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Exchange
Visitor J-1 Visa Program Guidelines
In the United States The American Australian Association is authorized by the United States Department of State and the United States Information Agency (USIA) to issue to qualified business trainees the Certificate of Eligibility necessary to apply for an Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa for up to 18 months. This designation of the Association as a Sponsor of an Exchange Visitor Program is in accordance with the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.
For more information about the J1 program, please contact J1visa@aaanyc.org
How does a Company Qualify
for the Program?
By providing a program for the trainee that will enhance his/her
career upon return to their home country.
How does a Trainee Qualify
for the Program?
- There are no age (must be at least
18 years old) or nationality restrictions.
- Trainees must have achieved, by
academic study and/or work experience, a minimum competency
requirement in the relevant field.
What
Fields Can Be Covered By The Program?
The Program covers a wide range of fields, including:
- Arts and Culture;
- Management, Business, Commerce
and Finance;
- the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture,
Mathematics and the Industrial Occupations;
- Information Media & Communications;
and
- Public Administration and the
Law.
What
are the Responsibilities of Participating Companies?
To comply with the terms of the Program, participating companies
must:
- Demonstrate their financial ability
to pay the trainee an adequate salary, and ensure that trainees
have appropriate sickness and accident insurance coverage.
(The American Australian Association Program provides access to a policy which complies with these requirements).
- Expose trainees to a variety of
cross-cultural activities.
- Provide trainees with appropriate
information materials in advance of their arrival in the
U.S.
- Monitor the program and the welfare
of trainees.
Membership in the American Australian Association is a prerequisite for Program participation. Please note that the Visitor Exchange program is managed and administered by the American Australian Association. Correspondence concerning the program should be sent directly to the Association's offices to the attention of Lara Sweeney Cole, American Australian Association, 599 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10022.
Frequently asked Questions:
What is a J-1 Visa?
What kinds of programs does the American Australian
Association offer?
Does the Association assist trainees in obtaining
traineeships?
How can I find a company to train with?
What is the process to obtain a J-1 Visa?
How long does it take for the Association to
process my completed application?
Is the Association's J-1 Visa program limited
to a particular field?
How much does the program cost?
Since host companies must be members of the
Association, what are the Association's membership dues?
Is there a limit to the length of training in
the U.S.?
Can any foreign national apply for a J-1 Visa
through the Association?
Once I receive my DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility,"
how do I obtain a Visa, how long does it take, and what does
it cost?
Do I need special insurance to train in the
U.S.?
How long may I remain in the U.S. once training
is completed?
Are trainees paid?
What requirements must trainees meet to be accepted
into the program?
What requirements must companies meet to be
accepted into the program?
Is there an orientation for trainees when they
arrive in the U.S.? (housing, etc.)
If my spouse and children will be traveling
with me for training, what type of Visa must they obtain?
Do I need a U.S. social security number and
do I have to pay U.S. taxes?
Can the American Australian Association sponsor an international trainee who was previously in another J-1 training program?
If I have previously had a J-1 visa in a different category, can I apply for the J-1 training visa?
What is a J-1 Visa?
The J-1 Visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United
States temporarily for training purposes as an Exchange Visitor.
It was developed to expose individuals seeking training in
a variety of fields from around the world to the culture and
institutions of the U.S. and to foster better understanding
of the U.S. perspective on a variety of issues. Organizations
that are eligible to sponsor foreign nationals for a J-1 Visa
can set up "Exchange Visitor Programs." These organizations
are designated and oversee by the U.S. Department of State.
Each organization is bound by both federal regulations, which
also govern the J-1 Visa, and the terms of the specific designation
given to them by the U.S. State Department. The U.S. Department
of State authorized the American Australian Association as
an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor in October of 2002 (Program
No. P-3-10060). This permits our organization to issue a "Certificate
of Eligibility" (Form DS-2019) to qualified trainees, allowing
them to train in the United States under a J-1 Visa in the
fields of Arts and Culture; Management, Business, Commerce
and Finance; the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics
and the Industrial Occupations, Information Media & Communications;
and Public Administration and the Law.
What kinds of programs
does the American Australian Association offer?
The Association offers only one program: Visas valid for a
maximum 18-month period, specifically for training in these
skilled non-specialist and specialty areas: Arts and Culture;
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance; the Sciences,
Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and the Industrial
Occupations, Information Media & Communications; and Public
Administration and the Law.
Does the Association
assist trainees in obtaining traineeships?
No. Trainees must obtain their own traineeships. Once a trainee
and host company have agreed on a valid training position,
both parties must contact the Association to obtain application
materials.
How can I find a company
to train with?
Students and Young Professionals interested in practical training
in the U.S. may consult the American Australian Association
list of Platinum
or Gold,
Bronze, and
Affiliate members.
What is the process
to obtain a J-1 Visa?
Once a qualified host company and trainee agree on a valid
training position, both must contact the American Australian
Association to obtain application materials. The Association
will begin review once it receives complete applications (see
Application Checklist Form downloadable above) from both the
Host Company and trainee. If there is no need for further
documentation or clarification and if both the host company
and trainee meet all requirements and have paid all relevant
fees, the Association will issue the DS-2019 to the trainee
which will allow them to obtain the J-1 Visa.
How long does it take
for the Association to process my completed application?
Applications for a J-1 Visa are usually reviewed and a response
determined within four weeks. An expedite fee of $250 may
be paid to an application to be reviewed in 10-15 business
days.
Is the Association's
J-1 Visa program limited to a particular field?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State has authorized the American
Australian Association to issue a "Certificate of Eligibility"
(DS-2019) to qualified non-specialized and specialized trainees
in the fields of Arts and Culture; Management, Business, Commerce
and Finance; the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics
and the Industrial Occupations, Information Media & Communications;
and Public Administration and the Law only.
How much does the program
cost?
Fees for the exchange visitor training program are as follows:
- $1,500 for a program of 18 months
for single applicant, dependant(s) documentation for a J-2
visa - $250 each dependent.
- $250 for expedite fee for non-corporate
members (processing of application in less than 10-15 business
days)
- $150 for the replacement of a lost DS-2019/IAP-66 form.
- $250 administrative fee for J-1 alterations and changes to an approved application
- $35 domestic express delivery fee and $50 international express delivery fee
- Any other additional fees levied by the issuing authority at the time of application for the visa will be met by the applicant.
The program fee is payable in full
at the time the application is submitted to the Association.
It may be paid by international money order, wire transfer,
US drawn check or by any major credit card (should you pay
by credit card an additional 2.5% bank processing fee will
be added).
Since host companies
must be members of the Association, what are the Association's
membership dues?
- Platinum - $10,000
- Gold - $5,000
- Silver - $2,500
- Bronze - $1,000
- Affiliate - $500
Is
there a limit to the length of training in the U.S.?
Yes. Trainees may train for a period of up to 18 months only.
Can any foreign national
apply for a J-1 Visa through the Association?
Yes. Under the Association's program any foreign national
may apply, it is preferable that they have some Australian
or New Zealand connection either through: their Host Company,
residency or educational institutions attended.
Once I receive my DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility," how do I obtain a Visa,
how long does it take, and what does it cost?
You must also pay to SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) processing fee; this payment may be made online or alternate methods. This payment must be received before you can apply to a United States Consulate or Embassy for a visa to the United States. For further information and to pay online please visit https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml
Please check the following section on the Department of State's website: www.state.gov or unitedstatesvisas.gov for information on applying for a J-1 Visa in your home country and where these Consulates and Embassies are located. The fee is US$100. Usually applicants must make advance appointments to apply for a visa.
Do I need special
insurance to train in the U.S.?
U.S. Federal Regulations require that, before arriving in
the United Sates, all J-1 trainees (and any accompanying dependents)
obtain health insurance covering them for the entire length
of training. All insurance coverage must meet the following
limits:
- Medical and Accident $50,000 per
illness/accident or more with a $500 deductible or less
- Medical Evaluation $10,000 or
more
- Repatriation $10,000 or more U.S.
regulations also require that all insurance policies must
be underwritten by an insurance corporation having one or
more of the following ratings:
- A.M. Best rating of "A-" or above;
- Insurance Solvency International,
LTF (ISI) rating of "A-" or above;
- Standard & Poor's Claim-paying
Ability rating of "A-" or above;
- Weiss Research, Inc. rating of
"B+" or above;
- Backed by full faith and credit
of the government of the exchange visitor's home country;
or
- or, be covered by one of the following:
health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees;
a federally qualified health maintenance organization; or
an eligible competitive medical plan as determined by the
Health Care Finance Administration.
