Visa Type

H-1B Visa

J1 Visa

Purpose of visa

Issued to people who want work in the US

Issued to the people who are coming to the US for training and research purposes

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicant needs have a valid job offer from an US employer and have at least a bachelor’s degree

Must be enrolled in a training program or a research project based in the US.

Validity

Valid for three years with another three-year extension

Varies based on the purpose of the of the visit

Interns - 12 months

Trainee - 18 months

Researcher - up to 5 years

Processing Time

3-5 months

5-6 weeks

Processing Fee

215 USD

160 USD

Request for immigration status is initiated by

Employer files the petition for the H-1B visa

D - 2019 is issued by the institution

Other Employment options

Visa holders cannot work with another employer while working for the sponsor; however, they can change their employer.

Visa holders are allowed to work part-time while they are under training.

Permanent Residency

After completing six years the visa holders are eligible to apply for PR.

Cannot apply for Permanent Residency

Work while waiting for a change in visa category

Can work under new employer with the previous H-1B visa until new one is approved

Cannot not work on J1 visa until the H-1B visa is approved

Dependents

Family members - spouse and children who are under the age of 21 and not married can apply with an H-4 Visa

Family members - spouse and children who are under the age of 21 and not married can apply with a J2 Visa

Work authorization for dependents

Spouse can work once they get approval from the Employment Authorisation Department

Spouse can work after filing from employment authorization with the USCIS