J1 Training Visa
This is an exchange program training visa designed for visitors wishing to gain an understanding of US business cultures. The visitor gets the opportunity to earn while visiting the country and exploring business and professional practices. He/she also gets to know how companies and businesses are run compared to his/her home country, and they gain an understanding of the ethics, international laws and best practices.
This program lasts for a period ranging from 12 to 18 months and applicants from any profession qualify to apply. Applicants will enter the United States via an inter exchange visitor program or sponsorship. Professionals that qualify for the J1 training visa include but not limited to:
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College and Secondary school students studying foe graduate degrees
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Research scholars
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Flight aviation program Trainees
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Primary and secondary school teachers
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Business trainees
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Specialists
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College professors
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Medical interns or residents receiving medical training in the U.S.
Benefits of the J1 visa program to the applicant
This program provides an exciting opportunity for qualified foreign professionals to use their existing knowledge to gain invaluable, real-life training experience. Other opportunities include:
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Gaining experience in an American company while getting paid for up to 18 months
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Finding an internship and focusing on your skills in a field of your choice
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Improving your English skills in a professional environment
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Building your resume
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Making new acquaintances for potential business opportunities for when you return to your home countries
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Learn about a new way of life and culture
What does a J1 training visa allow you to do?
The J1 training visa allows you to:
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Enter the United States and participate in an exchange training program approved by the department of state
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Participate in an internship program as a trainee up to a period of 18 months
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Remain in continuously or travel in and out of the United States during the duration of your exchange program
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Obtain a social security number upon landing in the United States
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Apply for dependent visas for unmarried dependant children under the age of 21 and your spouse
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Get employment within your training program
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Apply for work permits for accompanying relatives and family members
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Work for up to eighteen months
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Work in the United States legally in your program is approved or permission is granted from your official sponsor
Limitations of the J1 training visa
The J1 visa does NOT allow you to:
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Apply for the visa before being accepted as a participant in a DOS approved program
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Gain employment outside your training program area
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Extend your training period beyond eighteen months
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Work or take part in an exchange program your visa is not approved for
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Restrict yourself to studying
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Apply for a Green Card or change your non immigrant status before going back to your home country for a minimum two years after the completion of your exchange program
Requirements for application to the J1 training visa program
To be considered in a J1 training visa program, an applicant:
a) Must be currently enrolled in and studying for a certificate or degree in a post- secondary institution
b) Should be a graduate from such an institution not more than 12 months prior to their begin date of their exchange program in the US
For J-1 Trainees:
In new regulations to the J1 training visa, for J1 visa applicants to be eligible to take part in a training program they must have either:
a) A professional certificate or degree from a post secondary institution outside the US and a minimum one year work experience in their occupational field outside the US, or:
b) Minimum five years work experience in their occupational field outside the United States.