Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

Q. What kind of positions can I expect to be offered through this program?
A. Through this program, you will have access to various entry-level positions, depending on your background but there are three basic scenarios under which your training may fall under:

* The first and most ideal for you (the graduate), property and USA Placement would be that you have impressed the property so much that you are offered a supervisory or management position right away. However, this is not mandatory. Even in this position you would still be required to be constantly learning for your future career.
* The second is that the property may not have a management position open and/or you may not be ready for this role right away. However, when or if the position becomes available and you are proven capable, you may have the possibility to be promoted.
* The third and final but no less than the others, is that the property will not have a management position throughout the whole 12-18 months, but you will get the training to be able to become a manager in the future.

Note: You must remember management training does not mean management is guaranteed. It will be based on your performance and the availability of the position

Q. Am I assured an 18 month Management Training in the United States?
A. Qualifying for the 18 month management training is determent on your experience, the training plan set forth by the host property and approval from both Sponsorship Organization and Department of State. You must understand that although the Host Property may want you for 18 months, you may want 18 months and we feel you may qualify for 18 months the final decision is up to the Department of State so you must be willing to accept 12 to 18 months.

Q. Do I have to take a TOEFL or TOEIC exam in order to qualify for the program?
A. No, TOEFL or TOEIC scores are preferred. These test results aid in the application process. Your English skills will be assessed by an online English Podium Test that each candidate must complete.

Q. Who should I ask to write the letters of recommendations for me?
A. If possible, you should ask your previous managers or supervisors to write them for you. If you are not able to ask your previous managers or supervisors, you may ask your professors or teachers to write them instead.

Q. If my application is rejected, can I apply again later?
A. If your application is rejected, you should discuss the reasons for rejection with us to see if you can improve your chances in the future. You can apply again later if you meet the requirements.

Q. Can I stay longer than 18 months in the United States through this program?
A. Through USA Placement's program, you can stay only up to 18 months in the United States. Generally, you must return home within 30 days after your traineeship has ended. This is due to U.S. visa regulations.

Q. Can I change host property’s in the middle of the program?
A. In most cases you are not allowed to leave your host property in the middle of your program, or your J-1 visa status will expire and you must return home. If your training is terminated for any reason you may be required to return to your home country within 30 days. You are not allowed to look for another position within the United States in these conditions. Under rare circumstances that are clearly beyond your control, such as the host property going out of business or reducing its staff due to bad economic situations, the sponsoring organization and USA Placement will evaluate the situation separately. USA Placement will help file for the necessary approvals from the sponsor organization and make appropriate arrangements for you to find another host property if approval is granted.

Q. Does the program guarantee that my J-1 visa application will be approved?
A. No. USA Placement does not guarantee that your J-1 visa will be approved. Each U.S. Embassy and Consulate makes these decisions independently. However, if you have followed all the program guidelines and your DS-2019 form has been approved, you have a great chance of getting your J-1 visa approved as well. If for some reason, the staff at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate asks you to come in for an interview during your J-1 visa application process, please contact for advice prior to the interview.

Q. How can I prove I have training experience from a property in the United States once I return home?
A. You can prove that you have this experience by taking these steps prior to the end of your traineeship:

1. Before leaving the host property, request a written letter of recommendation that you can take with you to show prospective employers in your home country. This letter serves as a proof of business experience in the United States and should list some of the main job functions handled by you while training for the host property.
2. Before leaving the host property, ask your supervisor and other co-workers if they would act as references for you when you begin the job search in your home country. If you have done your job well during the program, you should not have any problems getting them to agree to this.

