Simplifying the J-1 Visa Sponsorship Application for Host Companies

The J-1 Trainee and Intern Program provides U.S. companies with the opportunity to advance global networks and business while helping international participants grow their careers and experience American culture. To take advantage of this unique program, U.S. companies and international participants must apply for sponsorship with a trusted designated J-1 sponsor such as AIFS Professional Pathways.  

As your sponsor, AIFS Professional Pathways simplifies this process for both U.S. companies and international participants. Below, we address some frequently asked questions about the J-1 visa application. 

How Can My Company Apply for J-1 Visa Sponsorship to Host an Intern or Trainee? 

AIFS Professional Pathways makes J-1 visa application simple for U.S. companies and international participants.

Follow these steps to apply to the J-1 visa for your company: 

1. Visit our “Get Started” page to begin the application process. 
2. Click on “Create an account” under the “Company Representative” header to register your company.  
3. After you register, fill out and submit a position application form for each foreign national. These forms will require you to include basic information about your company including staffing, location, wages, contact information, and more, along with details about the prospective J-1holders’ position. 
   Meanwhile, your Trainee or Intern will be contacted to complete their portion of the application 
4. For companies new to working with a sponsor, you will participate in a brief, educational on-boarding call. Small companies with less than 25 employees and an annual revenue of less than $3 million per year will have a mandatory site visit conducted by the sponsor.  
5. After your company and international participants have submitted their application forms, AIFS Professional Pathways will evaluate your program for eligibility and follow up if any adjustments are required for application approval. Upon approval, the foreign national’s visa sponsorship documents will be issued. This evaluation and form issuance process takes between one week (expedited processing) and one month (standard processing).  

Work with an immigration attorney? No problem! They can register and submit information on your behalf. 

Can I Update an Application? 

You can update J-1 visa program applications at your convenience. As you work on your applications, each page saves, so you can log out and log back in to continue an application in progress. 
 
However, once you submit your application, it’s automatically locked. If changes are needed after submission, please contact AIFS Professional Pathways. We can assist with minor updates or reopen the application for revisions before you resubmit. 

Can I Update My Company’s Information? 

Once you submit your first application, a company profile is created using the information you provided to us. This profile is used to pre-populate future applications, making the application process faster.  

If your company’s information changes—such as the number of full-time employees or company address—please select “Company Profile” on the top bar of your portal, then click “Profile Update Request.” Alternatively, you may notify AIFS Professional Pathways so we can update your company record. Certain changes may require updates to your J-1 participant’s federal documents and could impact your eligibility as a host company.   

My J-1 Holder is Bringing Family Member(s). What is Required? 

J-1 participants can bring their legal spouses and children (under 21 years of age) to the U.S. during their J-1 visa program. These family members require J-2 visas, which are tied to the J-1 holder’s federal records.  

The J-1 applicant can submit dependent information within their AIFS Professional Pathways portal. As the J-2 sponsor, we assist with this process and act as the J-2 visa sponsor. J-2 sponsorship fees are $700 USD for one dependent and $850 USD for two or more. Like J-1 participants, J-2 holders must hold compliant health insurance coverage which can be privately acquired or bundled with AIFS through a family plan connected to the J-1 holder. 

What are Training Program “Phases” and How Many Do I Need?

J-1 positions are made up of one or more phases. A “phase” refers to a distinct period during which a specific training activity, objective, or project takes place. A program may have multiple phases to demonstrate a change in activity, location, project, or a progression of skills.  

Key phase requirements include: 

• Each phase should have a unique title and outline its specific activities and objectives 
• Intern programs over 6 months must have at least two phases 
• All trainee programs, regardless of duration, should include multiple phases 
• Hospitality programs require at least three rotational phases 

Here are three examples demonstrating possible program phases: 

1. Phase One – Orientation; Phase Two – Systems Development 
2. Phase One – Project Planning; Phase Two – Research and Design; Phase Three – Project Development; Phase Four – Project Delivery 
3. Phase One – Customer Service Training; Phase Two – Hotel Restaurant Management; Phase Three – Business Management Training 

What are AIFS Professional Pathways’ Fees and Refund Policies? 

AIFS Professional Pathways’ service fees and refund policies can be found here on our website. Fees and refund policies vary depending on services selected, visa category, and program duration. 

Fees can be invoiced to the host company and/or the participant. This is up to you. Regardless, payment is due before the issuance of the sponsorship documents.  

Is the Data I Submit About My Company and Our Employees Safe?

Yes! AIFS Professional Pathways’ data is stored in a highly secured system that meets or exceeds industry standards. Furthermore, data is never shared or sold to third parties, excluding those required for program administration, such as health insurance providers and federal agencies. AIFS is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)-compliant—showcasing our commitment to keeping personal and company data secure. 

U.S. Companies: Apply for J-1 Intern or Trainee Programs with AIFS Professional Pathways 

The J-1 Intern and Trainee Program offers U.S. companies access to international talent and global connections. Start your journey today by applying to the J-1 visa program with AIFS Professional Pathways. As your program sponsor, we’ll assist you throughout the process—from application to program completion and beyond. 

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Ready to host international talent and expand your company’s global reach? Get started with AIFS Professional Pathways today! 

Get Started