Can you get a work visa after a J1 visa ends?

Yes, you can apply for a work visa after a J 1 visa, but it depends on the terms of your J 1 program and whether you are subject to the two year home residency requirement.

Some J 1 visa holders must return to their home country for at least two years before they can apply for certain US work visas or permanent residency. This requirement applies if your J 1 program was funded by your government or the US government, or if your field is on your home country’s skills list. If you are subject to this rule, you must either complete the two year stay in your home country or obtain a waiver before applying for a work visa.

If you are not subject to the two year requirement, or you have obtained a waiver, you can apply for a work visa such as the H 1B for skilled workers, the O 1 for individuals with extraordinary ability, or other employment based categories, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

The process will require a US employer willing to sponsor you and file the necessary petition before you can change your status or apply for the new visa.