Pre Requisites
The visa application process begins once the U.S. host company or employer and the international candidate have been matched and have agreed to move forward — whether with the J-1 program or one of the other routes below (H-1B, EB-3, TN, E-1/E-2, H-2A/H-2B).
I am a…
- U.S. Employer
- Student
- Professional
J-1 Visa Application Process
Please note that the estimated processing times below reflect only the time required by Work With No Borders and the sponsor. They do not include any time needed for the participant or the U.S. host company to provide documents, complete forms, or respond to requests.
5 easy steps. Total processing time is 15 business days from receipt of all required documents to get your DS-2019.
1. Eligibility Assessment
By Work With No Borders — two business days.
Either the participant or the host company completes the eligibility form. Once submitted, we schedule a call with both parties to assess eligibility for the J-1 program.
2. Documents Submission
By the participant & host company — timing depends on how quickly the participant and the host company provide the required documents.
Both the participant and host company are invited to submit all required information and supporting documents.
3. Application Review & Preparation
By Work With No Borders — six business days.
We review all submitted information and documents, prepare the complete application package, including the DS-7002, and submit it to the sponsor.
4. Application Validation & Package Issuance
By the sponsor & Work With No Borders — five business days (plus two additional days if an on-site visit is required).
Our designated sponsor partner reviews and validates the application, conducts an on-site visit if required, issues the DS-2019, and authorizes SEVIS participation. Work With No Borders coordinates the process and manages the participant's SEVIS fees.
5. Visa Issuance
By the U.S. Embassy/Consulate — timing depends on embassy appointment availability.
The participant completes the DS-160 form and schedules a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. If approved, the J-1 visa is issued, allowing the participant to begin their training or internship program in the United States.
Other Visa Processes
Beyond the J-1 program, we guide candidates and U.S. employers through the other work visa routes. Each follows the same pattern — eligibility assessment, document preparation, filing, and visa interview — with government processing times varying by category.
H-1B & H-1B1 Visa Process
- 1. Eligibility Assessment — We confirm the role qualifies as a specialty occupation and the candidate holds the required degree or equivalent.
- 2. Registration & Lottery — The U.S. employer registers the candidate in the annual H-1B electronic registration (held each March); a petition can only be filed if selected. The H-1B1 (Chile and Singapore) has no lottery.
- 3. LCA Filing — The employer files a Labor Condition Application with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 4. Petition Filing — Form I-129 is filed with USCIS, with premium processing available for a faster decision.
- 5. Visa Interview & Start — The candidate completes the DS-160, attends the embassy interview, and can typically start work on October 1.
EB-3 Green Card Process
- 1. Eligibility Assessment — We confirm the full-time U.S. job offer and match the case to the skilled worker, professional, or other worker category.
- 2. Prevailing Wage & Recruitment — The employer obtains a prevailing wage determination and completes the required recruitment steps.
- 3. PERM Labor Certification — The employer files the PERM application with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 4. I-140 Immigrant Petition — Once PERM is certified, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
- 5. Green Card Issuance — When the priority date is current, the applicant completes consular processing (DS-260) abroad or adjustment of status (I-485) in the U.S. and receives permanent residence.
TN Visa Process
- 1. Eligibility Assessment — We confirm Canadian or Mexican citizenship and that the job offer matches an eligible USMCA (NAFTA) profession.
- 2. Document Preparation — We help assemble the employer support letter, proof of credentials, and proof of citizenship.
- 3. Application — Canadian citizens can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or airport pre-clearance; Mexican citizens complete the DS-160 and attend a consular interview.
- 4. Admission — TN status is granted for up to three years at a time and is renewable — no lottery and no annual cap.
E-1 & E-2 Visa Process
- 1. Eligibility Assessment — We confirm the applicant's country has a qualifying treaty with the U.S. and that the trade (E-1) or investment (E-2) is substantial.
- 2. Business Documentation — We help prepare the evidence of trade or investment, the business plan, and the applicant's role.
- 3. Application — The applicant completes the DS-160 and DS-156E and attends the consular interview.
- 4. Admission — The visa is issued for the treaty-specific validity period and can be extended as long as the business continues to qualify.
H-2A & H-2B Visa Process
- 1. Eligibility Assessment — We confirm the job is temporary or seasonal — agricultural (H-2A) or non-agricultural (H-2B) — and that the employer's need qualifies.
- 2. Temporary Labor Certification — The employer obtains a temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 3. Petition Filing — The employer files Form I-129 with USCIS (H-2B is subject to a semi-annual cap).
- 4. Visa Interview & Travel — The worker completes the DS-160, attends the consular interview, and travels for the season's start date.
Not Sure Which Process Applies to You?
Start with our free eligibility check — we will review your profile and point you to the right visa route and its exact steps.
“We guide the participant and the host company through every step of the process, from eligibility assessment to visa interview preparation.”