Information for Host Employers & Attorneys
J-1 Visa
What is a J-1 Visa Program?
For Host Employers & Attorneys
- Host employer requirements
- Examples of program uses
- Process, timeframes and fees
- Application requirement details
- Understanding ACIP's J-1 Visa Program
For Participants
Forms
- ACIP Application
- ACIP Amendment
- ACIP Extension
- ACIP Replacement
- DS-7002
- ACIP Training and Evaluation Report
U.S. Government Links
- DOS J-1 Visa Program
- Grace period information
- Exchange program visitor brochure
- US-VISIT program
- What to expect at a port of entry
Host Employer Requirements
There are several requirements imposed on employers who seek to participate in the ACIP J-1 visa program, as described below. With the exception of becoming a member of our association, all of these requirements relate to U.S. Department of State regulations governing exchange visitor programs.
Membership with ACIP
In order to utilize ACIP’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, each host employer must be eligible for and become a member of ACIP. Membership is available to employers with 500+ employees worldwide and an operating presence in at least one location outside the United States. In determining eligibility, ACIP gives consideration to smaller employers cooperating under an umbrella organization or brand, as well as to colleges, universities and research institutions with international programs. For more information about ACIP membership, please click here.
An effective training plan
The employer must develop a written plan that clearly demonstrates how the training will contribute to the professional development of the participant and build on his/her existing skill set. The plan must be highly structured and contain clearly defined components. Factors to be addressed when writing a training plan include:
In order to utilize ACIP’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, each host employer must be eligible for and become a member of ACIP. Membership is available to employers with 500+ employees worldwide and an operating presence in at least one location outside the United States. In determining eligibility, ACIP gives consideration to smaller employers cooperating under an umbrella organization or brand, as well as to colleges, universities and research institutions with international programs. For more information about ACIP membership, please click here.
An effective training plan
The employer must develop a written plan that clearly demonstrates how the training will contribute to the professional development of the participant and build on his/her existing skill set. The plan must be highly structured and contain clearly defined components. Factors to be addressed when writing a training plan include:
- How will the training be imparted?
- What are the specific training activities to be undertaken?
- What are the objectives of the training program?
- How will the participant be supervised?
- What kind of feedback and evaluation will the participant receive?
ACIP is happy to review training plans and provide feedback and suggestions as needed.
Cultural activities
One of the primary purposes of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to promote cultural exchange between program participants and their American contemporaries. Therefore, the host employer must indicate how participants will receive opportunities to experience American life and culture while in the United States. For example, invitations to participate in events within the local community and in employer-organized social activities, such as company picnics, volunteer days, or sport leagues, would apply.
Orientation
The host employer must provide an orientation to the participant upon arrival in the United States, which includes:
- Information on housing options
- Information on local transportation
- Familiarization with local neighborhood
Insurance coverage
Every individual participating in the Exchange Visitor Program must have insurance coverage that meets the criteria set forth in the U.S. federal regulations for the J-1 program. All participants must be covered by an acceptable insurance policy that includes coverage for medical care and medical evacuation and repatriation for the entire duration of their training/internship program. It is the responsibility of the U.S. host employer to provide this insurance or to verify that each of their participants are covered by such insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the following minimum coverage requirements:
Every individual participating in the Exchange Visitor Program must have insurance coverage that meets the criteria set forth in the U.S. federal regulations for the J-1 program. All participants must be covered by an acceptable insurance policy that includes coverage for medical care and medical evacuation and repatriation for the entire duration of their training/internship program. It is the responsibility of the U.S. host employer to provide this insurance or to verify that each of their participants are covered by such insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the following minimum coverage requirements:
- Medical Insurance Coverage: $50,000 per accident or illness*
- Expatriation of mortal remains: $7,500
- Medical Evacuation: $10,000
*The deductible per accident or illness cannot exceed $500
Per the federal regulations, failure to maintain sufficient insurance for the entire duration of the internship or training will result in an automatic termination of the J-1 program.
Program evaluations
All trainee and internship Exchange Visitor Programs participants are required by U.S. federal regulations to complete program evaluations. Every J-1 internship and training program sponsored by ACIP must submit a completed and signed evaluation to ACIP at the conclusion of their program. In addition, programs over six months in length are required to submit an additional evaluation at the mid-point of the J-1 program. A copy of ACIP’s evaluation form can be found here.
All trainee and internship Exchange Visitor Programs participants are required by U.S. federal regulations to complete program evaluations. Every J-1 internship and training program sponsored by ACIP must submit a completed and signed evaluation to ACIP at the conclusion of their program. In addition, programs over six months in length are required to submit an additional evaluation at the mid-point of the J-1 program. A copy of ACIP’s evaluation form can be found here.
Legal attestations
As part of the J-1 application process, each host employer must sign off on the following legal attestations for each J-1 visa program participant they apply on behalf of:
As part of the J-1 application process, each host employer must sign off on the following legal attestations for each J-1 visa program participant they apply on behalf of:
- We certify that the exchange visitor will not fill a staff vacancy or replace an employee who would otherwise be hired, full-time or part-time, and that the sole aim of the training program is to assist the trainee/intern in achieving the objectives of their participation.
- We understand that the exchange visitor must leave the United States upon completion of the training or upon dismissal of the exchange visitor from training by our company.
- We will advise ACIP of any changes in the trainee’s assignment, activities, duration of stay and place of training. We will also advise ACIP of dismissal of the exchange visitor from our training program that occur prior to the completion date set forth above and of the termination of the training program by our organization.
- We certify that sufficient resources, plant, equipment, and trained personnel are available to provide the specified training and internship program; that we will provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring of trainees and interns by experienced and knowledgeable staff; that we will ensure that trainees and interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities such as classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences, and similar learning activities, as appropriate in specific circumstances; and that we will complete and submit to ACIP program evaluation reports at the midpoint and conclusion of the program.
- We will ensure that the exchange visitor (and all J-2 dependents, where applicable) is covered by a medical/accident insurance policy in the amount of at least $50,000 per illness/accident (for which the deductible per accident or illness will not exceed $500), and at least $7,500 for the repatriation of remains in case of death, and medical evacuation coverage at a minimum of $10,000, for the entire duration of the program.
- We certify that we will return a duly executed Acknowledgement Form on behalf of this exchange visitor to ACIP within thirty (30) days of the training start date indicated on the final Form DS-2019, which validates that the trainee has entered the U.S. and begun their training program. We understand that failure to return the Acknowledgment Form to ACIP in a timely fashion could jeopardize the exchange visitor’s training program.
- We will complete and return the required evaluation reports to ACIP at the midpoint and conclusion of the program. We understand that failure to supply the necessary reports, or to abide by other requirements of the ACIP Exchange Visitor Program, will result in suspension from the program or preclude future participation in the program.
- We understand that it is the company’s responsibility to keep track of the validity of the exchange visitor’s visa and the I-94 form issued to the trainee.
- We certify that it is not the intent of the ACIP member organization to assist the trainee in remaining in the United States beyond the duration of his/her training program, and that the proposed training program is not designed to train foreign nationals for U.S. employment.
- We certify that the trainee’s background is sufficient to undertake the proposed training, and that the trainee has sufficient English language skills to undertake and successfully complete the proposed training.
- We certify that we will provide the trainee with a suitable orientation as defined by the regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program, and that we will provide the trainee with suitable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange during his/her period of training in the United States.
- We certify that we will provide the trainee with appropriate information regarding: housing; living expenses in the United States; insurance coverage; salary; and the elements and objectives of his/her period of stay in the United States.
- We certify that the information provided in this application and in the DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan is correct and accurately reflects the program of training to be provided.
