F to J

[ginatodoran]

Hello everybody,

I am in US with my husband with F1, F2 respectively. I am a PHD student and I am in my second year. We want to change our status into J visa, since it's more flexibile for dependents. This proved to be the easiest way, the most difficult one is applyibg for H visa. The university offers the opportunity to opt for a F or J. Since we initially applied for F, do you think it's east yo transfer to J or not? I am receiving an assistantship from the University. I do not know how the cultural connections bw. my actual university and my home country can be done.
I know this is a rare case, but I heard about successful cases. A big pitty I didn't pay attention by that time!
Thanks.

 

[lugacevedo]

Avoid J1

Hi,

I would recommend you to avoid the J1 visa as possible.
Remember that J visas have the 2 year home residency requirement.

If you know for sure that you are returning to your country after finishing the PhD. and won't be staying in the US, then it is ok to have J1 visa.

Otherwise, your husband should apply for H visa. May be more difficult now but definitely easy on the long run.
Getting a J1 waiver is way more dificult.

Luis