In the past few years, J-1 visa applications have been closely looked at, especially when they are sent in after the H-1B quota for the year has been filled. Aside from meeting the basic requirements for a visa, both the sponsoring organization and the immigration agency expect every applicant to show that they are not applying for a J-1 program just because they didn’t get an H-1B visa. Also, unlike with the H-1B, you have to show that you will leave the U.S. when your program is over. These and many other things can cause a J-1 visa to be denied. Keep reading our top 9 reasons for a J-1 visa denial, tips on how to avoid being turned down, what to do if you are turned down, and the most up-to-date statistics on how often J-1 visas are turned down.
Top 9 Reasons for Not Getting a J-1 Visa
To get a J-1 visa, you have to go through several paperwork steps with the U.S. Department of State and the program organizers, as well as an interview. Any of these steps could lead to denial if something went wrong or wasn’t done right. Here are some of the main reasons why a J-1 visa is often turned down.
Not showing proof of the right insurance
Not Giving the Right Financial Documents
Not being able to prove that you have ties to your home country
Charges That Can’t Be Heard
Not being professional
Not having the right academic credentials
False information
Failing Security Checked
Late Visa Applications
- Not having the right insurance and not being able to prove it
As a J-1 exchange visitor, you have to get insurance before you leave your home country. For the length of your program, you and any J-2 dependents need to know what kind of health and accident insurance you need and get it. Some insurance companies only cover J-1 applicants, not their J-2 dependents, and some policies don’t cover pregnancies.
You will have to think about your own and your family’s health insurance needs and make sure you get the right policy, as the J-1 program rules require. If you don’t do this, your visa application could be turned down. The minimum coverage for a J-1 visa must include
Medical Benefits: $100,000
Returning the bodies: $25,000
Medical Evacuation: $50,000
Accident or sickness deductible: $500
- Not giving the right financial documents
One of the most important things you have to show to get a J-1 visa is that you have enough money to pay for your program and meet your needs for the whole time you are there. The money can come from your pocket, from family or friends, or a mix of different sources. At your visa interview, be ready to show proof for each of the ways you’ll get money.
Some of the documents that can show you have enough money or will always have enough money for your program are bank statements, loan letters, bank letters, and letters from a sponsor. If you have received financial aid for your program, you will also need to bring a copy of the letter that explains what kind of money you will get from the aid. These documents may be different for each person don’t provide the proof that your program needs and your J-1 visa could be denied.
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