J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs

• Overview
• International Trainee Eligibility
• International Intern Eligibility
• Host Company Eligbility
• Designated Occupational Categories
• Help with Exchange Visitor Visas

Overview

The J-1 visa is an exchange visitor visa. This visa allows international professionals or interns to receive training at companies in the United States for a select length of time. American companies hosting international trainees and interns can improve their worldwide business contacts and expand the company's presence in the international marketplace, while participating in a valuable cross-cultural exchange. International trainees and interns thave the opportunity to gain valuable career training, while at the same time learning about life in the United States.

International training provides the opportunity to combine the best ideas from two countries to produce an exciting synergy. J-1 trainees and interns return home with new career skills and a greater appreciation for American people and culture; the U.S. company gains greater knowledge and appreciation for the J-1's business practices, country and culture.

International Trainee

Potential J-1 Exchange Visitor Trainees must document the following:

1. A post-secondary degree or professional certificate from an academic institution outside of the United States plus one year of non-U.S. work experience related to the proposed training, OR at least five years of non-U.S. work experience related to the proposed training.
2. Proposed J-1 training does not duplicate their previously completed work or training.
3. Sufficient English-speaking skills so as to be able to fully benefit from the training and cultural opportunities in the United States.
4. Can demonstrate how the training will be used upon return to the home country.
5. Can demonstrate the intent to return to the home country.
6. Will apply for the J-1 visa in the home country.

International Intern

Potential J-1 Exchange Visitor Interns must document the following:

1. Current enrollment in a post-secondary academic program outside of the United States, OR graduated within the past 12 months from a post-secondary institution outside of the United States.
2. Proposed J-1 training does not duplicate their previously completed work or training.
3. Sufficient English-speaking skills so as to be able to fully benefit from the training and cultural opportunities in the United States.
4. Can demonstrate how the training will be used upon return to the home country.
5. Can demonstrate the intent to return to the home country.
6. Will apply for the J-1 visa in the home country.

Host Company

The Potential Host Company is required to document that:

1. The Host Company has been in business at least 24 months.
2. Host Companies with fewer than 25 employees or $3,000,000 in annual revenue must pre-qualify before applications will be considered.
3. The Host Company currently has less than 10% of its total staff members, regardless of whether trainees, interns or in permanent staff positions, and regardless of how such staff are compensated (from stipend, grant or direct company payroll), in a J-1 Exchange Visitor Training Program.
4. The Host Company has established a bona fide training program.
5. The proposed training/internship is in a designated occupational category (see below).
6. The Host Company has qualified personnel to provide the proposed training/internship.
7. The Host Company has the appropriate facility and equipment to provide the proposed training/internship.
8. The J-1 Exchange Visitor will not be engaging in ordinary employment. The intern or trainee will not be used to fill a position that is, or could be, occupied by American workers on a full- or part-time or temporary or permanent basis.

Designated Occupations

D.Ray Mantle advises and represents applicants and hosts throughout each stage of the J-1 application process. Our office works with a J-1 program sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State to offer programs in the following occupations:

Trainee
Information Media and Communications
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
Public Administration and Law
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations

Intern
Arts and Culture
Social Sciences, Library Science, and Social Services
Tourism
Information Media and Communications
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
Public Administration and Law
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations

This includes, but is not limited to:

Help with Exchange Visitor Visas

D.Ray Mantle assists exchange visitors and host employers in obtaining positive immigration results in a timely, personal, and professional manner. Your individual circumstances are carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration attorney to determine which options are available to you. Mr. Mantle provides guidance and help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your case, prepares all of the necessary application forms, and also ensures that your final application meets all government requirements.

If you would like to understand more about the application process and to find out how you can qualify for an exchange visitor visa, please contact D.Ray Mantle for a consultation.