Q. What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it?
A. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State better monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select SEVIS to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more.
All exchange visitor applicants must have a SEVIS generated DS 2019 issued by a Department of State designated sponsor, which they submit when they are applying for their exchange visitor visa. The consular officer will need to verify your DS 2019 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your exchange visitor visa application to conclusion. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS DS-2019 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special web site, via Western Union, or by mail. See SEVIS-901 Fee or SEVIS for further information on how to pay the fee.
Q. Where and When Do I Need to Apply for My Visa?
• DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, DS-2019, which was provided to you by your program sponsor. All exchange visitors, including their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors and their dependents (J-2 visa holders). Your p rogram sponsor is responsible for entering your information for the DS 2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status into SEVIS. Exchange visitors not part of a U.S. Government-sponsored program will also have to pay a Sevis I-901 fee for each program. Questions regarding your exchange program should be directly to your program sponsor.
• A Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002. All exchange visitor (J visa) trainee or intern visa applicants with DS-2019 forms dated on or after July 19, 2007 (based on Box 7 on form) must also present Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 when applying for your visa. If your Form DS-2019 is issued prior to July 19, 2007 a Form DS-7002 is not required. For more information about the new rules for trainee and intern programs, see the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Exchange Visitor Program, Private Sector Programs.
• An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed. The DS-156 must be the March 2006 date, electronic "e-form application." Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156.
• A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age. It is also required for all applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, without exception. Five countries are now designated as state sponsors of terrorism, including North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran. Select Special Processing Procedures to learn more. You should know that a consular officer may require any nonimmigrant visa applicant to complete this form. Here is Form, DS-157.
• A Contact Information and Work History, Form DS-158, completed.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must complete an application;
• One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements.
Additional Documentation
• It is important that you refer to the Embassy Consular Section website to determine visa processing timeframes and instructions, learn about interview scheduling, and find out if there are any additional documentation items required. Learn more by contacting the Embassy Consular Section.
• Applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they are coming to the United States for a temporary period. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly.
Spouses and Children
Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal exchange visitor (J) visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require exchange visitor visas (derivative J visas). The application procedure is the same as that for a primary visa applicant. The sponsor must approve the accompaniment of the spouse and/or children and who will each be issued their own Form DS-2019. This form is used to obtain the required visa and the spouse and dependents can enter the U.S. at the same time as the principal exchange visitor or at a later date.
Work - The spouse and/or children of an exchange visitor in the U.S. may not work in J-2 status. If employment is desired, the appropriate work visa will be required. Before they can work, they must make an application to DHS, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and be approved for permission to work. They must file Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with the USCIS office that serves the area where they live for a work permit (employment authorization document). To learn more, select How Do I Get a Work Permit (Employment Authorization Document)? to go to the USCIS Website.
Study- The spouse and/or children of an exchange visitor visa holder who are in the U.S. on an exchange visitor visa may study in the U.S. without also being required to apply for a student (F-1) visa or change to F-1 status.
Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas, or if qualified, travel without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.
Family Members Following to Join the Exchange Visitor
The spouse and children can also apply for visas after the principal applicant has already traveled. In general, they must present the following:
• Form DS 2019, SEVIS generated, and approved by the sponsor
• Proof that the principal applicant (the person who received the DS-2019 or IAP-66) is maintaining his/her J visa status
• Copy of the J-1's (principal applicant's) visa
• Proof of relationship to the principal applicant
• Proof of sufficient money to cover all expenses in the United States
Spouses and children of exchange visitors may not enter the United States before the principal visitor enters for the first time.
Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement
An exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement, if the following conditions exist:
• The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the United States government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;
• The exchange visitor is a national or resident of a country designated as requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in which the exchange visitor was engaged for the duration of their program (Exchange Visitor Skills List 9 FAM 41.62, Exhibit II);
• The exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training.
If the exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement, he or she cannot change his or status to that of H, L, K, or immigrant lawful permanent resident (LPR) until he or she has returned to his/her home country for at least two-years or received a waiver of that requirement. Such waivers can be obtained under five separate bases: No Objection Statement, Exceptional Hardship or Persecution, Conrad Program, or Interested Government Agency. For information, see Waiver of the J Visa Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement 212(e).
Exchange Visitors Cannot Travel Without a Visa on the Visa Waiver Program
Citizens from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), who want to enter the United States temporarily, as exchange visitors traveling to the United States, must first obtain a an exchange visitor visa to come to the U.S. They cannot travel without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program. Those travelers coming on the Visa Waiver Program to participate in an exchange program may be denied admission to the United States by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. immigration inspector at the port of entry. For more information on VWP, see Visa Waiver Program
Q. When Can a Visitor Visa Be Used Instead of an Exchange Visitor Visa?
Some activities that are done on exchange visitor visas are also permitted on business (B-1) or tourist (B-2) visas in certain circumstances. Short periods of study, or study which is recreational, and not vocational, and incidental to the trip is permitted on a visitor visa. The determining factor is the traveler's primary purpose in coming to the United States. Furthermore, any kind of study that would earn credit or certification is not permitted on a visitor visa. As an example, if you are taking a vacation to the U.S., and during this vacation you would like to take a two-day cooking class for your enjoyment, and there is no credit earned, then this would be permitted on a visitor visa. A consular officer will determine the visa category you will need based on the purpose of your travel, and your supporting documentation.
Additional Information
• No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.
• Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, if the traveler has a valid U.S. visitor visa in an expired passport, do not remove the visa page from the expired passport. You may use it along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Misrepresentation of a Material Fact, or Fraud
Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas provides important information about ineligibilities.
Visa Denials
If the consular officer should find it necessary to deny the issuance of a visitor visa, the applicant may apply again if there is new evidence to overcome the basis for the refusal. For additional information, select Denials to learn more. In the absence of new evidence, consular officers are not obliged to re-examine such cases.
Q. How Long am I Permitted to Stay in the U.S. After my Program has Ended?
The initial admission of an exchange visitor, spouse and children may not exceed the period specified on Form DS-2019, plus a period of 30 days for the purpose of travel. The 30-day grace or travel status period is intended to be a period following the end of the exchange visitor’s program and is to be used for domestic travel and/or to prepare for and depart from the U.S., and for no other purpose. A spouse or child (J-2 visa holder) may not be admitted for longer than the principal exchange visitor (J-1 visa holder).

