J-1 visa sponsorship

Eager to have young international talents in California? A work visa is mandatory for foreigners in order to work as an intern or trainee in the US. We can help!

 

The FACC network is accredited by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) to sponsor J-1 visa intern and trainee Exchange Visitors, and is he only sponsor dedicated to the French-American business community

The Exchange Visitor Program At a Glance

The Exchange Visitor Program is a U.S. Department of State program aiming to encourage cultural exchange by allowing exchange visitors (VIE, J1-Visa) to come to the United States for up to 12 months as Interns (for students and recent graduates) or for up to 18 months as Trainees (more experienced candidates) to participate in full time, paid, practical training programs.

These programs are extremely beneficial for candidates and host companies and serve to further understanding and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the world. The candidates gain valuable experience in fields as diverse as finance, engineering, law, communications and technology, while our host companies get the benefit of top international talent while helping to train the leaders of tomorrow. 

We can sponsor a J-1 Intern/Trainee visa for the following categories:

  • Management, Business, Commerce and Finance;

  • Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations;

  • Information Media and Communications;

  • Public Administration and Law;

  • Hospitality & Tourism (incl. catering, hotel front desks and guest relations, as well as sommeliers, chefs, line cooks...)

Eligibility of the candidate

J-1 visa candidates applying to the Intern Program Category must meet the following criteria:

  • Currently enrolled full-time and actively pursuing relevant studies at a foreign accredited university or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States
  • Or graduated from a foreign institution no more than 12 months prior to the start date of their J-1 visa program.
  • Intern visas have a maximum duration of 12 months for the J-1 visa program.
     

J-1 visa candidates applying to the Trainee Program Category must meet the following criteria:

  • Possess a relevant degree or professional certificate from a ministerially recognized post-secondary institution outside the United States AND have at least 52 weeks of full-time relevant work experience outside the United States.
  • Or have at least five years of relevant full-time work experience gained outside the United States.
  • Trainee visas have a maximum duration of 18 months for the J-1 visa program.

Steps of the process:

  1. Initial Contact & Prescreening: Once you’ve secured a US internship or training role, reach out to us with your CV to assess eligibility and begin the application process.
     
  2. Application Launch: Once we have predetermined your eligibility, you will receive the link to the Application Start Form.
     
  3. Submission of Application Materials: Once the Application Start Form is received by our team, your Account Manager will provide you with a unique upload link, enabling both you and your Host Company to submit the required documentation. 
     
  4. Application Processing: Your Account Manager will review your application materials and confirm your eligibility for either the Intern or Trainee Program Category.
     
  5. Pre-Departure Orientation Interview: After your eligibility has been confirmed and we have received all required Host Company documents, your Account Manager will invite you to schedule the Pre-Departure Orientation Interview in English.
     
  6. Final Review & Issuing of DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility: After passing the Pre-Departure Orientation Interview in English, we review your application for completion and accuracy. Upon approval, your Account Manager will email your SEVIS number and DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility.
     
  7. US Embassy Appointment: Upon receipt of your SEVIS number and DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility, you must book the visa appointment at a US Embassy. Once your visa is approved by a US Consular Official, allow 3-5 days to receive your J-1 visa.

The role of the FACC

The French-American Chamber of Commerce Network (FACC) is the only sponsor for J-1 Visa and VIE dedicated to the French-American business community.  

As an official designated sponsor by the U.S. Department of State, the FACC-NYC has 40+ years of experience with this program. Their dedicated bilingual team (French and English) will assist you in the process whether you are a Host Company or an Intern/Trainee Candidate throughout the program.

After carefully reviewing a candidate’s qualifications, experience and motivations, we determine whether the candidate is eligible for the program and, if so, issue the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) to allow the application to proceed to the next step: visa issuance at the American Embassy.

The FACC California as your local contact

The FACC California is your local partner and your link to the FACC-NYC. We will help you start the process and connect you with their Exchange Visitor Program Team. We can also help you find the right company to host you for your Internship or Traineeship or we can connect your company with a potential Intern or Trainee that would fit your company's needs.

We also coordinate year-round American cultural events for all J-1 Exchange Visitors and professional networking opportunities.

Share this page Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin