Participant well-being is an important part of a successful exchange experience. These resources help participants understand required protections, access health coverage, stay safe in everyday situations, and learn about the rights and support available during their program.
Mandatory Protections
J‑1 Exchange Visitors are granted a number of important rights and protections under U.S. law and U.S. Department of State (DOS) regulations. These safeguards help ensure a safe, fair, and culturally enriching experience during their time in the United States.
- Fair Wages & Hours: J‑1 participants whose category involves employment must be compensated at no less than the highest applicable federal, state, or local minimum wage and must receive lawful overtime pay where required, unless the J-1 program is considered unpaid. An unpaid program will not be permitted longer than 6 months except in rare scenarios.
- Safe Working Conditions: Employers must comply with Occupational Safey and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules and provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
- No Document Confiscation: It is illegal for any employer or J-1 sponsor to take or hold a participant’s passport or immigration documents.
- Protection Against Human Trafficking & Forced Labor: J‑1 participants may not be coerced, threatened, or forced to work.
- Protection Against Harassment & Discrimination: U.S. civil rights laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. This includes protection from sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace or housing.
- Right to Privacy: Personal documents, finances, and living spaces must be respected.
- Participants are entitled to safe, secure, and habitable accommodations that meet local, state, and federal laws, including proper ventilation, heating, and sanitation.
- Participants cannot be forced into overcrowded or unsafe living environments.
- J‑1 participants are required to maintain health insurance meeting Department of State’s minimum coverage standards for the entire duration of their listed program dates on their DS-2019.
- J-1 participants may seek medical care from a doctor or nurse on their own whenever needed.
- If you become injured or sick as a direct result of your work duties, your employer may be responsible for covering the cost of your medical treatment and a portion of any wages lost. Be sure to request copies of all documents you receive from the doctor, clinic, or hospital. In most cases, you may file a workers’ compensation claim in the state where you are employed. Workers’ compensation provides financial support for job‑related injuries or illnesses. You can find information on how to request workers’ compensation through your state’s office here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp
You do not have to remain in a job where you feel unsafe or are being mistreated. You can contact Cultural Vistas anytime for help. Leaving an employer will affect your immigration status and that’s why it’s best to contact Cultural Vistas to assist and explore your options.
For additional information concerning your rights and protections, check out Life in the U.S. – Your Rights & Rights for Temporary Workers.
Life in the U.S. – Your Rights
Participant Responsibilities
While J‑1 visitors have strong protections, they also share responsibility for maintaining lawful status, including:
- Following U.S. laws and Cultural Vistas’ program rules
- Keeping passports, visas, and DS‑2019 forms valid and up‑to‑date
- Maintaining required health insurance coverage
- Reporting concerns and incidents to Cultural Vistas promptly.
Depart the United States within the 30-day grace period
Insurance
Health insurance is required for J-1 participants and any J-2 dependents. This resource helps participants understand required coverage, Cultural Vistas insurance options, dependent coverage, and where to go for insurance support.
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, it is a federal requirement that you and any accompanying J-2 dependents maintain compliant health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your program (at minimum, the dates listed on your DS-2019).
Most Cultural Vistas participants are automatically enrolled in a compliant insurance plan. Once enrolled, you will receive an email from Envisage Global, which includes your insurance details.
Important First Steps:
- Print your insurance card immediately and carry it with you at all times
- Log in to your insurance portal to confirm your personal information is accurate
You will typically need to show your insurance card before receiving care in the U.S.
Cultural Vistas participants may have different types of coverage depending on their J-1 program category:
- J-1 Insurance: Required coverage that meets U.S. Department of State requirements for all J-1categories. Plans: Standard Light, Enhanced, & Family Lite
- J-2 Insurance: Required coverage for dependents (spouses/children) traveling with or arriving after the J-1 for all J-1 categories. Plans: Standard Lite & Family Lite
- MER Insurance (Medical Evacuation & Repatriation): Required emergency coverage for J‑1 Teachers, Research Scholars, and Professors. If you have employer-provided health insurance, MER coverage will be provided as a supplemental policy to ensure J‑1 insurance requirements are met.
Note: Maternity and newborn care, preventative care, and routine dental and vision care are generally not included. It is your responsibility to review the exclusions in your plan.
In some cases, Host Companies may provide additional insurance. If so, J-1 Interns, Trainees, Short-Term Scholars, & Specialists must maintain both plans.
As part of your insurance benefits, you have access to Telus, a confidential and free virtual support service.
Telus provides:
- Emotional and mental health support
- Counseling for cultural adjustment and stress
- Fully confidential and anonymous sessions
You can access Telus through your Healthcare Zone portal at any time.
You will have access to the Healthcare Zone, your central hub for managing insurance and care in the U.S.
In the Healthcare Zone, you can:
- Download ID cards, policy brochures, and certificates
- Learn how to access care and get helpful health tips
- Search for doctors and specialists near you
- Access your claims center to file and track claims
You may have the option to request a coverage (tier) change if you’d like to adjust your benefits.
- Tier changes are time-sensitive and must be requested shortly after your coverage begins
- Depending on your plan status, changes may require canceling your current plan and starting a new one
If you’re considering a change, it’s best to contact support early to understand your options.
When seeking care in the U.S.:
- Always present your insurance card before treatment
- You may need to pay out-of-pocket costs at the time of service
- Your provider (Envisage Global) can help guide you through payment and reimbursement processes
To file or track a claim:
- Use the claims center in the Healthcare Zone, or
- Contact your insurance provider directly
- U.S. Toll-Free: +1-855-731-9445
- Collect Call: +1-317-927-6806
- Email: CustomerCare@IMGlobal.com
If you are having difficulty with your insurance coverage, claims, or provider communication, Cultural Vistas can help advocate on your behalf.
Contact Participant Support:
participant.support@culturalvistas.org
Our team can assist with:
- Escalating claim issues
- Supporting communication with insurance providers
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions may be limited, so consider additional insurance if needed
- If you plan to bring or ship prescription medication, review U.S. regulations in advance
- You may request additional coverage during your 30-day grace period (before or after your program)
- Cultural Vistas insurance meets J-1 visa requirements but may not meet Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirements in certain cases
Safety
Feeling prepared can make a big difference when navigating a new environment. This topic offers practical safety guidance for everyday life, emergencies, and unexpected situations, including when to contact local services, the host organization, or Cultural Vistas.
There are other things you should keep in mind regarding your training program to help ensure your well-being and program compliance. These include:
- Please report any health or well-being issues that affect your training program to your Cultural Vistas representative. Cultural Vistas is here to help you. We are also obligated to report specific incidents to the Department of State such as fraud, workplace harassment, criminal activity or arrest and medical emergencies.
- While you are training in the United States, all federal and state laws apply to you just as every other resident. We urge you to become familiar with local laws and to follow them.
- Your J-1 Visa allows you to train only at the company and site listed on your official documents. You are not authorized to work at, or receive any form of compensation from, any other company or source. Please be aware that pursuit of other employment or compensation from any other source is will result in termination of your J-1 visa.
Important Contact Information
(Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, excluding holidays): 1-212-497-3500
1-240-240-7511
Outside of business hours, please call our emergency line, which is monitored 24 hours, 7 days a week, with any matters that jeopardize one’s individual’s physical or mental health, safety, wellbeing, or program participation, or require the intervention of program staff.
1250 H Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005
Sarah Hocevar, shocevar@culturalvistas.org
- Jamie Cleveland: jcleveland@culturalvistas.org
- Wenonah Echelard: wechelard@culturalvistas.org
- Chantho Chea cchea@culturalvistas.org
- Caroline Mariz cmariz@culturalvistas.org
- CJ Lefferts CLefferts@culturalvistas.org
- Danijela Gavrilovic: dgavrilovic@culturalvistas.org
- Sasha Gerhardson: sgerhardson@culturalvistas.org
- Catriona Gibbs: cgibbs@culturalvistas.org
- Harry Gilliard: hgilliard@culturavistas.org
- Koichi Murayama: KMurayama@culturalvistas.org
- Nancy Ongstad: nongstad@culturalvistas.org
- Stacy Macceca: smacceca@culturalvistas.org
- Stacey Schmidt: sschmidt@culturalvistas.org
- Erin Scott: escott@culturalvistas.org
- Sejung Seo: sseo@culturalvistas.org
- Meghana Srikrishna: msrikrishna@culturalvistas.org
- Angelique Stevens: astevens@culturalvistas.org
- Ayako Yamada: ayamada@culturalvistas.org
- Address: ECA/EC/D/PS – SA-4E, Room E-B001 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520
- Telephone number: (844) 300-1824
- Email address: DesignationIntern@state.gov or DesignationTrainee@state.gov
- Website: J1visa.state.gov