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AIESEC US winter promotional material: Winter Days, Get 100 dollars off your exchange.AIESEC US winter promotional material: Winter Days, Get 100 dollars off your exchange.

J-1 Visa
Sponsorship

For over 50 years, AIESEC/Global Current  is the J-1 Visa intern and trainee program of choice for the world's leading employers and law firms.

Employer with employee having a good timeGlobal Current a dvision of AIESEC

What is the  J1 visa program?

The U.S. government created the J-1 Visa to offer foreign university students and young professionals the opportunity to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States with the expectation that J-1 Intern and Trainee participants will return to their home country following the program completion. The program seeks to impart newfound skills and knowledge to benefit and advance local employment industries – and to foster continued international collaboration.

The J-1 Visa, or Exchange Visitor Program, is a non-immigrant visa overseen by the U.S. Department of State.

Program Benefits

Sponsorship through Global Current

48 hrs processing

We provide 48 hour processing and unrivaled personal attention to each and every J-1 application received.

Info of Prospective J-1 Clients

Experience

For over 50 years, AIESEC United States has been designated by the U.S. Department of State to process applications and sponsor international trainees and interns for the J-1 visa program.

Current Trainee & Intern Resources

Prospective J-1 Clients

Use Global Current for an expeditious and effective solution.

Fast turnaround & Quick processing

Within days, we are able to carefully review your program proposal and if it is approved, issue the necessary DS-2019 form. Because of our select customer base and experienced J-1 visa sponsorship experts, we can provide you with a very thorough review in the fastest turnaround time available.

Informed & Responsive J-1 Experts

In a world with ever-decreasing standards of service, you will find your contact at Global Current to be refreshingly responsive and informed. When you work with us, you will have a dedicated, US-based J-1 visa sponsorship expert at your disposal to assist you with all parts of the process. The sense of ease you will feel when working with us will be coupled with confidence in knowing that there is an informed expert on your case.

A Flexible Application Process & Thoughtful Review

At Global Current, you will find that applications are reviewed on an individual, case-by-case basis. We work with you to fully clarify any problematic areas, and we offer advice on how to better structure your training or internship programs. Our thoroughness and flexibility results in a positive experience for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the J-1 Visa?

The J-1 Visa offers employers a fast and uncomplicated option to bring foreign nationals to the US for training or internship programs. Download our briefing below to understand more about the J-1 Visa and to find out if it's right for you.

What is Global Current's Process Like?

  • Call us at 212-757-3774 or email us to discuss your situation so we can help you determine if the J-1 Visa is a good option.
  • Complete the application. We will walk you through the application and answer any questions you have throughout this process.
  • Submit your application for review and processing. If everything is satisfactory, we will send you (or whoever you indicate) the DS-2019 form and supporting documents required for the trainee or intern to obtain their J-1 Visa.
  • The trainee or intern applies for the J-1 visa at the US consulate in their country.
  • After the participant's arrival, Global Current monitors their traineeship or internship to ensure continued compliance with the J-1 program regulations.

What are Global Current's Supported Occupational Categories?

In order for Global Current to sponsor a J-1 Visa, the traineeship or internship must fall under one of the following occupational categories.

Business & Technology

  • Marketing
  • Administration / Management
  • Communications
  • Commerce
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Engineering

Science, Art, & Education

  • Social Sciences
  • The Sciences
  • Library Science
  • Arts & Culture
  • Film
  • Fashion
  • Graphic Design
  • Architecture
  • Education (Excluding Teachers)

Other

  • Media
  • Social Services (Excluding Counseling)
  • Public Administration
  • The trainee or intern applies for the J-1 visa at the US consulate in their country.
  • Law

Does Global Current Perform Site Visits for Host Companies?

Some applications require site visits. We have the ability to provide this important service to you or your client. Not many J-1 sponsors are willing to undertake these visits, but Global Current will.

What Is the Basic J-1 Applicability Criteria?

CRITERIA FOR TRAINEES

If the host company and the trainee can answer YES to all of the following questions, the situation is favorable for obtaining a J-1 visa.

Company Questions

  • Is the position a training position (not a general staffing position)?
  • Is there a set plan with clear goals for training?
  • Are there sufficient facilities and qualified personnel to provide the training?

Trainee Questions

  • Does the trainee have a degree or diploma from a foreign institution?
  • Does the trainee candidate have at least one year of work experience from outside the U.S. in the field in which they will be trained?
  • Is the trainee functionally fluent in both spoken and written English?
  • Does the trainee intend to leave the US immediately after their training?

NOTE: In lieu of a “YES” to #1 and #2 above, the trainee can instead qualify if they have five years of work experience outside the US in their occupational field.

