J visa

[nshah1986]

Hi
Is J visa (work athoriztion)a good option to after opt in between opt
do I need to leave us to get it approved or is it done in country?
does india require two year residency ?

kindly advise.


thanks in advance.

[katta]

If you are already in us you can choose either change of status or consulate processing. If two year residency is stamped on your approval then you have to get J1 wavier to change to other categorises including immigrant visas from J1 on a later date. long time ago I was on J1 and I would never want to be in J1 again. If you are STEM then go for more opt or file new H1B. This year H1B has reached its cap.

[nshah1986]

I am not eligilble of STEM
and my opt expire in feb 2013 , just got a job two weeks back and H1b cap got expired .
Talked to many lawyer they all suggested J visa would be best bet.

[katta]

sorry to hear you don't have option. Make sure you don't get that 2yr residency. If you go for stamping by default they will give you 2yr residency.
Today Obama issued executive order ; illegal aliens will get 2yr work permit with unlimited extension. That is the state of immigration in USA.