Q. How Do I Extend My Stay?
Those exchange visitors who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on their DS-2019 should review the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs information: Adjustments to the J-1 Status.
Further Visa Inquiries
• Questions on visa application procedures and visa ineligibilities should be made to the American consular office abroad by the applicant. Before submitting your inquiry, we request that you carefully review this web site and also the Embassy Consular web site abroad. Very often you will find the information you need.
• If your inquiry concerns a visa case in progress overseas, you should first contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and you can choose the Embassy or Consulate Internet site you need to contact.



FAQ’s Q. What kind of positions can I expect to be offered through this program? A. Through this program, you will have access to various entry-level positions, depending on your background but there are three basic scenarios under which your training may fall under: * The first and most ideal for you (the graduate), property and USA Placement would be that you have impressed the property so much that you are offered a supervisory or management position right away. However, this is not mandatory. Even in this position you would still be required to be constantly learning for your future career. * The second is that the property may not have a management position open and/or you may not be ready for this role right away. However, when or if the position becomes available and you are proven capable, you may have the possibility to be promoted. * The third and final but no less than the others, is that the property will not have a management position throughout the whole 12-18 months, but you will get the training to be able to become a manager in the future. Note: You must remember management training does not mean management is guaranteed. It will be based on your performance and the availability of the position Q. Am I assured an 18 month Management Training in the United States? A. Qualifying for the 18 month management training is determent on your experience, the training plan set forth by the host property and approval from both Sponsorship Organization and Department of State. You must understand that although the Host Property may want you for 18 months, you may want 18 months and we feel you may qualify for 18 months the final decision is up to the Department of State so you must be willing to accept 12 to 18 months. Q. Do I have to take a TOEFL or TOEIC exam in order to qualify for the program? A. No, TOEFL or TOEIC scores are preferred. These test results aid in the application process. Your English skills will be assessed by an online English Podium Test that each candidate must complete. Q. Who should I ask to write the letters of recommendations for me? A. If possible, you should ask your previous managers or supervisors to write them for you. If you are not able to ask your previous managers or supervisors, you may ask your professors or teachers to write them instead. Q. If my application is rejected, can I apply again later? A. If your application is rejected, you should discuss the reasons for rejection with us to see if you can improve your chances in the future. You can apply again later if you meet the requirements. Q. Can I stay longer than 18 months in the United States through this program? A. Through USA Placement's program, you can stay only up to 18 months in the United States. Generally, you must return home within 30 days after your traineeship has ended. This is due to U.S. visa regulations. Q. Can I change host property’s in the middle of the program? A. In most cases you are not allowed to leave your host property in the middle of your program, or your J-1 visa status will expire and you must return home. If your training is terminated for any reason you may be required to return to your home country within 30 days. You are not allowed to look for another position within the United States in these conditions. Under rare circumstances that are clearly beyond your control, such as the host property going out of business or reducing its staff due to bad economic situations, the sponsoring organization and USA Placement will evaluate the situation separately. USA Placement will help file for the necessary approvals from the sponsor organization and make appropriate arrangements for you to find another host property if approval is granted. Q. Does the program guarantee that my J-1 visa application will be approved? A. No. USA Placement does not guarantee that your J-1 visa will be approved. Each U.S. Embassy and Consulate makes these decisions independently. However, if you have followed all the program guidelines and your DS-2019 form has been approved, you have a great chance of getting your J-1 visa approved as well. If for some reason, the staff at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate asks you to come in for an interview during your J-1 visa application process, please contact for advice prior to the interview. Q. How can I prove I have training experience from a property in the United States once I return home? A. You can prove that you have this experience by taking these steps prior to the end of your traineeship: 1. Before leaving the host property, request a written letter of recommendation that you can take with you to show prospective employers in your home country. This letter serves as a proof of business experience in the United States and should list some of the main job functions handled by you while training for the host property. 