Hello,

I have worked for a US company as an intern in OPT F-1 status since january and my OPT ends in July. They offered me a job on june 1st but since all the H-1Bs were gone I could not take it.
I would like to know if it is allowed to get a J-1 Trainee visa after an OPT because I contacted my university in Belgium and they agreed to accept me for one more year so that I can do an internship in this company again (I know the J-1 trainee visa is for young professionals and students but I think it would be easier to get it if I am still a student and I tell them I need to come back to Belgium for my studies) and if so if I need to go back to belgium for a certain amount of time before I can apply.
Also if this is possible, would it have an effect on the 2-year residency obligation that is sometimes imposed to J-1s.

Thanks a lot for your help, this situation is very frustrating since the H-1B cap will certainly be raised soon...

Alex.

If you haven’t done so already, contact several J-1 sponsor organizations to assess the feasibility of your plan. With their extensive experience with J-1 trainee visas, those organizations are the best positioned to advice you.

Edward Weiner
Attorney at Law

E-mail: E.Weiner@immigration-aux-usa.com
Internet Site: http://www.immigration-aux-usa.com/