Q-1 visas are for participants in an international cultural exchange program in the U.S.  The program can provide practical training, employment and the sharing of the culture of the Q-1 visa applicant’s country of nationality.

What are the requirements for a Q-1 visa?

You must meet three requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age;
2. Be qualified to perform the service or labor or to participate in the training and;
3. Have the ability to communicate about the culture of your country to the U.S. public.  This communication generally requires command of English unless the cultural sharing involves a non-verbal component such as dancing.

The international cultural exchange program must meet all three of these requirements:

1. Be accessible to the U.S. public by taking place in a museum, school, business or other places where the public is exposed to foreign culture as part of a structured program;
2. Have a work component that enables achievement of the cultural objective and the sharing of the applicant’s culture must result from such employment or training.
3. Have a cultural component that is an essential part of the Q-1 visa holder’s employment or training.  Examples include courses, exhibits or lecture series about the arts, history, literature, philosophy or traditions of the Q-1 visa holder’s country.

The employer of a Q-1 visa applicant must meet all five of these requirements:

• Maintain an established international cultural exchange program;
• Offer cultural visitor wages and working conditions similar to those given to domestic workers in comparable jobs;
• Have the financial ability to pay Q-1 visa holders; and
• Have a representative responsible for administering the program and communication with USCIS.
• Dependent spouse and children of the Q-1 visa holder must apply separately for a non-immigrant visa to accompany the Q-1 visa holder.  Spouses and children may apply for a B-2 visitor visa and maintain the B-2 status for the duration of the Q-1’s stay.

Q-1 visa is valid for 15 months or the duration of the cultural exchange program, whichever is shorter.