Regulations

Training programs are designed to allow foreign professionals to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive training in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field. Upon completion of their exchange programs, participants are expected to return to their home countries where they will be able to utilize their newly learned skills and knowledge to advance their careers, and to share their experiences with their communities.

The enhanced Training program will provide quality opportunities to international participants who are looking to gain work-based practical training in the United States. The regulations prohibit sponsors from placing trainees in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve child care or elder care, or in any kind of position that involves patient care or contact. Further, sponsors must not place trainees in positions that require more than 20 per cent clerical or office support work.

A J-1 training program is intended to provide exchange visitors the opportunity to enhance their skills in their chosen career field through participation in a structured training program and to improve their knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, or expertise within their field of endeavor.Use of the Exchange Visitor Program for ordinary employment or work purposes is strictly prohibited. Sponsors may not place trainee participants in positions which are filled or would be filled by full-time or part-time employees.

Clarifications of Regulations Affecting the Trainee Category .Midterm and Final Evaluations are required for training programs that exceed six months. For programs with durations of less than six months, a Final Evaluation is required. All evaluations must be received by the sponsoring organization prior to the end of the participant’s exchange program and must be signed by both the participant and his or her immediate supervisor.

J-1 training programs must:
Conduct site visits of host organizations that:
Have not previously participated successfully in the sponsor’s program
Have fewer than 25 employees
Have less than 3 million dollars in annual revenue.
Collect the following information from all host organizations:
Dun and Bradstreet Number
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Verification of telephone number, address, brochures, website, etc., and
Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy.