Our Client's Inspiring J-1 Visa Story

FRONT MARCH 12, 2025 / IN BLOGS , J1 VISA , TR

Ergül Çeliksoy, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

The United States offers countless opportunities for professional development and cultural immersion. The J-1 Exchange Program Visa allows professionals seeking to gain a global perspective, broaden their professional experience, and experience cultural exchange opportunities to reside in the United States for a specific period of time. In this article, we will delve into the experiences, challenges, and achievements of a client who expanded their career in the United States with a J-1 visa. If you'd like to identify all the key steps in your career and write your own story in the United States with a J-1 visa, please contact us.

How Did the Idea of Pursuing a Career in America Come About?

The idea of pursuing a career in the US stemmed from a desire to expand my professional knowledge on a global scale. Keeping up with innovations in my industry, experiencing different business cultures, and building an international network have always been important goals for me. I wanted to bring the experiences I gained in Türkiye to the US business world, thereby improving myself both personally and professionally. In this process, the J-1 visa proved to be one of the most convenient ways to realize my dream.

How Did You Decide to Apply for a J-1 Visa?

While researching ways to expand my career internationally and develop my professional skills, the J-1 visa caught my eye. This visa offered the opportunity to work and study in the United States through a professional exchange program, making it a suitable option for my goals. Furthermore, it provided me with a valuable opportunity to experience American business culture firsthand and gain direct access to global innovations in my industry. Having the support of an expert legal team throughout my decision-making process provided me with guidance at every stage of the application process.

What Documents Did You Prepare to Strengthen Your Application?

I prepared a comprehensive documentation package to support my J-1 visa application. These documents include:

• Official invitation letter issued by the employer
• Diplomas and certificates demonstrating my academic background and professional competence
• Documents proving my business and social ties in Türkiye (property ownership documents, current employment contract)
• Official documents detailing the program I will be attending
• A comprehensive letter of intent outlining my career plan and how the J-1 program serves that plan

Each of these documents clearly outlined the purpose of my application and my temporary stay in the United States.

What Questions Were You Asked During the Interview and How Did You Answer?

During the J-1 visa interview, the consular officer questioned me in detail about the purpose of my application and my plans in the United States. The most notable questions were:

• Why do you want to go to the US? I emphasized how the program in the US would contribute to my career development and provide me with the opportunity to learn about innovations in my field firsthand. I also explained that this experience would add value to my industry upon my return to Turkey.
• What activities will you engage in during your time in the United States? I answered this question by detailing the content of the training program, the professional events I will attend, and the collaborations I will form with industry leaders.

What Did You Find Most Complex or Challenging in Applying for a J-1 Visa?

The most complex step was finding the appropriate sponsoring agency for the J-1 visa and obtaining the DS-2019 form. Because sponsoring agencies have varying procedures and requirements, understanding which agency was best suited for my application was time-consuming.

My attorney's support played a critical role throughout this process. He shared a list of accredited sponsoring organizations suitable for my field and thoroughly analyzed the requirements of each. He also guided me through the preparation of the necessary documents for the DS-2019 form, ensuring we submitted a complete and error-free application. Because he planned the application process in advance, I was able to complete all the requirements without any delay.

What Was the Most Striking Question Asked to You During the Interview?

The most striking question during the interview was, “How do you prove your intention to return to Turkey?” Because the J-1 visa is a temporary program, it was important to clearly state that I had no intention of staying in the US permanently.

My lawyer provided me with detailed preparation on how to approach this question. We supported my ongoing professional connections, family ties, and career plans in Türkiye with concrete documentation. He specifically advised me to emphasize how I would integrate the experiences I gained upon returning to Türkiye upon completion of the program into my career. This guidance allowed me to give the interviewer a strong and persuasive answer and clearly conveyed my intention to return.

What Did Your Experience in America Provide You With?

My J-1 experience in the United States has taught me a great deal, both personally and professionally. Here are some key takeaways:

• I had the opportunity to experience global business culture firsthand.
• I increased my knowledge by observing the innovations in my field firsthand.
• I have built a wide professional network by establishing international connections.
• I improved my flexibility and adaptation skills by learning different ways of doing business.

What Advice Do You Have for Those Considering Applying for a J-1 Visa?

My most important advice for those considering applying for a J-1 visa is to manage the application process meticulously. Prepare your documents thoroughly and consistently, and clearly express your intentions. Furthermore, working with a professional legal team will increase the success of your application. Be confident during the interview and clearly share your goals in the US. Remember that the process requires patience and follow every step carefully.

Make a Difference in America: We Are Here to Help You with Your J-1 Visa Applications

The J-1 visa offers unique opportunities for those seeking professional training, cultural exchange, and research programs in the United States. Our law firm will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your application is complete and accurate.

We meticulously prepare your documents and manage complex procedures on your behalf to increase your application's chances of approval. If you're interested in developing your career in the US or gaining international experience, you can contact me through our website or my LinkedIn profile. You can check out our News page to stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments.