The J-1 Intern and Trainee Exchange Visitor Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals worldwide to gain hands-on professional experience through internships or training programs in their chosen academic or occupational field while immersing themselves in American culture. This non-immigrant visa program is part of the 15 categories of the J-1 BridgeUSA program., facilitating cross-cultural understanding and exchange, allowing participants to build meaningful relationships and broaden their global perspectives.
Host companies and organizations can enrich their workplace, develop and evaluate talent with on-the-job training and early career talent development programs and access fresh and diverse perspectives. Participating in this J-1 BridgeUSA program allows organizations to build a skilled workforce and contribute to global cultural exchange.
The J-1 Trainee visa is for experienced professionals seeking career development opportunities in the U.S. for up to 18 months, offering them a chance to engage with U.S. professionals and learn about American business practices.
The J-1 Intern visa is for students and recent graduates from universities outside the country who want to apply for an internship in the USA, to gain practical experience in their field of study for up to 12 months.
Annually, more than 3,000 individuals from around the world and nearly 600 U.S. corporate, educational, and organizational entities turn to Cultural Vistas as the trusted solution for J-1 Visa sponsorship for internship and training programs. Through this program, participants return home with not only enhanced professional skills but also a deeper understanding of American society and values, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
Program & Fee Details
As a J-1 BridgeUSA sponsor, Cultural Vistas administers a range of exchange programs, including those that require a United States internship visa, in compliance with the Department of State’s public diplomacy goals and visa requirements. As part of this, we also offer program placements for Korea WEST and IAESTE.
Once an exchange visitor has secured an internship or training opportunity or a host company has identified the individuals they wish to host in the U.S., we provide assistance and services to both parties including:
Sponsorships from most countries, in most fields, at any time of the year
Timely program review and evaluation, including DS-7002 (Training Plan) and application assistance
Options for expedited application processing (5 or 10 business days)
Issuance of the “Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Visa” (Form DS-2019) to successful applicants
Comprehensive health and medical insurance coverage
Arrival and acculturation assistance, including comprehensive orientation materials
24-hour emergency support for exchange visitors and host organizations
Program monitoring through a dedicated client relations team and regular evaluation
Cultural and educational activities and networking events in select cities
Access to free tax software for exchange visitors
Cultural Vistas is authorized to sponsor J-1 exchanges, including visa internships or trainee programs, in the following fields:
Arts and Culture
Business, Management, Commerce, and Finance
Education and Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services
Health-related Occupations
Hospitality and Tourism
Information, Media, and Communications
Public Administration and Law
Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Architecture, and Industrial Occupations
The U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas have established criteria that must be met in order to be eligible to participate in a J-1 exchange program.
Before applying for a J-1 intern/trainee visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you must first apply for and be accepted into an exchange visitor program through a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsoring organization, such as Cultural Vistas.
J-1 Interns & Trainees must be non-U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and proficient in English.
Eligible Individuals for the J-1 Intern Visa
To qualify under the J-1 intern requirements, individuals must be currently enrolled full-time and actively pursuing a degree or professional certificate in the desired training field from a foreign ministerially recognized post-secondary academic institution.
Or have graduated from such an institution* no more than 12 months prior to the desired internship start date
may complete multiple J-1 internships if all requirements continue to be met and the collective program duration does not exceed 12 months OR 90 days have elapsed between programs.
Internships must be in the candidate’s field of study and can last from 3 weeks up to a maximum of 12 months.
Eligible Individuals for the J-1 Trainee Visa
To meet the J-1 trainee requirements, participants must have a degree or professional certificate in the desired training field from a foreign ministerially recognized post-secondary academic institution* and at least one year of prior related full-time work experience** in your occupational field outside the United States
Or five years of work experience** outside the United States in the desired training field
Additional training programs can be completed after at least two years of residency outside the U.S. and if all eligibility requirements are met.
Training programs can last from 3 weeks up to a maximum of 18 months
* Ministerially-recognized institutions are post-secondary academic institutions recognized by a country’s governmental body such as a ministry or department of education. Primarily vocational education may not qualify. Please call to discuss your education before applying.
** Work experience gained before or during degree programs may not count towards eligibility.
Additional Eligibility Information
Applicants must demonstrate recent experience in the field for which they are requesting an internship or training experience.
