Navigating the J-1 Visa Program Information for International Participants

The J-1 visa program offers profound benefits, allowing participants to engage in cultural exchange while gaining valuable work experience and skills in the U.S. However, navigating the path to obtaining a J-1 visa can be a complex process requiring coordination between participants, host companies, and visa sponsors like AIFS Professional Pathways. As your visa sponsor, AIFS Professional Pathways makes the process of learning about and receiving a J-1 cultural exchange visa as simple as possible.  

As a prospective J-1 visa holder, you may have some questions about the J-1 visa program information and application process. Read on to better understand the J-1 visa program information and your responsibilities as an international participant. 

What is the J-1 Visa? 

The J-1 visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. for cultural exchange purposes. This visa is administered by the U.S. Department of State under their BridgeUSA Program. Known as an “Exchange Visitor Visa,” the J-1 visa program lets individuals from around the world come to the U.S. temporarily to learn, gain skills, and engage with American culture and institutions.   

The goal of the J-1 visa program is to advance people-to-people diplomacy — increasing mutual understanding to drive collaboration, innovation, and security. After completing the program, participants are expected to leave the U.S. and share their experience.  

AIFS sponsors 6 of the 14 J-1 visa categories: Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Student (Secondary), Summer Work Travel, Intern, and Trainee. AIFS Professional Pathways, a division of AIFS, oversees the Intern and Trainee J-1 visa programs.   

Who is the J-1 Visa “Sponsor” & What are Their Responsibilities? 

AIFS Professional Pathways is your visa sponsor. J-1 visa sponsors are private and public organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State.   

Responsibilities of J-1 visa sponsors include:  

• Evaluating and vetting participants, host companies, and proposed training programs to ensure compliance with U.S. federal regulations.  
• Issuing federal visa sponsorship documents.  
• Providing participants with program orientation.  
• Monitoring participants and programs to ensure continued compliance and well-being. 
• Administering program evaluations.  
• Maintaining the participant’s Department of Homeland Security SEVIS records.  
• Reporting emergencies to the Department of State.  

We also enroll you in compliant health insurance coverage. Maintaining coverage that meets federal regulation and covers you for the duration of your program dates is required. 

We offer a comprehensive list of additional intern and trainee J-1 visa services focused on meeting the needs of international interns and trainees, while also supporting the needs of host companies.  

Who is the “Host Company” & What are Their Responsibilities?  

The “host company” (or “host”) is the legal U.S. employer of the international participant on the J-1 visa. The host company will provide you with meaningful hands-on training, a supervisor, and a performance evaluation. They are also responsible for:  

• Staying knowledgeable about the J-1 visa program information.  
• Following activities outlined and agreed upon in the DS-7002 federal training plan document.  
• Exposing you to U.S. culture in and outside the workplace.  
• Reporting to the sponsor in cases of emergencies, conflicts, or program changes.  

Who is the “Participant,” or “Exchange Visitor,” & What are Their Responsibilities?  

You are the “participant” or “exchange visitor”—the foreign national participating in the J-1 program as an intern or trainee. Intern and trainee participants are expected to train full-time at a U.S. company, follow company policies and the DS-7002 federal training plan. You should also build upon your existing skills and immerse yourself in American culture.  

Your other responsibilities as a participant include:  

• Maintaining your federal records.  
• Completing mandatory program evaluations.  
• Reporting emergencies and changes that affect your training program to your visa sponsor.  
• Entering and exiting the U.S. in accordance with your visa requirements and restrictions.  

What are the Differences Between the Intern and Trainee Visa Categories?  

Intern and trainee visas are two categories within the J-1 visa umbrella. A participant’s eligibility as an intern or trainee depends on the following:  

1. Your student or professional status in your home country. 
2. Your goals and intent in the U.S.
3. The nature of the training opportunity available to you at a reputable U.S. business. 

Intern Category 

Interns are individuals currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a post-secondary, ministerially recognized, academic institution outside of the U.S. (at the undergraduate or graduate level).  Interns must also be at least 18 years old and be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. 

Trainee Category 

Trainees encompass a wider range of professionals from young or mid-level to advanced professionals. They must have:  

• A degree from a post-secondary academic institution outside of the U.S.  and 
• At least one year of full-time work experience outside the U.S. in a related field,  OR  
• Five or more years of relevant full-time work experience outside the U.S.  

What is Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Participants?

  Form DS-2019, or the “Certificate of Eligibility,” is a Department of State document issued by your visa sponsor (AIFS Professional Pathways). This document provides official proof of visa sponsorship and allows foreign nationals like you to apply for the J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. DS-2019 provides work authorization to legally participate in on-site training in the U.S. and receive wages at a specific U.S. business.   

DS-2019 includes personal identifying information about you, in addition to:  

• Name of sponsor  
• U.S. host company  
• Training location  
• Training industry  
• U.S. financial data  (personal funds and compensation) 
• Dates you can legally train in the U.S.  
• Your federal SEVIS and ‘Program’ numbers 

What is Form DS-7002 Official Training Plan for J-1 Interns and Trainees?  

Form DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) is a federal form that outlines your position in the U.S. Information on this form must remain active and all activities outlined in the document need to be followed for the duration of the program. Therefore, it’s important that both the host company supervisor and participant are familiar with the document. If any information requires updating, the visa sponsor (AIFS Professional Pathways) should be notified in advance.  

The information outlined in the T/IPP includes:  

• Information about the host company  
• U.S. training program objectives and activities  
• Participant’s assigned supervisor  
• Compensation rates and hours 
• Tools for evaluating participant’s performance and your intentional exposure to American culture  

How do I know if the Two-Year Home Residency Rule applies to me as a J-1 Intern or Trainee? 

The two-year rule, or 212(e) rule, requires participants to wait two years before applying for an H, L, or K visa, or permanent residency in the U.S. This does not impact J-1, F-1, or tourist visas.  

Your visa stamp should indicate if the two-year rule applies to you. You are subject to the two‐year home country physical presence if: 

1. You are receiving funding for your J-1 program directly or indirectly from a government entity. 
2. You are a citizen or permanent resident of a country which has deemed your field of training a necessary knowledge/ skillset for development of their country. These fields are noted on an official Exchange Visitor Skills List. AIFS Professional Pathways can help you determine this. 
3. There are times when a consular official will apply the rule at their discretion. 

However, be aware that ALL Trainee visas are subject to a separate two-year rule. You must have a waiting period of two years between applying for a J-1 Trainee visa after holding a J-1 Intern visa, or a new J-1 Trainee visa after a prior Trainee visa. 

Please contact AIFS Professional Pathways if you have any questions about the two-year rule. 

AIFS Professional Pathways: Your J-1 Visa Partner  

The J-1 visa program offers undeniable benefits, but the process of obtaining one can be challenging. Fortunately, AIFS Professional Pathways makes navigating the J-1 visa process simple. We’re here to help you at every step of the way—learning about the J-1 visa program information, determining J-1 visa eligibility, fulfilling visa requirements, and supporting you throughout the duration of your program. Start your J-1 visa journey today by partnering with AIFS Professional Pathways. 

Interested in learning more about developing your career in the U.S. with a J-1 visa?  

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