What is the J-1 visa? Why does the U.S. have the J-1 program? Is the J-1 visa bad? Does it hurt America? Answers to these questions and more can be found in this J-1 visa overview.

The J-1 visitor program is a non-immigrant visa that allows future leaders from around the globe to experience a temporary cultural exchange program in the United States. Each year, approximately 300,000 future leaders from more than 200 approved countries and territories come to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.

J-1 Visa Quick Facts:

• All J-1 visa categories include an educational or training component while participants temporarily reside in the United States.
• The program promotes cultural exchange between the U.S. and other countries.
• J-1 exchanges support U.S. National Security.
• J-1 exchanges help the U.S. Engage with countries key to U.S. interests.
• J-1 exchanges target demographics key to U.S. foreign policy priorities:
  • 83% of participants are under 30.
  • 31% are 21 or under.
  • 53% are women or girls.
• The J-1 visa strengthens the U.S. economy.
• J-1 cultural exchanges occur at virtually no cost to the U.S. taxpayer.
• J-1 exchanges bring resources to U.S. communities through program dollars and participant spending while in the U.S.
• J-1 exchange participants stimulate innovation & cultivate entrepreneurship

The J-1 visa is a public diplomacy program that increases U.S. national security, strengthens the U.S. economy, and increases mutual understanding.

To learn more about the J-1 visa, check out the J-1 Visa Overview.

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