J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs
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:
- 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.
- Proposed J-1 training does not duplicate their previously completed work or
training.
- Sufficient English-speaking skills so as to be able to fully benefit from the
training and cultural opportunities in the United States.
- Can demonstrate how the training will be used upon return to the home country.
- Can demonstrate the intent to return to the home country.
- Will apply for the J-1 visa in the home country.
International Intern
Potential J-1 Exchange Visitor Interns must document the following:
- 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.
- Proposed J-1 training does not duplicate their previously completed work or
training.
- Sufficient English-speaking skills so as to be able to fully benefit from the
training and cultural opportunities in the United States.
- Can demonstrate how the training will be used upon return to the home country.
- Can demonstrate the intent to return to the home country.
- Will apply for the J-1 visa in the home country.
Host Company
The Potential Host Company is required to document that:
- The Host Company has been in business at least 24 months.
- Host Companies with fewer than 25 employees or $3,000,000 in annual revenue must
pre-qualify before applications will be considered.
- 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.
- The Host Company has established a bona fide training program.
- The proposed training/internship is in a designated occupational category (see
below).
- The Host Company has qualified personnel to provide the proposed
training/internship.
- The Host Company has the appropriate facility and equipment to provide the
proposed training/internship.
- 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:
- Accounting
- Advocacy
- Architecture
- Auditing
- Broadcasting
- Business
- Commerce
- Communications
- Computer Science
- E-Commerce
- Eco Tourism
- Engineering
- Environmental Protection
- Finance
- Immigrant Services
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- Import/Export
- Information Media
- Interior Design
- Journalism
- Law
- Public Administration
- Publishing
- Marketing
- Management
- Mathematics
- The Sciences
- Skilled Industrial
- Software Development
- Strategic Planning
- Web Design
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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 if you qualify for an exchange visitor visa, please contact D.Ray Mantle for a
consultation.