Navigating J-1 Visa Eligibility for Host Companies 

The Intern and Trainee J-1 visa helps host companies welcome international talent at all levels, promoting diversity and a culture of learning in the workplace. The J-1 visa offers significant benefits to both U.S. companies and international participants. However, determining eligibility and securing the J-1 visa can feel challenging for companies. Fortunately, AIFS Professional Pathways is here to help. 

What Makes My Company Eligible to Host a J-1? 

J-1 visa eligibility requires host companies to meet specific requirements, ensuring a robust training experience for international participants. Host companies must: 

• Be a U.S.-registered business for at least one year. 
• Have at least four full-time employees at the training site. 
• Have a 10:1 full-time employee to J-1 ratio (small companies may be exempt). 
• The ability to provide full-time, on-the-job training for an international participant. 
• Have qualified staff who can provide supervision and training. 
• The ability to sustain your business activities throughout the duration of the program. 

The visa sponsor will conduct research and vet all companies hosting J-1 holders in advance of extending sponsorship. For all new hosts, this will include an educational on-boarding call, while small companies with fewer than 25 full-time employees and less than $3 million in annual revenue, will also be required to participate in a sponsor site visit. 

If your company meets these eligibility requirements and offers training in the right fields, you can apply to host a J-1 Intern or Trainee. 

What Fields of Training Can J-1 Interns & Trainees Take Part In?

AIFS Professional Pathways can sponsor training programs in a wide range of industries, including: 

• Architecture  
• Arts & Culture  
• Business, Finance, Management & Commerce  
• Computer Science & Technology 
• Education & Teaching Assistantships  
• Engineering 
• Hospitality & Tourism 
• Law 
• Library Science  
• Mathematics & Statistics 
• Media & Communications 
• Physical Sciences 
• Public Administration 
• Social Sciences 

Not sure if your company’s field qualifies? Contact us for confirmation. 

How Can I Ensure a Planned Training Program is Eligible? 

All host companies need to have an approved, planned training program for the J-1 visa participant. Follow these criteria to ensure your company’s planned training program is eligible for the J-1 visa program: 

1. Offer a progression of activities and tasks that advance the participant’s skills and knowledge. 
2. Demonstrate bona fide training and learning objectives with thoughtful details, while using laymen’s terms for the sponsor’s and federal officials’ understanding. 
3. Immerse the participant in the U.S. business full-time (at least 32 hours per week). 
4. Clerical activities should not exceed 20% of the intern or trainee’s responsibilities.  
5. Do not include activities involving child and elder care, patient contact or care, animal medicine, or aviation. Unskilled or manual labor is not permitted. 
6. Have a dedicated supervisor or mentor for the exchange visitor who can provide regular training and monitoring. The supervisor must have at least two years of relevant work experience, more experience than the J-1 holder, and be employed at the host company for at least 6 months. 
7. Provide specific technologies, techniques, and skills that the participant will acquire during their time at your company. 
8. Present a clear plan to expose the participant to U.S. culture, including activities outside the office. 
9. Provide training on-site for at least 60% of the workweek. 

Offering a training program that meets these J-1 visa eligibility standards ensures a valuable experience for international participants. 

What are the Wage Requirements for J-1 Interns & Trainees? 

Interns and trainees are expected to be paid an industry standard equal to their American counterparts. Each J-1 visa application requires confirmation that your host company complies with all state and federal wage and labor laws. If your J-1 holder will receive a lower salary or is unpaid, you can test the legality using the Department of Labor’s Factsheet 71. 

Although overtime should be limited, wages should reflect additional hours, and bonuses are permissible. 

Furthermore, compensation totals, benefits, and related deductions must be provided to participants before starting their program. Accurate monetary and non-monetary values will be represented on all federal documents. If compensation rates change or significant bonuses are provided to the J-1 holder after the program is approved for sponsorship, please notify your sponsor (AIFS Professional Pathways), as we may need to update relevant federal documents to maintain compliance. 

Must the Host Company’s Workers’ Compensation Policy Cover the J-1 Participant? 

Although all host companies must have a valid Workers’ Compensation policy at the time of the program (and will be required to provide this information), coverage is not required for your J-1 exchange visitor. 

Tackle J-1 Visa Eligibility with AIFS Professional Pathways 

Determining J-1 visa eligibility for your host company can be complex—you need a robust planned training program and must meet a range of other requirements. However, AIFS Professional Pathways can expertly support your company as you navigate J-1 visa eligibility and the J-1 visa program as a whole. 

Interested in learning more about welcoming international talent?   

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