United States•North America2-5 months
5,595 USD
15 months
No
Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
Practical training and sharing of culture through an international cultural exchange program approved by USCIS.
The Q-1 is a US nonimmigrant visa for workers in USCIS-approved programs that combine employment with sharing their home country's culture and traditions with the American public.
Stay is up to 15 months; one year abroad required before a repeat program. No dependent class exists; no dual intent or PR pathway.
This visa is ideal for cultural performers, educators, and staff at museums or theme parks sponsored by a USCIS-approved international cultural exchange program.
Form I-129 filing fee (Standard) | 1,015 USD |
Form I-129 filing fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit) | 510 USD |
Asylum Program Fee (Standard) | 600 USD |
Asylum Program Fee (Small) | 300 USD |
Premium processing (optional) | 2,965 USD |
MRV (visa application) fee | 205 USD |
| Standard | 2 months – 5 months |
| Premium Processing | 2 weeks |
| Initial grant | 1.2 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
United StatesMust participate in an international cultural exchange program approved by USCIS
Employer/sponsor must be a designated cultural exchange program operator
Program must take place in a public setting where U.S. citizens can observe and participate
Participant must share history, culture, and traditions of their home country
Must be at least 18 years old
Must be coming from abroad (cannot change from most other statuses within the U.S.)
Job Offer
Required
Education
none or higher
Valid passport (6+ months beyond intended U.S. stay)
Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
Passport-style photo
USCIS approval notice (Form I-797) for the I-129 petition
Evidence of cultural exchange program participation
Proof of intent to depart the U.S. after the program
| I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | Fill online |
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Employer/sponsor files Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS; Upon I-129 approv… | uscis.gov |
| Fee Breakdown | Form I-129 filing fee (Standard): 1015 USD; Form I-129 filing fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit): 510 US… | uscis.gov |
| Fees | Form I-129 base filing fee ($1,015 standard / $510 for small employers/nonprofits) + Asylum Program … | uscis.gov |
| Forms | Form I-129 (filed by employer/sponsor); Form DS-160 (filed by applicant at consulate) | uscis.gov |
| Forms · DS-160 · description | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | travel.state.gov |
| Forms · I-129 · description | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | uscis.gov |
| Included Nationalities | — | uscis.gov |
| Job Offer Required | true | uscis.gov |
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