue part-time study and children able to attend full-time kindergarten through 12th grade education.
The process to apply for an F-2 visa involves proving the familial relationship with the F-1 visa holder and demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support their stay in the U.S. The F-1 visa holder’s school will provide the necessary documentation, such as the Form I-20, which is required to apply for the F-2 visa.
The duration of stay for an F-2 visa holder is tied to the status of the F-1 visa holder; if the F-1 visa is extended or terminated, the same applies to the F-2 visa.
M Visa
Vocational Student
The M-1 Visa caters to students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies. It remains valid for a duration of one year, with the possibility for students to request extensions, up to a total of three years.
M-1
The M-1 visa is a type of non-immigrant visa offered by the United States, specifically tailored for international students who wish to pursue vocational or non-academic studies. Unlike the F-1 visa, which is for academic purposes, the M-1 visa caters to those enrolled in technical and vocational programs.
Eligibility for an M-1 visa requires enrollment in a full-time vocational or technical program at a U.S. institution recognized by the U.S. government. These programs include, but are not limited to, mechanical studies, technical courses, cooking classes, flight school, and cosmetology programs.
How to apply
The application process for an M-1 visa follow same process than the F visas. So It also involves submitting the Form I-20 issued by the U.S. institution, completing the online visa application (Form DS-160), paying the visa fee, and attending a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
M-2
The M-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to the dependents of M-1 visa holders. It is specifically designed for the spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of students who are in the U.S. on an M-1 vocational student visa.