Remember that your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, so a “no” for one of the above questions does not mean that your situation is not a good fit for a J-1.

CRITERIA FOR INTERNS

If the host company and the trainee can answer YES to all of the following questions, the situation is favorable for obtaining a J-1 visa.

Company Questions

  • Is the position an intern position (not a general staffing position)?
  • Is there a set plan with clear goals for the internship?
  • Are there sufficient facilities and qualified personnel to supervise the intern?

Intern Questions

  • Is the intern currently enrolled full-time and actively pursuing studies in, or a recent graduate of, a college or similar institution?
  • Is the intern functionally fluent in both spoken and written English?
  • Does the intern intend to leave the US immediately after their internship?

Remember that your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, so a “no” for one of the above questions does not mean that your situation is not a good fit for a J-1.

Responsible Oversight

We ensure that each program we sponsor is fully compliant with the requisite J-1 visa sponsorship regulations. We also consistently monitor training and internship programs to ensure that program requirements are being maintained.

Current Trainee & Intern Resources

Everything you'll need before and during your stay.

Resources for existing Trainees / Interns

We hope you are looking forward to or are enjoying your training or internship experience in the United States! The following resources should help you with various aspects of your stay.

Program Handbook

The Program Handbook contains useful information about the J-1 Program and what you can expect from your experience as a trainee or intern in the United States.

Handbook | Welcome Orientation | US State Department Welcome Brochure

You will receive your handbook (via email) and the required documents to begin your journey such as your Form DS-2019 and Form DS-7002 in your Welcome Packet. If you have any questions regarding the content of the Handbook, please let us know by clicking the link below.

Questions, Comments or Concerns?

What to Expect

Before Your Journey:

1. You and your host company complete paperwork detailing both the traineeship/internship program as well as your qualifications.

2. If your program is approved by Global Current, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes your Form DS-2019, Form DS-7002, Original Offer Letter, Sponsor Letter and other essential documents indicating that we will sponsor your traineeship/internship.

3. You will take this Form DS-2019 and the other essential documents to the US Consulate in your home country and apply for the J-1 Visa. This generally involves an interview with a consular representative, who will verify that you are indeed qualified for the program and coming to the US to train or intern (not to simply work). If you are accepted, you need to complete the Pre-Arrival Acknowledgment Form and return it to us. Note that you must enter the US no more than 30 days before your program start date.

The Pre-Arrival Acknowledgement form confirms that you reviewed the materials sent to you in your Welcome Packet and that you understand the J-1 Program.

Post-arrival

Within the first 10 days of entering the US, you must send Global Current a completed Program Validation Form along with the supplemental documents (found on the PVF itself)

YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM AND SEND IT TO US VIA EMAIL US AT J1FORMS@AIESECUS.ORG.

If you do not complete and send in this form, your program may be terminated early and you will have to leave the country.

Please note that you will NOT be able to acquire a Social Security number until you have sent us these documents!

During Your Journey:

Travel Validation

Should the need exist for you to travel outside of the United States for any reason during your active Program dates, Global Current MUST validate your original (no scanned or faxed copies) DS-2019 form for travel.

All Global Current J-1 Participants are required to complete this process in order to leave the US and return to continue their training or internship program with no potential complications. The signature we provide is valid for 12 calendar months from the date it was validated. For instructions on how to complete this, refer to the form.

Failure to validate your travel may result in being denied re-entry into the US. For any questions, please contact us.

Required Evaluations

You will be required to submit evaluations that provide us with feedback on your traineeship or internship. This is a requirement of the US Department of State and failure to complete the evaluations may jeopardize your J-1 Program.

A Global Current staff member will contact you when these are due. We kindly ask that you and your supervisor complete these as soon as you receive them.

Health Insurance Information

Global Current, through our parent company, AIESEC United States, requires health insurance as a part of our basic program to ensure that both participants and dependents have health coverage that meets the requirements set forth by the Department of State.

Properly Closing Your Program

Final Evaluation & Itinerary

Please submit your Final Evaluation with your supervisor and provide us with a copy of your itinerary prior to departure.

Tax Information

During your program, you are required to pay Federal Income Tax, State Income Tax and possibly City Income Tax on the stipend you receive from your host company. Tax returns must be filed on or before April 15 for the previous tax year (January 1 – December 31). If you are training during two different calendar years, you must file taxes twice. To file your return, you will receive a W-2 from your host firm, so be sure to leave your firm with a forwarding address once your depart. You must also complete a Form 8843.

Nonresident US tax overview for J-1 participants
Sprintax Nonresident Overview for J-1 Employees Flipbook

Stay Connected

After your program concludes, please consider contributing to the U.S. Department of State’s blog, Route J-1, and be sure to join the International Exchange Alumni network.

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