May mahalagang abiso ang isang sangay ng Philippine Embassy sa mga Pilipinong may hawak na J-1 visa o Exchange Visitor visa: hindi ito nagbibigay ng eligibility upang maging U.S. resident o U.S. citizen.
Ito ay isang non-immigrant visa para sa mga indibidwal na pinapayagang lumahok sa “work-and study-based exchange visitor programs,” ayon sa U.S. Department Exchange Visitor Program website.
Ang abiso ay ipinost sa Facebook page ng Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA nitong Miyerkules, January 7, 2026.
May mga natanggap daw kasing reports ang embassy na may illegal recruiters na pinapangakuan ang mga Pilipino ng residency at citizenship sa U.S. gamit ang J-1 visa kapalit ang malaking halaga.
Ang nakasaad sa post:
“The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC reminds the public that the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program visa is a temporary, non-immigrant program designed for cultural exchange. It is not an employment/work visa.
“Filipino teachers should be aware that participation in the program does not lead to U.S. permanent residency or citizenship.”
Pagdedetalye pa tungkol sa gawain ng mga illegal recruiters:
“The Embassy has received reports of illegal recruiters, unscrupulous agents, and individuals posing as immigration lawyers who:
- Demand large sums of money for immigration assistance
- Promise U.S. permanent residency or citizenship through the J-1 program, and
- Encourage overstaying, misusing visas, or filing asylum claims solely to remain in the United States”
Kaya ang paalala ng embassy sa mga gurong J-1 visa holders o applicants: “participate in the program only with a clear understanding of its objectives and limitations.”
Kung nais naman daw nila ng long-term immigration options, kailangan nilang makipag-usap sa isang qualified U.S. immigration attorney.
Read: Philippines included again in Canada’s visa-free travel program
EMBASSY's REMINDerS ABOUT TERMS OF J-1 VISA
Inisa-isa rin ang mga dapat tandaan ng J-1 visa holders.
Halimbawa, required na bumalik sa Pilipinas ang J-1 visa holder matapos ang programa; required na manatili sa Pilipinas ng two years matapos ang programa; at isang serious violation ang pag-o-overstay sa U.S.
Narito ang mas detalyadong reminders ng embahada:
- J-1 teachers are required to return to the Philippines after completing the program
- Filipino teachers are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. Waiver of this requirement is difficult to obtain, not guaranteed, and requires exceptional hardship or highly meritorious circumstances.
- Overstaying in the United States beyond the authorized period of stay is a serious violation of U.S. immigration law, and can result in deportation and long-term bans.
