MANILA, Philippines – Filipino nationals are reminded that the J-1 exchange visitor program visa is a nonimmigrant program and does not lead to United States permanent residency nor citizenship. The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC issued the reminder on Wednesday after receiving reports of illegal recruiters and individuals posing as immigration lawyers promising US citizenship through the J-1 program. READ: US visa application: Bonds of up to $15,000 required from residents of listed countries For cultural exchange According to the embassy, the visitor program is temporary and designed solely for cultural exchange. “Overstaying in the United States beyond the authorized period […]... Keep on reading: Embassy tells Filipinos: J-1 visas 'not path to US citizenship'