Applicants must have related work or education within the six months prior to the program start date.
Applicants must intend to enter the United States solely for the purpose of internship or training; not to abandon non-immigrant status.
Applicants must not intend to change status while in the United States.
Applicants must live in the U.S. for the duration of the program.
Applicants must be able to function in an English-speaking environment, during work and non-working hours. This must be verifiable via documentation from an educational institution, English language test, or interview with Cultural Vistas staff.
Applicants who located their internship through recruitment agencies or other third party organizations may not be eligible.
Cultural Vistas considers many factors when assessing host company eligibility – both those required by the U.S. Department of State and those stipulated by our policies – in order to maintain program quality.
Host organizations must have sufficient capacity and resources to provide a structured and meaningful experience that enhances the professional skills of interns and trainees while providing insight into American customs and business practices.
Eligible Host Companies and Organizations:
Have been incorporated and in operation for at least one year and have at least five full-time staff at the training location.
Have a valid Employer Identification Number (or Tax ID number) and a current Worker’s Compensation policy (where required)
Can offer a schedule of a minimum of 32 hours per week and demonstrate robust, well-planned training objectives and activities
Have sufficient resources to provide onsite supervision and mentoring by experienced staff
Can facilitate educational and cultural learning opportunities for exchange visitors in and outside the workplace
Use of the Exchange Visitor Program for ordinary employment or work purposes is strictly prohibited. Host organizations must not utilize interns or trainees to displace American workers, nor should they intend to assist individuals in remaining in the United States beyond authorized program dates.
Host companies and organizations must also abide by all federal, state, and local labor and wage laws. This includes laws relating to withholding applicable taxes as appropriate.
J-1 interns and trainees pay federal, state, and local taxes but are exempt from FICA and FUTA taxes. If compensated by a U.S. entity, they are required to obtain a Social Security Number in order to be paid wages.
J-1 Interns and Trainees should not be considered independent contractors, and compensation cannot be based on tips.
All Intern and Trainee applicants must be interviewed by either the U.S. host or the sponsor. For the J-1 Visa, such interviews must be documented and performed via videoconference, phone, or in-person. Hosts will confirm these details in the host company application.
Limitations or Exceptions
Interns and trainees cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions or in positions that require more than 20 percent clerical or office support work.
Also, positions that require or involve childcare, pre-schools or elder care, or in any position involving medical patient care or contact are not allowed. This includes dentistry, veterinary medicine, psychological therapy, and sports or physical therapy. Further, programs in sports coaching, construction trades, carpentry, home electricians, or auto-body shops will not be approved.
Sites which are camps or residential facilities, economy hotels, fast-food, bakeries, home-based construction businesses, retail or home offices are also not eligible for Cultural Vistas’ sponsorship.
In addition, host companies and organizations must ensure their Interns and Trainees notify us of their arrival and complete all required evaluation forms. They should also provide orientation upon arrival to ensure their Interns and Trainees are prepared to participate in the program and clearly explain company rules, policies, and any benefits to which they are entitled.
Cultural Vistas is dedicated to remaining an affordable option for international students, professionals, and host companies seeking to bring international Exchange Visitors to their organizations. Our fee structure is outlined below. Please note that this structure is subject to change.
Required Fees + Services
Program, insurance, and SEVIS I-901 fees are mandatory for all programs. Fees are per participant and based on program length and participant status.
Program Fees
The program fee covers the evaluation and administrative support Cultural Vistas provides through the participant and host company application process; the issuance of visa sponsorship documents; orientation and resources provided to participants in preparation for their arrival to the U.S.; maintenance of the participant’s SEVIS record and on-going support throughout the training program; services including a 24 hour hotline available to participants and resources for filing appropriate tax forms; cultural activities organized in major U.S. cities; and more.
J-1 Trainee and Intern Program Fees
Program Length
Student *
Non-Student
Up to 3 months
$900
$995
Up to 6 months
$1,125
$1,395
Up to 12 months
$1,375
$1,695
Up to 18 months
N/A
$1,895
* Students are defined as individuals currently enrolled in a post-secondary degree program outside the United States.
