• Q visas are given to individuals 18 and older seeking to share their native culture by participating in a cultural exchange program that provides practical training and employment.
• Prospective employers must submit evidence to prove they have established a valid international cultural exchange program that will help enrich the culture of the U.S.

Q: Cultural exchange

Individuals may be eligible for a Q-1 nonimmigrant visa if they are seeking to participate in an international cultural exchange program. The Q nonimmigrant exchange program is for the purpose of providing practical training and employment, and to share the history, culture, and traditions of an individual’s home country with the U.S.

Only employers who administer cultural exchange programs are allowed to petition for Q nonimmigrants. The purpose of the Q nonimmigrant visa is to facilitate the sharing of international cultures. It is an employment-oriented program, but an integral part of the visa holder’s duties must have a cultural element. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 18 years old and be able to communicate effectively about the cultural attributes of their country.

Employer responsibilities

The sponsoring organization must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office specified in the form instructions. In addition, the employer must submit evidence that the employer maintains an established international cultural exchange program. This may be demonstrated by submitting copies of catalogs, brochures, or other types of material which illustrate that the cultural component of the program is designed to give an overview of the attitude, customs, history, heritage, philosophy, tradition, and/or other cultural attributes of the participant’s home country.

The employer may also submit evidence which illustrates that the program activities take place in a public setting where the sharing of culture can be achieved through direct interaction with the American public or a segment thereof.

Length of stay

Individuals who are granted Q visa status are typically granted an initial period of stay of up to 15 months.

After a Q cultural exchange program has been completed, the visa holder has 30 days to depart the U.S. The individual is required to spend one year outside the U.S. before applying for participation in the Q cultural exchange program again.

Family of Q visa holders

The Q nonimmigrant visa does not have a provision for any spouse or children to accompany or follow to join a Q-1 nonimmigrant. Any spouse or children must qualify for a visa classification for which they may be eligible.