New J working visa on the way for Irish

We recently welcomed the news of the Irish government’s progress in talks with the US State Department with regard to establishing a special J visa program for Irish people who have an interest in coming to the US to work for a period of time.

Traditionally the J-1 visa was given to those entering the US to participate in an approved educational or cultural visitor program. The J-1 non-immigrant visa category was created to promote educational and cultural exchange activities between the United States and countries around the world.

New Program Guidelines

The proposed J visa for Irish people will be for one year. It has been suggested that it will cost only a few hundred dollars to get as opposed to the thousands of dollars charged in connection with the 18 month J visa. There will be no foreign residency requirement at the end of the one year J visa as required by some J programs. In some other cases, recipients have to remain in their home country for up to 2 years after a training program in US. Recipients of the one year J visa will have to register in the US and will have to register if job positions change. This is inline with current SEVIS regulations. Undocumented or those with past overstays or visa fraud issues will not be eligible. The one year J visa is open to the 32 counties, to applicants holding Irish passports. It is expected to be an option for people coming to the US to work in almost any field of their choosing. If you have questions on this visa, you may attend our clinic on Oct.7^th at Bad Abbots.

overstays and past visa fraud

If you have ever overstayed a visa, committed visa fraud or been in any trouble with immigration or law enforcement, you should seek professional advice as to your eligibility for any nonimmigrant visa. Remember that any nonimmigrant visa such as the J or the F (student) requires you to have nonimmigrant intent, that is, you have to show evidence of economic, family, social, and community ties to your home country.

DV Lottery Applications

The application period for the DV 2010 is now open. Call to make an appointment if you need assistance with your application.

FREE LEGAL CLINC

BAD ABBOTS, 1546 REAR HANCOCK STREET, QUINCY, MA

ON Tuesday OCT. 7^th, 6:30 PM