Business/Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2) vs. Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa

EVs who enter the U.S. on a tourist or personal business visa (B-1/B-2) will face difficulty in changing their status to J-1 visa. It may take over 6 months to obtain J-1 status in the U.S., or they have to leave the U.S. and re-enter on a J-1 visa status. EVs on B-1/B-2 or Visa Waiver status will not be permitted to participate as an Exchange Visitor during this period, nor can they receive any U.S. monies. EVs on Visa Waiver status will not be permitted to change their status within the U.S.