J-1 Category:  Exchange Visitors

The J-1 visa covers individuals who are coming to the United States as part of an approved program specifically designated by the U.S. Department of State as a student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate, camp counselor, au pair, or international visitor. The duration of the J-1 visa varies depending on the type of program it is for and the duration of the program. As a student, the J-1 provides a bit more flexibility than the F-1 in terms of working and it also allows the student to remain in the United States for up to 18 months after graduation for the purpose of working in a practical training position. A significant drawback of the J-1 visa is that foreign nationals who participate in a J-1 exchange program may be subject to a two-year home residence requirement. This rule prohibits certain J-1 exchange visitors from changing to certain other nonimmigrant classifications, or obtaining an immigrant visa, until having spent two years in his/her home country.  However, a waiver may be obtained for this requirement in certain situations. 

Please see the following website link, which is a Catalog of State Designated Exchange Visitor Programs Sponsors provided by the US Department of State: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/about/catalog.htm