2. Before leaving the host property, ask your supervisor and other co-workers if they would act as references for you when you begin the job search in your home country. If you have done your job well during the program, you should not have any problems getting them to agree to this. Q. What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it? A. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State better monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select SEVIS to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more. All exchange visitor applicants must have a SEVIS generated DS 2019 issued by a Department of State designated sponsor, which they submit when they are applying for their exchange visitor visa. The consular officer will need to verify your DS 2019 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your exchange visitor visa application to conclusion. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS DS-2019 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special web site, via Western Union, or by mail. See SEVIS-901 Fee or SEVIS for further information on how to pay the fee. Q. Where and When Do I Need to Apply for My Visa? • DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, DS-2019, which was provided to you by your program sponsor. All exchange visitors, including their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors and their dependents (J-2 visa holders). Your p rogram sponsor is responsible for entering your information for the DS 2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status into SEVIS. Exchange visitors not part of a U.S. Government-sponsored program will also have to pay a Sevis I-901 fee for each program. Questions regarding your exchange program should be directly to your program sponsor. • A Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002. All exchange visitor (J visa) trainee or intern visa applicants with DS-2019 forms dated on or after July 19, 2007 (based on Box 7 on form) must also present Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 when applying for your visa. If your Form DS-2019 is issued prior to July 19, 2007 a Form DS-7002 is not required. For more information about the new rules for trainee and intern programs, see the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Exchange Visitor Program, Private Sector Programs. • An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed. The DS-156 must be the March 2006 date, electronic "e-form application." Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156. • A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age. It is also required for all applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, without exception. Five countries are now designated as state sponsors of terrorism, including North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran. Select Special Processing Procedures to learn more. You should know that a consular officer may require any nonimmigrant visa applicant to complete this form. Here is Form, DS-157. • A Contact Information and Work History, Form DS-158, completed. • A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must complete an application; • One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements. Additional Documentation • It is important that you refer to the Embassy Consular Section website to determine visa processing timeframes and instructions, learn about interview scheduling, and find out if there are any additional documentation items required. Learn more by contacting the Embassy Consular Section. • Applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they are coming to the United States for a temporary period. It is impossible to specify the exact form the evidence should take since applicants' circumstances vary greatly. Spouses and Children Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal exchange visitor (J) visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require exchange visitor visas (derivative J visas). The application procedure is the same as that for a primary visa applicant. The sponsor must approve the accompaniment of the spouse and/or children and who will each be issued their own Form DS-2019. This form is used to obtain the required visa and the spouse and dependents can enter the U.S. at the same time as the principal exchange visitor or at a later date. Work - The spouse and/or children of an exchange visitor in the U.S. may not work in J-2 status. If employment is desired, the appropriate work visa will be required. Before they can work, they must make an application to DHS, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and be approved for permission to work. They must file Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with the USCIS office that serves the area where they live for a work permit (employment authorization document). To learn more, select How Do I Get a Work Permit (Employment Authorization Document)? to go to the USCIS Website. Study- The spouse and/or children of an exchange visitor visa holder who are in the U.S. on an exchange visitor visa may study in the U.S. without also being required to apply for a student (F-1) visa or change to F-1 status. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas, or if qualified, travel without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Family Members Following to Join the Exchange Visitor The spouse and children can also apply for visas after the principal applicant has already traveled. In general, they must present the following: • Form DS 2019, SEVIS generated, and approved by the sponsor • Proof that the principal applicant (the person who received the DS-2019 or IAP-66) is maintaining his/her J visa status • Copy of the J-1's (principal applicant's) visa • Proof of relationship to the principal applicant • Proof of sufficient money to cover all expenses in the United States Spouses and children of exchange visitors may not enter the United States before the principal visitor enters for the first time. Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement An exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement, if the following conditions exist: • The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the United States government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence; • The exchange visitor is a national or resident of a country designated as requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in which the exchange visitor was engaged for the duration of their program (Exchange Visitor Skills List 9 FAM 41.62, Exhibit II); • The exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training. If the exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement, he or she cannot change his or status to that of H, L, K, or immigrant lawful permanent resident (LPR) until he or she has returned to his/her home country for at least two-years or received a waiver of that requirement. Such waivers can be obtained under five separate bases: No Objection Statement, Exceptional Hardship or Persecution, Conrad Program, or Interested Government Agency. For information, see Waiver of the J Visa Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement 212(e). Exchange Visitors Cannot Travel Without a Visa on the Visa Waiver Program Citizens from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), who want to enter the United States temporarily, as exchange visitors traveling to the United States, must first obtain a an exchange visitor visa to come to the U.S. They cannot travel without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program. Those travelers coming on the Visa Waiver Program to participate in an exchange program may be denied admission to the United States by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. immigration inspector at the port of entry. For more information on VWP, see Visa Waiver Program Q. When Can a Visitor Visa Be Used Instead of an Exchange Visitor Visa? Some activities that are done on exchange visitor visas are also permitted on business (B-1) or tourist (B-2) visas in certain circumstances. Short periods of study, or study which is recreational, and not vocational, and incidental to the trip is permitted on a visitor visa. The determining factor is the traveler's primary purpose in coming to the United States. Furthermore, any kind of study that would earn credit or certification is not permitted on a visitor visa. As an example, if you are taking a vacation to the U.S., and during this vacation you would like to take a two-day cooking class for your enjoyment, and there is no credit earned, then this would be permitted on a visitor visa. A consular officer will determine the visa category you will need based on the purpose of your travel, and your supporting documentation. Additional Information • No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued. • Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, if the traveler has a valid U.S. visitor visa in an expired passport, do not remove the visa page from the expired passport. You may use it along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. Misrepresentation of a Material Fact, or Fraud Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas provides important information about ineligibilities. Visa Denials If the consular officer should find it necessary to deny the issuance of a visitor visa, the applicant may apply again if there is new evidence to overcome the basis for the refusal. For additional information, select Denials to learn more. In the absence of new evidence, consular officers are not obliged to re-examine such cases. Q. How Long am I Permitted to Stay in the U.S. After my Program has Ended? The initial admission of an exchange visitor, spouse and children may not exceed the period specified on Form DS-2019, plus a period of 30 days for the purpose of travel. The 30-day grace or travel status period is intended to be a period following the end of the exchange visitor’s program and is to be used for domestic travel and/or to prepare for and depart from the U.S., and for no other purpose. A spouse or child (J-2 visa holder) may not be admitted for longer than the principal exchange visitor (J-1 visa holder). Q. How Do I Extend My Stay? Those exchange visitors who wish to stay beyond the time indicated on their DS-2019 should review the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs information: Adjustments to the J-1 Status. Further Visa Inquiries • Questions on visa application procedures and visa ineligibilities should be made to the American consular office abroad by the applicant. Before submitting your inquiry, we request that you carefully review this web site and also the Embassy Consular web site abroad. Very often you will find the information you need. • If your inquiry concerns a visa case in progress overseas, you should first contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and you can choose the Embassy or Consulate Internet site you need to contact.