The AILF Exchange Visitor Program sponsors the J-1 visa for partnerships between international professionals or interns and U.S companies.

The J-1 visa is an "exchange visitor" visa. This visa allows eligible international professionals or interns to receive training at companies in the United States for a select length of time.

American companies hosting international trainees and interns through AILF's Exchange Visitor Program can improve their worldwide business contacts and expand the company's presence in the international marketplace, while participating in a valuable cross-cultural exchange.

International trainees and interns sponsored by AILF's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program have the opportunity to gain valuable career training, while at the same time learning about life in the United States.

International training provides the opportunity to combine the best ideas from two countries to produce an exciting synergy. J-1 trainees and interns return home with new career skills and a greater appreciation for American people and culture; the U.S. company gains greater knowledge and appreciation for the exchange visitor's business practices, country, and culture. Participating in international training is a form of direct diplomacy that fosters international cooperation and understanding.

AILF is now designated to sponsor J visas for both international interns and international trainees. Please refer to the eligibility requirements to determine if you or your client qualify in either category.

• NOTICE REGARDING IWT PILOT PROGRAM
  A memorandum of understanding between the US and Irish governments concerning reciprocal exchange was signed on September 24, 2008. Learn more about the resulting twelve-month Irish Work and Travel Pilot Program for post-secondary students and recent graduates here.
• NOTICE REGARDING SEVIS FEE INCREASE

The U.S. government recently increased the SEVIS fee for trainees and interns from $100 to $180. Click here for a breakdown of AILF's program fees.

• NOTICE REGARDING NEW HOST SITE VERIFICATION FEE

  Federal J-1 program regulations require that host companies with fewer than 25 employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue be visited by an AILF representative prior to approval of the first AILF sponsored J-1 application. Effective Monday, August 11, 2008, the New Host Site Verification Fee covers the administrative expense of vetting small first time host organizations. Please note that companies new to the AILF Exchange Visitor Program are not eligible for the expedite service. Fee information can be found here.

• NOTICE REGARDING JULY 2007 RULE CHANGE
  Government regulations for exchange visitor trainee and intern programs changed effective July 19, 2007. Read a summary of the regulatory changes. For the most up-to-date information concerning these and other changes, please consult AILF Exchange Visitor Program staff.