Planning on j1 visa

Q: H-1 visa holders unemployment benefits

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: Can I change status from B1/B2 to F1 without leaving US?

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: Do all misrepresentations carry a lifetime bar or just (ii) where you claim to be a US citizen when ur not?

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: Will I have any problems applying for citizenship, having filed taxes late?

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: F2 Visa to H-1B Visa with little complications?

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Q: I aplied for political asylum in USA,I want to know if i can travel in other counties than Usa only with alien number???

See the full attorney answers on the linked page.

Anonymous Mar 25, 2015 Immigration 3 views 3 answers

Hello, We are planning to get me a J1 visa. However, I am already filing for I-130 although it is not yet approved, it was already accepted. any insights? will this be fruitful? When it comes in building strong home country tries, I plan to use my country's mandatory national service (army) for male citizens as well savings account. what are my chances?

Attorney Answers

Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed

Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed · Jun 15, 2026

Your similar question on the subject was already anwered: with a pending I-130 immigrant petition, you risk not having your application for a J-1 visa approved, due to the "immigrant intent" that will be imputed on you due to the pending I-130. The J-1 category, like most non-immigrant visa categories, with the sole notable exception of H-1B requires one to have "non-immigrant" intent. Your obligation to return to your home country to obey the draft and enlist in the armed forces of your country for military service could be a "game changer" which could convince the consul of your intention to return home upon the conclusion of your J-1 studies, research or exchange program. Your "savings account", even if substantial, will not amount to much, since money can move away at the speed of light nowadays..

0 upvotes

Kendell Johnson

Kendell Johnson · Jun 15, 2026

I agree with my colleague, this is a very risky thing to do as you do not have the required intent to remain a non-immigrant. You have already filed an i-130 so it is clear that your ultimate goal is to remain in the United States. Unfortunately, this cannot be the plan with a J-1 visa. You should speak to an immigration attorney but again, this is not a good idea. Good luck!

0 upvotes

Justin Fyten

Justin Fyten · Jun 15, 2026

Your J-1 will almost certainly not be approved since you have already filed for an I-130. This is because the J-1 requires "non-immigrant intent" meaning that you plan to leave after your period of stay. The I-130 shows "immigrant intent" meaning that you intend to remain in the United States permanently. This contradiction will lead USCIS to most likely deny your J-1 application.

0 upvotes