Q | Cultural Exchange

There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons who want to participate in Exchange Visitor programs in the United States. The J nonimmigrant classification is for participants of exchange programs, designated by the Department of State, that are designed to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and other countries. The Q nonimmigrant classification is for participants of international cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of Homeland Security.

You may be eligible for Q-1 nonimmigrant classification if you are seeking to participate in an international cultural exchange program approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Q cultural exchange program is for the purpose of providing practical training and employment, and sharing the history, culture, and traditions of your home country with the United States.

Qualifications

Only qualified employers who administer cultural exchange programs, or designated agents they employ on a permanent basis in an executive or managerial capacity, are allowed to petition for Q nonimmigrants. The purpose of the Q nonimmigrant visa classification is to facilitate the sharing of international cultures. It is an employment-oriented program, but a cultural element must be an essential and integral part of your duties. You must be:
At least 18 years old;
Qualified to perform the service, labor, or training; and
Able to communicate effectively about the cultural attributes of your country to the American public

What You'll Need

The qualified employer, or a designated agent it employs on a permanent basis in an executive or managerial capacity, must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with the USCIS office specified in the form instructions
Along with the position description, the employer must submit evidence that it maintains an established international cultural exchange program
It may demonstrate this by submitting copies of brochures, curriculum, or other types of material that illustrate that the program’s cultural component is designed on the whole, to exhibit or explain the attitude, customs, history, heritage, philosophy, traditions, and/or other cultural attributes (arts, literature, language) of the participant’s country of nationality
The employer must also submit evidence that the program activities take place in a school, museum, business, or other establishment where the American public, or a segment of the public sharing a common cultural interest, is exposed to aspects of a foreign culture as part of a structured program
Once the visa petition is approved, you can apply for a visa (if required) at a U.S. embassy or consulate
In addition, the employer must establish that it:
Has designated a qualified employee to administer the program and serve as liaison with USCIS;
Is actively doing business in the United States;
Will offer the person wages and working conditions comparable to those accorded local workers similarly employed; and
Has the financial ability to compensate the participant(s), as shown by a copy of the employer's most recent annual report, business income tax return, or other form of certificate accountant's report

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FAQs

How long can I stay with this visa?

The initial period of stay is up to 15 months. After you have completed your Q cultural exchange program, you have 30 days to depart the United States. You are required to spend 1 year outside the United States before you can apply for participation in another Q cultural exchange program

Can my family join me?

Unfortunately, the Q nonimmigrant classification does not have a provision for any spouse or children to accompany or follow to join a Q-1 nonimmigrant. Therefore, any spouse or children wishing to enter the United States must qualify independently for a nonimmigrant classification.

Is there a fee to file?

Yes, there is a $460 filing fee for Form I-129 and an $85 biometric fee. If you apply online, you can also pay online. If you pay by mail, then you can pay via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How can I file my form?

You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows you to:

Pay your filing fee online
Check the status of your case
Receive notifications and case updates
View personalized case completion date estimates
Respond to requests for evidence
Manage your contact information, including updating your address

You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.

Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.

Do I need legal representation to file?

You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

Why should I work with ImmigrationUSA?

Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.

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