What is the Difference Between J and Q Visas?

There are also 2 major "Non-Immigrant" VISA - categories for individuals wishing to participate in Exchange Visitor programs in the United States.

    1. The 'J' {J-1, J-2} visa - For Educational Exchange programs.
    2. The 'Q' visa - For International Cultural Exchange programs.

What is J1 - visa?  - Exchange Student Visa

The J-1 visa is issued to scholars from various fields of education, arts & science and thereby to promote the interchange of persons, their knowledge & skills in their respective areas of study.

The participants may include: Visiting scholars, teachers, professors, students at all academic levels - for eg: medical doctors seeking advanced training etc.

Participants applying for a "J-1" visa must present a form DS-2019 prepared by a designated sponsoring organization.Without the DS-2019 form, a participant CANNOT apply for a J-1 visa.

The spouse and minor children of a J-1 visa applicant may apply for a derivative "J-2" visas, to accompany or to follow a student. They must meet all visa eligibility requirements and must show an evidence that they have sufficient funds for their support.

Check the Documentation needed to apply

What is Q Visa? -  For International cultural exchange program:

The Q - visa is issued to a person who wish to pursue practical training and also for the purpose of sharing culture & traditions of his / her home country in the United States.

The "Q" exchange visitor must be at least 18 years old & above.

Participants applying for a "Q" visa must present a notice of approval -Form I-797 issued by the BCIS to the sponsoring organization. Without the I-797 form, a participant CANNOT apply for a Q visa.

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The "Q" exchange program does not provide for the admission of the spouse or children of a participant in a derivative status.

REMEMBER !!

The forms issued (I-20A-B / I-20M-N / IAP-66) by the accepting institution or the university doesn't ensure a visa.
The visa will be granted only after the Visa Officer is convinced about your intentions to visit the USA, and that all required set of documents submitted with the application are satisfactory.