Passport Question regarding J1 visa in the US [closed]

I am going to start my job as a residency physician soon in US. For that I have to apply for an exchange visitor J1 visa. My passport expires exactly around the time of my intended stay. My country (Afghanistan) is not included in the exempted countries for the 6 months rule (meaning my passport should be valid 6 months beyond my intended stay). In the current situations of covid-19, it would be difficult to renew passport. Will it be okay to apply for an exchange visitor J1 visa with my existing passport keeping in mind I can easily get a new passport in the US?

Best Answer

Your passport just needs to be valid for at least 6 months at the time you plan to enter the US. They will issue you a visa as long as your planned date of entry is at least 6 months before the expiration date of your passport.

The rule about needing to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay basically means that the immigration officer at entry will not put on your I-94 an admit-until date that is later than 6 months before your passport expires. However, J1 are usually admitted for "D/S" on their I-94, not a date. So that rule doesn't apply to you, other than needing to have a passport valid for at least 6 months when you enter.

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Can I stay in the US after my J-1 visa expires?

If you are applying for a J1 visa extension, you can still travel outside of the U.S., you just need to make sure you have a valid J1 visa stamp on your passport. If this visa stamp has expired, you must get a new visa before you travel. If you travel on an expired stamp, you will not be allowed back into the U.S.

Can a J-1 visa be terminated?

J-1 visa early termination is a very serious case that can affect you substantially in several different ways if not handled correctly. Apart from the financial implications, it can be detrimental to your career and lead to a setback. This is why you need the service of an immigration attorney.

Can I enter the US after my J-1 visa starts?

Once you have obtained your J-1 visa, you are ready to travel to the U.S. Immigration regulations allow you to enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the start date of your program indicated in Section 3 of your SEVIS Form DS-2019.

Are U.S. non immigrant visas Open?

May 12, 2022 The coronavirus pandemic led to the suspension of U.S. visa services around the world. As restrictions start to ease, most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments.

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