Simplifying the J-1 Visa Sponsorship Application for Interns & Trainees 

The J-1 Trainee and Intern program provides international participants, you, with a unique opportunity to grow your career, build professional networks, and immerse yourself in American culture. To participate, both international participants and U.S. host companies must apply through a designated J-1 sponsor, such as AIFS Professional Pathways.   

As your sponsor, AIFS Professional Pathways simplifies the J-1 visa application process. Below, we address some frequently asked questions about the J-1 visa application for program participants in the Intern and Trainee categories. 

What is Required of Me to Apply for J-1 Visa Sponsorship?

The sponsorship application process is critical to ensure you’re eligible for the J-1 visa and your accompanying federal documents are issued accurately.  

There are three main steps to the J-1 visa sponsorship application process for the Intern and Trainee program:

1. Submit the application form: Provide biographic, academic, and professional details; your goals and intentions for the program; and financial resources for living in the U.S. (Your U.S. Host Company will also submit an accompanying application form.)  

2. Complete assigned tasks & uploads: After form submission, you will be prompted to supply the required supplementary materials. These include: 

• Copy of a valid passport 
• Copy of your up-to-date resume/CV 
• Proof of your recent, post-secondary academic enrollment or diploma and/or full-time professional experience 
• Proof of English fluency (if available)   

More details can be found here.

You will also need to provide information about your emergency contacts, your health insurance selection, and any dependents who will be accompanying you in the U.S.  

3. Sign your final sponsorship documents: Your host company will submit their application around the same time you submit yours. Once both are submitted and evaluated for eligibility, AIFS Professional Pathways will generate your official training plan (federal form DS-7002). At that time, you will be asked to review and sign the following documents: 

• Your DS-7002 
• The AIFS Professional Pathways Participant Terms & Conditions 
• Confirmation of orientation completion  

Once signed, AIFS Professional Pathways will issue your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility (your official proof of visa sponsorship). This will be sent to you along with a copy of your fully signed DS-7002 and your I-901 SEVIS receipt.  

These are the documents you need to apply for your visa at a U.S. Consulate. (For Canadians, these are the only documents you need to travel to the U.S.— a visa appointment is not required.) 

Can I Update My J-1 Visa Program Application?  

You can update your J-1 visa program application at your convenience. As you work on your application, 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 or, in your application portal, click “Request an Amendment.” If the evaluation of your application has not yet begun, we can reopen the application for revisions for you to resubmit.  

Can I Bring My Family Member(s)? What is Required?

 You can bring your legal spouse and children (under 21 years of age) to the U.S. during your J-1visa program as an Intern or Trainee. These family members require J-2 visas linked to your federal records.   

During the application process, you can submit dependent information within your AIFS Professional Pathways portal. This will include a copy of the dependents’ passports and birth certificate and/or marriage license (or equivalent).  As your J-1 sponsor, we assist with this process and act as the J-2 visa sponsor. We will also issue your dependents their own DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility.  

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 AIFS Professional Pathways’ Fees and Refund Policies?  

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

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.  

Participants: Apply for Your J-1 Visa with AIFS Professional Pathways  

The J-1 Intern and Trainee Program lets international participants gain valuable professional skills at U.S. companies while engaging with American culture. Start your journey today by applying to the J-1 visa program with AIFS Professional Pathways. As your sponsor, we’ll assist you throughout the process, from J-1 visa application to program completion and beyond.  

Ready to advance your career in the U.S.? Get started with AIFS Professional Pathways today! 

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