Health Insurance
Participants are required to have insurance through Cultural Vistas. We offer three options for individual health insurance: Standard Lite for $60/month, Enhanced for $100/month, and Family Lite for $120/month. Accompanying family members on a J-2 may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
As a part of your health insurance, you will have access to Telus’s confidential and anonymous online counseling services. Telus is a virtual emotional wellness and mental health support service designed to help students and other eligible participants with emotional, cultural, and mental health challenges. You are encouraged to utilize this free, confidential, virtual therapy service to support your mental health. Telus can be accessed through the Healthcare Zone.
SEVIS I-901: $220
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a federally mandated fee that supports SEVIS, an automated system that tracks exchange visitors’ activity in the United States. Cultural Vistas pays the fee on behalf of the exchange visitor and issues a copy of the receipt. The receipt is then shared with the exchange visitor along with their other visa documents.
Please note that all J-1 Visa applicants must pay a fee of $185 to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they interview for the visa. Canadian citizens are exempt from scheduling an interview and paying this fee.
Other Fees + Services
New Host Company: $300
Companies working with Cultural Vistas for the first time (or after a hosting gap of 3 years) must pay a one-time orientation fee. This fee covers vetting for eligibility and suitability and ensuring that your company meets the standards that are outlined by the U.S. Department of State for all J-1 Visa host companies. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be paid by the J-1 candidate. This is to guarantee that companies understand their responsibilities as a U.S. host company to a J-1 Visa holder (this includes training, supervision, evaluations to be completed by trainee and supervisor, etc). Once a company has hosted a successful training program, its registration is considered complete, and it can host subsequent programs. (A successful program is defined as a program during which both the mid-term and final evaluations were completed as required).
Site Visits: Regular $300/Expedited $1,500
In-person site visits are required for companies with less than twenty-five full-time employees and less than $3 million in revenue. A host company can request an expedited site visit to be conducted within five days of application submission.
Optional Expedited Processing Fee: $1,350
All complete applications are processed in 4 – 6 weeks. Application evaluations can be completed in five or ten business days by choosing “expedited service” on the individual or host company application form.
5 business days – $1,500 10 business days – $1,350
Travel Validation: $50
All exchange visitors traveling anywhere, excluding within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, during their program must have their DS-2019 approved for travel.
DS-2019 Replacement: $100
This fee applies to amendments and replacement of the DS-2019 form.
Program Extension: varies
This fee applies if you request to extend the length of an active program.
Program Extension Length
Fee
Up to 3 additional months
$550
3 to 6 additional months
$650
over 6 additional months
$750
Expedited Program Extension: If a program extension application is submitted fewer than 10 business days prior to the original program end date, an additional$750 expedited fee will be incurred.
J-2 Application Fee: $750
This is the application fee for issuance of the DS-2019 Form for dependents of J-1 applicants. Extensions are available on a case-by-case basis.
J-2 Health Insurance: $60/month or $120/month
Health insurance coverage is required for J-2 dependents. Accompanying family members on a J-2 visa may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
Complete our Host Company Application Request Form, which allows us to assess your company’s eligibility and proposed training program. This information is required for all program applications.
Take part in a brief video orientation with a Cultural Vistas representative to learn more about the J-1 program. Please note that we cannot process an application until the orientation is completed and the exchange visitor application is received.
Pay a new company fee that will be required if you have not previously worked with us. Please see the Costs section for more information.
Site Visits
A Cultural Vistas representative may visit your company or organization to ensure basic hosting requirements as defined by the U.S. Department of State are met. The site visit must be completed prior to issuing the DS-2019 and typically lasts no more than one hour. The need for a site visit will be assessed after receiving a completed application. Visits are required when a company:
Has fewer than 25 employees at the program site AND
Generates annual revenue of less than $3 million
Host companies who have not hosted a successful program* with Cultural Vistas within three years prior to submitting a new program application will be subject to New Host Company on-boarding.
*The U.S. Department of State defines a successful training program as one in which the participant has submitted required evaluations to the sponsoring organization. Programs of six months or less only require a final evaluation and programs longer than six months require both a midterm and final evaluations.
During site visits, prospective hosts are expected to provide a copy of their workers’ compensation policy, a quick tour that shows where the intern or trainee will be working, and to answer additional questions about the information submitted in the Training/Internship Placement Plan. Please note that academic and government institutions are usually exempt from the site visit requirement.
Cultural Vistas is pleased to work with you and your clients on your J-1 needs and inquiries. As experts in all matters pertaining to J-1 Research Scholars, Short-term Scholars, Specialists, Intern, Trainee, and Teacher programs, we can address any requirement or regulatory questions that you or your clients may have.
Attorneys can expect subject matter expertise, a streamlined application process, competitive rates, and an array of services to support your clients’ success throughout their U.S. J-1 visa program.
For the J-1 Intern/Trainee program, we offer:
Eligibility reviews: If you are unsure of a candidate or a program’s eligibility or have a unique circumstance, please feel free to call or send us a request for an initial assessment. We will advise whether we can consider the application for sponsorship. However, approval is not guaranteed. Include a detailed resume and brief overview of the company and program in your requests.
Personalized support and ways of working together: This means we can customize your level of involvement in the application process. You can refer your clients directly to us, serve as a liaison for your client (and be included in all communications), or we can work directly with you on your client’s behalf, which includes granting you access to our online application portal. We are also happy to meet with you and your team to provide education about the J-1 BridgeUSA program and our designations.
In addition, we will provide proactive communication, fast turnaround times, and support before, during, and after the application process and program. This includes application assistance, DS-7002 and DS-2019 issuance, pre- and post-arrival support, and compliance and risk management, etc.
Both the J-1 candidate and the host company must apply to Cultural Vistas. Please begin the process here.
Once submitted, Cultural Vistas will review both applications for eligibility to participate in these expertise-sharing programs. If deemed eligible for sponsorship, Cultural Vistas will issue the necessary sponsorship documents and guide the parties through the subsequent steps.
A $300 one-time fee applies for host companies new to Cultural Vistas to cover the cost of the evaluation and vetting process. Please see the New Host tab for next steps.
For additional questions regarding the application process, program eligibility requirements, or fees and refund policies, host companies and J-1 candidates for scholars and specialists can contact us at bd@culturalvistas.org.
Step-by-Step Application Process For J-1 Internship/Trainee Visa
Cultural Vistas is committed to providing a streamlined visa application process for all our clients.
The standard processing time for J-1 sponsorship evaluation and DS-2019 issuance is 4 – 6 weeks from the date a completed application is submitted*. Please see Cost and Fees above for expedited processing.
The DS-2019 is the official document confirming J-1 Visa eligibility under Cultural Vistas’ sponsorship. It is not a visa. Once an applicant’s program is approved and the DS-2019 is issued, they must then schedule and attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for their U.S. visa**. It is important to consider embassy wait times and the time needed to travel to the United States as you plan your application timeframe and arrival date. Please find your city’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the visa appointment and processing wait times.
In light of this multi-step process, we generally advise beginning the application process at least 2-3 months in advance of the training start date.
* An application is considered complete once both the participant and host applications are submitted, along with all required relevant documents.
** Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa interviews. Canadians may use the DS-2019 for travel across the U.S. border.
Individual Exchange Visitors
Please submit an online individual application. Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.
Host Companies + Organizations
Please submit your Host Company using your customized login information through our online portal. If you do not yet have a login, contact us contact us so that we can provide you with access.
New host companies and organizations may submit an application request here. We will review your request and send you instructions on how to complete your application online within two business days.
Individual Exchange Visitors
We will evaluate your complete application and issue a sponsorship decision within approximately four weeks. During this step, we may reach out with additional questions, request you complete an orientation, and/or schedule a host company/organization site visit as necessary.
If sponsorship is approved, we will send the applicant and the supervisor an official training plan (DS-7002) for review and signing.
The applicant and the supervisor must review, sign, and submit the DS-7002 Training Plan.
Cultural Vistas issues the DS-2019 within two business days of receiving the signed training plan. It is then emailed to the applicant, via encrypted email, along with other important arrival documents and instructions on how to apply for the J-1 Visa in their home country.
Applicants* must complete a DS-160 to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Applicants must take the original DS-2019 to the appointment. Visa approval and issuance is at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
* Canadians are exempt from this step. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are ready for U.S. arrival once you receive your DS-2019.
Ready to get started? Begin your application today!
The Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the United States.
The multifaceted J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, managed by the State Department, enables foreign nationals to come to the United States to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.
It was developed to expose individuals from around the world to the culture and institutions of the United States and to foster a better understanding between nations on a variety of issues through educational and cultural exchange programs.
There are 15 categories of the J‐1 Visa, one of which is the J-1 trainee visa category. This non-immigrant visa is used to allow foreign nationals to train with a U.S.‐based host organization for up to 18 months. You must meet specific J-1 trainee requirements such as having either a degree or professional certificate from a post‐secondary ministerially recognized academic institution outside the United States and at least one year of prior related work experience in your occupational field outside the United States OR have five years of work experience outside the United States in your occupational field.
There are 15 categories of the J‐1 Visa, one of which is the J-1 intern visa category. This non-immigrant visa is used to allow foreign students and recent graduates to train with a U.S.‐based host organization for up to 12 months. You must meet specific J-1 intern requirements, which include either being currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree or certificate granting post‐secondary ministerially recognized academic institutions outside the U.S. OR graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to your internship program start date.
The focus of on‐the‐job training is “learning‐by‐doing.” On‐the‐job training should not be compared to the “apprenticeship” that is practiced in many nations. Instead, on‐the‐job training is a less‐structured approach to developing job skills and knowledge, one that puts the responsibility of learning on the individual. It is important for international participants to understand this difference, because it requires the participant to be an equal partner in the learning process. It might be useful to consider that the host organization provides the “classroom,” through the written training plan, and the tools for learning about a specific activity or industry. However, it is left up to the participant to be the proactive learner.
Cultural Vistas has been designated as an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor by the U.S. Department of State which means that Cultural Vistas is responsible for reviewing the participant and host organization applications to ensure that they meet the criteria established by the U.S. government for this visa.
Unlike other visas, Cultural Vistas acts as the legal visa sponsor of the participant for the duration of the program in the United States. The participant is the individual who is coming to the U.S. on an Exchange Visitor Program and the host organization is the company that will be providing training to the foreign participant.
Cultural Vistas’ designation allows it to sponsor individuals who are pursuing training in most career fields. Please consult the Eligibility section; it details fields that are and are not eligible for intern or trainee sponsorship through Cultural Vistas.
Cultural Vistas will issue three important documents.
The first is the Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS‐7002). This is issued before approval of the program and must be signed by Cultural Vistas, the participant, and the host organization.
Upon approval of the participant and host organization applications, Cultural Vistas is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue the Certificate of Eligibility (DS‐2019) form to international exchange visitors to participate in either a training or internship.
Cultural Vistas also issues a receipt of payment for the mandatory federal SEVIS fee.
This is a legal document, which is issued by Cultural Vistas as a designated sponsor of the J‐1 Visa under the authority of the U.S. Department of State. The Certificate of Eligibility is the document that entitles and authorizes the exchange visitor participant to participate in on‐the‐job learning in the United States, and to receive wages for such activity. The Certificate of Eligibility is null and void if the exchange visitor does not obtain a J‐1 Visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for entry to the United States. The application for the J‐1 Visa can only be made once the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued, and application must be made through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas (preferably in the applicant’s home country).
The J‐1 Visa is a non‐immigrant visa, which means that applicants must show ties to his or her home country. If an applicant is currently in the U.S., Cultural Vistas requires applicants to return to their home country. During this time, the applicant should either work or attend classes related to the proposed training. It should be noted that Cultural Vistas will not issue any documents to someone who is in the United States. They must leave the country to apply for a J‐1 Visa.
Cultural Vistas is constantly monitoring changes in the regulations that govern the J‐1 Visa. Visit our website regularly to be aware of these changes.
Not necessarily. Overtime is usually earned after 40 hours per week, and it is typically earned at 1.5 times base rate of pay.
There are two types of positions in the United States: “exempt” or “non‐exempt.” Anyone deemed an “exempt” employee will earn a set wage to perform a particular job, while a “non‐exempt” employee earns a wage for the actual time they work. The determination is based upon the position, not the individual.
Therefore, in a J‐1 program, if a position held by a U.S. employee is considered “exempt,” then J‐1 participants in that same position will be considered “exempt,” and so on in the case of “non‐exempt” positions.
U.S. organizations are not required to pay overtime to “exempt” employees. On the other hand, participants who are considered “non‐exempt” are eligible for overtime. Determination of overtime varies by organization and by state.
Yes. There are no regulations that prohibit participants from earning a bonus during their program.
No. U.S. organizations are not legally required to offer their employees any leave with pay, including vacation and sick time. Therefore, U.S. organizations are not legally required to offer J‐1 participants any type of leave with pay.
Participants are subject to the leave policies of their specific host organizations. In most cases, participants will have to “earn” paid vacation and sick time. That is, participants will be eligible for paid leave only after spending a certain period of time with the host organization.
As a guide, in the United States, new employees typically earn one to two weeks of vacation in their first year of employment. Therefore, participants should not expect any more than two weeks of vacation during their program period in the United States.
Participants who earn income from a U.S. source must pay federal, state, and local income taxes. State income tax rates vary (and some states do not have an income tax), but the federal income tax is indexed by the level of the wage. Participants should expect to pay about 25 percent of their gross salary in federal income taxes. The organization will automatically deduct federal and state income taxes from the paycheck. Participants do not pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) or Federal Unemployment tax (FUTA) because they are not eligible for these benefits. Generally, all J‐1 Visa holders are considered non‐residents. Participants must file both a federal income tax return and a state income tax return (if there is a state income tax). These returns must be filed by April 15 for each year they earn income in the United States. For example, if the program lasts from July 3, 2015 to July 2, 2016, participants will have to file tax returns for two years. In this example, participants must file the first return by April 15, 2016, for income earned in 2015, and must file the second return by April 15, 2017, for the income earned in 2016. Participants will use either the form 1040NR‐EZ or form 1040NR to file their federal tax return. These forms are available after January 1 at Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices, at local public libraries, or from the IRS website.
Information about forms used to file tax returns for state income taxes can be found after January 1 at local public libraries or from the state’s tax website.
Trainees and Interns may NOT work a second job. The J‐1 Visa for on‐the‐job learning allows participants to legally earn a wage only from the organization listed on the DS‐2019 form. Participants cannot legally earn a wage at any other organization during their program, and would not be authorized to be at a workplace other than the one for which the program is approved, as indicated on the Certificate of Eligibility.
Participants should always carry the health insurance card with them. If participants are in an accident or need medical attention unexpectedly, they will need to show proof of coverage under a health insurance policy. Except in potentially life threatening medical emergencies, clinics, doctors, and hospitals will ask to see the health insurance card before treatment is administered.
You can access your ID card, claims related information, provider search and more here: Student Zone
Procedures for payment of medical treatment vary, but participants should expect to have at least some out‐of‐pocket costs for each medical treatment they receive.
Please note that pregnancy is not covered by the Cultural Vistas health insurance policy. Any pregnancy-related medical expenses would be incurred at the expense of the participant and/or spouse.
Cultural Vistas is the legal visa sponsor during the J‐1 program. All decisions about participants’ visa status during the J‐1 program are made by Cultural Vistas, not by the host employer.
Contact Cultural Vistas by telephone at 212‐497‐3500, by mail at 1250 H Street, Suite 300, Washington D.C., 20005, or by e‐mail at train@culturalvistas.org.
Participants must contact Cultural Vistas here to confirm the date of arrival, and must provide Cultural Vistas with the current residential address, telephone number and e‐mail address within 5 days of arrival.
Cultural Vistas must confirm arrival with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within 30 days of the date listed in line #3 of the Form DS‐2019, otherwise Cultural Vistas will be forced to withdraw sponsorship.
Participants who do not have a Social Security number will need to apply for one in order to be added to the host employer’s payroll. See the Social Security website for information about applying for a Social Security card. Make sure to bring proof of identity and the Form DS‐2019.
On the first day of the J‐1 program, the participants will be asked to complete an I‐9 form and W‐4 form in order to enroll in the host employer’s payroll. Make sure to bring the Form DS‐2019. Your I‐94 can be obtained on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Please see instructions therein for tax information.
Participants should always carry their I‐94 record and the Form DS‐2019. The I‐94 is the document that confirms participants have legally entered the United States. The Form DS‐2019 is the document that confirms that participants are in the United States legally on a J‐1 Visa, and entitled to be at a workplace on a J‐1 program. Therefore, it is important that participants have both documents with them at all times so they can prove they are legally in the United States on a J‐1 Visa.
No. Participants can be added to their host organization’s payroll without a Social Security Number. They can show the receipt of having applied for the card, and the host organization will be able to use a “dummy number” to enroll them on the payroll until they get their number. Participants must give their host organization their Social Security Number as soon as they receive it.
No. Information about participants’ location of training is listed on their Form DS‐2019. As applicants are entering the United States for on‐the‐job training in a specific field at a specific location, they will not be able to change training locations. If financial or other conditions with the host employer change dramatically during the training program, participants must contact Cultural Vistas in order to determine if arrangements can be made to allow them to secure training at a different site. However, as the visa sponsor, only Cultural Vistas can make a decision on a change in training location. It is important to remember that participants can legally earn a wage only at the host employer listed on the Form DS‐2019.
Substantial penalties exist for both the employer and the participant if the participant is not legally authorized to earn a wage at that employer.
Participants should contact Cultural Vistas immediately. Cultural Vistas will issue them a new Form DS‐2019 for a small administrative charge. They must always carry this document with them.
Participants must apply to the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for a new I‐94 card. It is important to remember that the I‐94 card is the document that the U.S. government uses to determine that participants legally entered the United States. Without this card, participants have no proof that they have legally entered the United States, and will be subject to deportation. To obtain a replacement card, participants will complete and submit the I‐102 form to USCIS. They will be asked to pay a fee to replace a lost I‐94 card. Participants should also contact Cultural Vistas immediately to inform us that they have lost their I‐94 card.
Participants’ passports are a valuable form of identification, and, if lost or stolen, can be used by someone else. Passports will also contain participants’ J‐1 Visas issued by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (except for Canadian citizens). Participants should immediately contact the nearest embassy or consulate of their country of citizenship located in the U.S. to inquire about applying for a replacement passport. Participants will be able to obtain new passports while remaining in the United States.
Please note that if participants travel outside of the United States (including Canada and Mexico) after they have obtained a replacement passport, they must obtain a new J‐1 Visa before they will be allowed to re‐enter the United States (because their new passport will not have the J‐1 Visa in it).
If the I‐94 card was inside the lost passport, participants must remember that they will have to apply for a replacement I‐94 card (see above). If the Form DS‐2019 was inside the lost passport, participants must remember that they will have to obtain a replacement Form DS‐2019 from Cultural Vistas.
Participants should contact Cultural Vistas immediately to notify us that they have lost their passport.
Participants are able to travel outside of the United States during the training program for up to 30 consecutive days. Before they travel, participants must send a notification to Cultural Vistas to have their DS-2019 validated for travel. The travel validation confirms that the participant continues to be sponsored by Cultural Vistas and that they should not be questioned at the border when returning. It is valid for one year.
You must have a valid multiple entry visa in your passport to re‐enter the United States. If you have a single entry visa, or if your visa has expired, contact Cultural Vistas well in advance of your trip so that necessary documentation can be provided.
When traveling to Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days, if the participant received an I‐94 card, participants do not surrender the I‐94 card at the border. Participants can keep the card and show it to the border official when they return. It is important for participants to make sure they can enter Canada or Mexico without a visa. Remember that the J‐1 Visa is only valid for the United States. And, while U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada or Mexico, the participant’s home country may have separate visa requirements for travel into Mexico or Canada. Participants do not need to obtain a travel validation signature for travel to Canada or Mexico.
It is imperative that Cultural Vistas maintain an accurate, current home address for all participants in the United States. Participants must notify Cultural Vistas of any address changes within 10 business days, or risk losing visa status.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) currently allows individuals to legally remain in the United States for 30 days after the end date indicated on their DS‐2019 (Certificate of Eligibility). It is very important to comply with this regulation. If a participant’s training program ends before the end date indicated on the DS‐2019, he or she should contact Cultural Vistas. Anyone who remains in the United States beyond their legal status, even for one day, is subject to stiff penalties if the individual ever wants to return to the United States.
If a participant wants to travel around the United States for more than 30 days after his or her training program has been completed, he or she should exit the United States and reenter on a tourist visa. Tourists visa requirements vary based on citizenship, participants should consult the Department of State website for details.
Please note that the participant cannot remain on the payroll of his or her host employer beyond the last day of the training program that is noted on the Form DS‐2019. Substantial penalties exist for both the participant and the employer if he or she is not legally authorized to earn a wage at that employer.
The J‐1 Visa is a non‐immigrant visa, which is granted on the basis that you are not attempting to remain permanently in the U.S.
As part of Cultural Vistas’ sponsorship, the participant and host employer sign the obligations and responsibilities form confirming that the participant does not intend to abandon his or her non-immigrant status. Schools who repeatedly obtain H1b or other visa status for their teachers may not be able to work with Cultural Vistas in the future.
Yes, under certain conditions. For both trainees and interns, additional training and internship programs must address the development of more advanced skills or a different field of expertise. Interns may participate in additional internship programs as long as they maintain student status or begin a new internship program within 12 months of graduation. Trainees are eligible for additional training programs after a period of at least two years residency outside the United States following their initial training program.
No. Participants who have successfully completed an internship program and no longer meet the selection criteria for internship programs have to reside outside of the United States for two years before they can apply for a training position.
The maximum time allowed on the J‐1 Visa for on‐the‐job training is 18 months. The maximum time allowed on the J‐1 Intern Visa is 12 months. If a participant has entered the United States for a six‐month training program, and he or she and the host employer find it would be valuable for him or her to continue the training program for another 12 months, Cultural Vistas can process an extension to the program. Please note that Cultural Vistas charges a fee to extend a program, and requires submission of a training plan for the extension period of the program. The extension approval period may take 2‐3 weeks, therefore please plan accordingly to apply for an extension in advance of the original program end date. For information on how to request an extension, please contact Cultural Vistas by email at train@culturalvistas.org.
An exchange visitor is subject to the two‐year home country physical presence requirement under the following conditions:
Your J‐1 Visa program is funded in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the U.S. government or the government of your nationality or last residence.
You are a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed your field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List.
Whether you are subject to this rule will be determined by the consular officer and indicated on your J Visa.
Dependents must be spouses or children of the J‐1 Visa holder. Common law marriages are not recognized and are not eligible for J‐2 Dependent Visas. The age limit for dependents is 21.
The Cultural Vistas health insurance policy does not cover pregnancy. If a participant decides to remain in the United States while pregnant, they will have to pay for all the medical care themselves, which can be very expensive. All children born to participants in a Cultural Vistas J‐1 program must be covered by a valid health insurance policy within 30 days of the birth of the child. Children on a J-2 dependent visa can be enrolled into the health insurance program offered by Cultural Vistas at an additional cost, or they must be enrolled into a health insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements established by the U.S. Department of State.
Children born in the United States are considered to be citizens of the United States. J‐1 participants who wish to maintain their children’s U.S. citizenship should arrange to obtain a U.S. passport for children born in the United States prior to the end of their J‐1 program.
Yes. Upon arriving in the United States, a dependent spouse who has a valid J‐2 Visa is able to apply for work authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Dependents on a J‐2 Visa are eligible to apply for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under the provisions of Category 274a.12(c). When making application, the most important thing to show is that the J‐2 dependent spouse does not need to work to financially support the J‐1 Visa participant.
Please note that the time for USCIS to process an application for work authorization varies considerably depending on the region of the United States in which the application is processed. J‐2 dependent spouses should expect at least a 60‐day wait for employment authorization. Such an application is usually made on I‐765 form along with the appropriate application fee and a statement of family expenses. The most up‐to‐date information on filing fees and where to file the Form I‐765 can be found on the USCIS website. The statement of family expenses may include customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel. The I‐94 record of the participant and the I‐94 record of the family member applying for work permission should be submitted with the I‐765 form. If permission for the employment is granted, it is valid for any kind of employment without limitation as to full‐time or part‐time. Work permission for a J‐2 dependent expires at the same time as the authorized stay noted on the J‐1 Visa holder’s Certificate of Eligibility.
Whereas Social Security and federal unemployment taxes are not deducted from the earnings of a J‐1 participant, they are deducted from the earnings of J‐2 dependents, because their services are not performed “to carry out a purpose for which the individual was admitted.” Therefore, J‐2 dependents are subject to Social Security and federal unemployment taxes, federal income taxes, and, where applicable, state and local income taxes.
Please note that Cultural Vistas is not involved in the J‐2 dependent spouse’s application for work authorization.
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