When an application is submitted,
the trainee or company must provide the American Australian
Association with proof of coverage meeting all above-noted
minimum requirements. The company's insurance plan or private
insurer may be used. The American Australian Association provides
applicants with information on our recommended insurer, if
neither the trainee's nor company's insurance meets the above
requirements.
How long may I remain
in the U.S. once training is completed?
Trainees are only allowed to remain in the U.S. as tourists
for an additional 30 days after the expiration of their J-1
visa.
Are trainees paid?
U.S. Department of State regulations state that trainees must
receive at least the prevailing minimum wage as set by the
U.S. Department of Labor. The American Australian Association
suggests that the amount paid should be comparable to that
paid individuals having similar education and work experience.
What requirements
must trainees meet to be accepted into the program?
Trainees must:
- You must be at least 18 years
old.
- You must have a formal and definitive
offer from a qualified training entity with offices in the
United States in the fields of Arts and Culture; Management,
Business, Commerce and Finance; the Sciences, Engineering,
Architecture, Mathematics and the Industrial Occupations,
Information Media & Communications; and Public Administration
and the Law.
- For a non-specialty training visa,
you must have completed two years of post-secondary education
or have two years of professional experience.
- For a specialty training visa,
you must have completed a course of study equivalent to
a bachelor's degree or hold the equivalent in professional/work
experience.
What
requirements must companies meet to be accepted into the program?
Companies must:
- Be a member of the American Australian
Association
- Be well-established and sufficiently
structured
- Offer cross-cultural activities
such as company functions, outings to sporting or cultural
events, etc. or an active participant of the Association's
Social and Cultural programs.
- Provide a maintenance allowance
that is at least the prevailing minimum wage
- Provide information to the trainee,
before arrival, information about the traineeship, the company's
geographical region including housing, transportation, living
expenses, medical centers, schools, libraries, banks, recreation
centers, emergency assistance, etc.
- Monitor the program and the welfare
of trainees.
Is
there an orientation for trainees when they arrive in the
U.S.? (housing, etc.)
Companies are required to provide, before trainee arrival,
orientation materials, e.g. information on the traineeship,
the company's geographical region including housing, transportation,
living expenses, medical centers, schools, libraries, banks,
recreation centers, emergency assistance, etc. Orientation
upon arrival is the company's responsibility.
If my spouse and children
will be traveling with me for training, what type of Visa
must they obtain?
Spouses and children of J-1 trainees are issued J-2 Visas
and they are listed on the "Certificate of Eligibility" (Form
DS-2019) that the trainee will take to the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate abroad to obtain his/her J-1 Visa. The J-2 Visa
will be issued at the same time. If spouse and children are
traveling separately, then a separated DS-2019 will be issued
to them. J-2 visa holders are eligible to apply for work permission
if the following requirements are met: " the J-1 visa holder
must maintain his/her status in the U.S. " the money earned
by the J-2 must not be used to support the J-1 visa holder.
All dependents of a J-1 trainee must also be covered by a
health insurance policy meeting all minimum requirements established
by the U.S. Department of State. The American Australian Association
will require proof of health insurance for the J-1 trainee
and all dependents. The visa status of J-2 dependents is determined
by the visa status of the J-1 trainee. If the J-1 trainee
has completed training and leaves the U.S. then the J-2 visa
is automatically cancelled.
Do I need a U.S. social
security number and do I have to pay U.S. taxes?
Yes. Trainees after arrival in the United States should present
themselves at the nearest Social Security Office with their
passport and Form DS-2019. In order to find a Social Security
Office closest to you, please refer to the Social Security
on-line Office Locator
Trainees must also pay U.S. federal and state taxes. State
income taxes vary (and some states do not have an income tax),
but the federal income tax is indexed by the level of your
wage. You should expect to pay about 25 percent of your gross
salary in federal income taxes. Federal and state income taxes
will automatically be deducted from your paycheck by your
employer. Prior to a trainee's arrival in the U.S., the American
Australian Association will send him/her a packet of information
which includes a Social Security letter and application form
and IRS Publication 513 which outlines the procedure for paying
U.S. taxes.
Can the American Australian Association sponsor an international trainee who was previously in another J-1 training program?
No. The U.S. department of State limits J-1 Training Programs to once in a lifetime.
If I have previously had a J-1 visa in a different category, can I apply for the J-1 training visa?
Yes. J-1 trainee applicants who have previously visited the U.S. under other types of J-1 visas, such as Summer Work/Travel, Camp
Counselor or Visiting Scholar can apply for the J-1 training visa.
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