It seems impossible to get into the US at the moment, and my few attempts have failed. What should my expectations be in terms of getting a good company to accept to sponsor a visa in the current circumstances? Thank you very much for your AMA.
This raises two issues: as a graduate, it would be hard to justify this visa unless I went to the US for a graduate degree, and it would not allow me to start long term career.
I would love to hear your thoughts about this, and thank you for your reply!
You have a year or two (if I recall) of time to apply for a J1 once you have graduated. You don't study while on a J1.
And yes, J1 can be approved from 3 to 18 months. It's not a long time, but depending on what your goals are (if 95 in your name stands for year of birth, you are young, maybe just to experience the valley) then it might suit you.
I know people who have got H1Bs, O1s and L1s after J1. I'm not sure what the process is like, but AFAIK it includes some lawyering because J1 is a non-intent visa.
edit: I forgot to mention that the two year home residency requirement does not apply to you if you pay for your trip yourself. Only if you use government funding during your stay will you be applicable. Although I've heard that residents of certain countries can have the ban waived if needed. Not sure is that right though.
And to clarify, I'm no lawyer, but someone who was on J1 in the valley a year ago.