J-1 => work visa Help

[betoseus 0]

Guys, I'm very frustrated trying to figure out this whole visa situation. Anyway, here it is:

I got a nice job at a company I want to work for, but due to several reasons they want to hire me for longer then my visa allows me to work for. It expires on MAR 15th. So, I want to either extend my visa or get another work visa.

(REGARDING VISA EXTENSION)

Me: J-1 Summer Program visa holder. My sponsor says it is impossible to extend my visa. (That's actually right, Summer work J-1 visa can't be extended as it says on § 62.41 )

BUT, apparently I can:

1)§ 62.41 Change of category.

(a) The Department of State may, in its discretion, permit an exchange visitor to change his or her category of exchange participation. Any change in category must be clearly consistent with and closely related to the participant's original exchange objective and necessary due to unusual or exceptional circumstances.

2)§ 62.42 Transfer of program.

(a) Program sponsors may, pursuant to the provisions set forth in this section, permit an exchange visitor to transfer from one designated program to another designated program.

Could anybody explain to me what the category change and transfer of programs are?

Could any1 tell me how I can work for longer than MAR 15th using another type of visa?

Thanks a lot

Edited January 4, 2011 by betoseus

[canadian_wife 1,823]

Other types of work visas require the company to sponsor you, have you spoken with your company regarding work visa sponsorship? If they won't sponsor you, then your options are limited

What country are you from? I ask because Canada and Mexico have special visas for highly skilled workers, what is your current job?

Good luck

[betoseus 0]

I'm from Brazil.

Company recruiter just said "we don't sponsor for this position".

The job I got is a Portuguese Language - Customer Support. I know that the company really need Portuguese speakers but can't figure out why they wouldn't sponsor.

Aren't there other types of J-1 visa I would apply for/switch to?

[canadian_wife 1,823]

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html

there are a whole list of work visas. However, without company sponsorship you are limited. You can try and find another job that will allow you to do a J-1 however, that requires actually looking for a job

good luck

[betoseus 0]

what Im trying to do is:

go from Summer work travel J-1 visa

to Internship J-1 visa.

Any ideas how to do it?

[canadian_wife 1,823]

That question is answered in that link I gave you

however, here is the particular page you need

http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/j-1_visas/adjustments.html#category

You neec to contact your program coordinator AFTER reading that link

Good luck