MANILA — Filipino nationals are being reminded that the J-1 exchange visitor program visa is strictly a nonimmigrant program and does not provide a pathway to U.S. permanent residency or citizenship.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC issued the advisory on Wednesday after reports surfaced of illegal recruiters and individuals posing as immigration lawyers who were promising U.S. citizenship through the program.

The J-1 visa is intended for temporary cultural exchange, and participants must comply with program rules. The embassy warned that overstaying beyond the authorized period is a serious violation of U.S. immigration law, which can result in deportation and long-term bans.

Specifically, J-1 teachers are required to return to the Philippines after completing the program and must observe a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. Waivers for this requirement are difficult to obtain, not guaranteed, and granted only under exceptional hardship or highly meritorious circumstances.

The embassy cautioned against illegal recruiters who demand large sums of money for immigration assistance and encourage visa misuse, overstaying, or filing of asylum claims solely to remain in the U.S.

“Teachers who are J-1 visa holders or applicants are urged to participate in the program only with a clear understanding of its objectives and limitations,” the embassy said. “Those considering long-term immigration options must seek advice from a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.”

The advisory also cited U.S. authorities noting that visa overstays may render a person ineligible for future U.S. visas, a warning that has been strongly enforced since the Trump administration.

(PNA)