HOST A TRAINEE
 
Step 1: Understanding Sponsorship
Step 2: Understanding the J-1 Visa Program
Step 3: Checking Requirements
Step 4: Your Trainee's Application for CICD Sponsorship on the J-1 Visa
Step 5: Applying for the J-1 Visa and Making Final Arrangements

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Step 1: Understanding Sponsorship
Any foreign national whom you would like to invite to the U.S. for training at your company must first be accepted by an officially designated organization that helps ensure that the trainee and the proposed training satisfy all visa requirements. Only U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors like CICD are authorized to issue to your prospective trainee the Certificate of Eligibility that he or she needs to obtain the J-1 Trainee Visa.

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Step 2: Understanding the J-1 Visa Program
The purpose of the J-1 Visa Program for trainees is to provide international participants with opportunities for professional development, insight into American know-how in the field of training, and a greater understanding of American society and culture. J-1 Trainees are expected to share the cross-cultural and professional knowledge they have gained in the U.S. upon return to their home country at the end of the training. The J-1 Program is also intended to allow American businesses and individuals to learn about the culture and expertise of the participant's home country.

Using the J-1 Visa Program to fill the position of a regular staff member and/or to immigrate into the U.S. is strictly prohibited by U.S. Department of State regulations.

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Step 3: Checking Requirements

To be eligible for hosting a CICD-sponsored J-1 Trainee, your company needs to:

  1. Have found an international trainee whom it would like to offer training to.

    If you are still searching for qualified candidates, please contact us as we may be able to assist you.

  2. Provide the trainee with a structured training program that must both be suitable to his or her qualifications and background and be approved by CICD (as required by J-1 Program regulations). We will assist you in developing an adequate training syllabus.

  3. Ensure that the trainee is engaged in training and does not perform ordinary work that a part-time or full-time staff member of the company would otherwise be responsible for. J-1 Trainees may not make final decisions about, or carry the full responsibility for, major tasks, assignments or projects. However, they may provide assistance in these matters since on-the-job training is encouraged as an important learning tool.

  4. Offer training up to 18 months in one of the following subject fields: Information, Media, Communications, Management, Business, Commerce, Finance, the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Industrial Occupations, Public Administration or Law.

    Click here for more information about the types of training that CICD sponsors on the J-1 Program.


Your trainee needs to:

  1. Have at least two years of education, training, or work experience in a field directly related to the proposed training.

  2. Know English well enough to perform successfully in the proposed training position.

  3. Plan to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of the training.

  4. Have not held the J-1 Visa in the Trainee category before. If previous J-1 Visas were in other categories (e.g. the Secondary School Student or Summer Work/Travel categories) your trainee may apply.
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Step 4: Your Trainee's Application for CICD Sponsorship on the J-1 Visa

  1. Instruct your trainee to complete and submit the CICD Online Registration. To save time, you may obtain the necessary data from your trainee and submit the registration on his or her behalf.

  2. CICD will immediately e-mail important information to your prospective trainee and will send to you all materials (including contract) that your company needs to complete, sign, and return to us. The trainee's payment of the CICD Sponsorship fee of 550 U.S. Dollars must be sent to us immediately after CICD has confirmed the registration. (Please see the CICD fee and refund policy for details.)

  3. If your company's training program is approved by CICD, your trainee will receive from us application forms and further information. In a telephone interview, we will also discuss with your trainee his or her training arrangements, expectations, and background.

  4. If your trainee's complete application is received and accepted by CICD, we will issue and send to him or her the Certificate of Eligibility along with visa application forms and important orientation materials. These materials will be delivered by UPS Worldwide Express if your trainee's mailing address is outside the U.S. or Canada.

The processing time at CICD is typically 4-6 weeks. However, the entire application process may take longer, depending on how quickly you and your prospective trainee provide CICD with all necessary materials and information.

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Step 5: Applying for the J-1 Visa and Making Final Arrangements

  1. Your trainee submits the Certificate of Eligibility along with other application materials to the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over his or her place of permanent residence. Please be aware that the processing of the application may take up to four or more weeks in some countries and that the U.S. embassy or consulate provides no guarantee that the J-1 Visa will be issued to your trainee.

  2. Once your trainee obtains the J-1 Visa, he or she may then travel to the U.S. to begin the training. CICD will be there to respond to any questions, concerns, or problems you may have in connection with your trainee's training program.
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For further information please contact us or check our answers to frequently asked questions.
 




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© 2008 Center for International Career Development