J-1 Visa Program

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What is a J-1 Visa Program?

Created by the U.S. Department of State to foster international understanding, the J-1 visa program provides opportunities for highly educated foreign employees and students to visit the United States for on-the-job training and cultural education. It has been a successful component of American public diplomacy for more than 50 years.
 
All J-1 visa program participants are temporarily in the United States and must demonstrate an intention to return abroad at the end of their exchange program. Their experience in the United States is solely for the purpose of exposing them to American techniques, methodologies and expertise and to better gain an understanding of American culture and society.
 
What does ACIP do?
ACIP is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 visa sponsor for Trainees and Interns. These programs are ideally suited for:
 
  • Managerial fast-trackers
  • On-boarding of new overseas employees
  • Project collaborations
  • Summer associate and
  • Co-op programs for professionals
 
Who can participate?
 
  • Employers must be eligible for ACIP membership by having at least 500 employees (worldwide) and at least one operating location outside the U.S.
  • Trainees are career professionals at all levels who possess a degree or diploma from a non-U.S. university or institute plus at least one year of relevant professional experience outside the U.S., OR five years of relevant professional experience outside the U.S.
  • Interns are students enrolled full-time in a non-U.S. university or institute OR graduates who have received a degree or diploma from a non-U.S. institute within the previous 12 months.
 
How long can a J-1 program last?
For both internship and training programs, the minimum program length allowed is 3 weeks. Maximum duration of program varies according to category:
 
  • Trainee: 18 months*
  • Intern: 12 months
 
*Note: Certain types of training programs, including Agricultural and Hospitality/Tourism programs, have a maximum duration of 12 months (along with additional regulatory requirements).
 
Why ACIP?
J-1 visa regulations impose significant compliance responsibilities on employers. ACIP manages the details of your training programs – whether it’s processing applications, delivering guidance on travel procedures, conducting compliance site visits, attending to government reporting requirements, or checking in with trainees and interns during their stays in the U.S. We are respected internationally for our high-touch communication, assisting with all aspects of the J-1 visa exchange. You can leave the details and worry to us.
 
  • Availability. On the phone, online and in person, we offer multinationals a boutique service portfolio, catering to individual preferences while keeping compliance a top priority. In addition, we offer expedited application processing in as little as 5 business days.
  • Partnership. After a bit of time and collaboration, we know your preferences and anticipate your needs. Our members tell us this results in successful transitions for international trainees and interns year after year.
  • Dedication. We guide you throughout the process offering helpful suggestions and doing the lion’s share of administrative and compliance footwork for each individual, freeing up valuable time.
 
Does ACIP match candidates to employers?
No.  ACIP does not offer placement services that assist individuals in securing prospective employment or partner with overseas recruiting/placement firms.
 
Want to learn more?
For additional information about ACIP’s J-1 program, please contact Mike Jackson, ACIP’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Manager, at Mike_Jackson@acip.com