| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Last updated April 09, 2008 |
About the Program What occupational categories does AILF sponsor? AILF is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 training programs in the following occupations: Public Administration and Law How long can the J-1 training program be? J-1 Training programs can last between a minimum of 3 weeks to a maximum of 18 months for trainees, 12 months for interns. Can a portion of the J-1 training program take place outside the U.S.? The J-1 visa is issued for training within the United States. The training is expected to be continuous. A primary purpose of the program is for the international trainee to experience the cultural values of the U.S. Therefore, activity outside the U.S. must first be approved by AILF’s responsible officer and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Can international trainees travel outside of the U.S. during the J-1 training program? Yes. However, AILF must endorse their original DS-2019 form to show they are in good standing on the J-1 training program. Click here for current fees. AILF J-1 Exchange Visitor Program fees include:
AILF reserves the right to refund part of the application fee at its discretion in the event of withdrawal, denial, or cancellation. The $100 SEVIS fee and $550 expedite fee are non-refundable. How fast is the expedite service? AILF will review documents for all expedited applications within 5 business days. How will web cam interviews affect processing times? EVP must interview all applicants as part of the approval process. The interviews seldom delay final approval, but scheduling will depend on the applicant’s availability. How long is AILF’s regular processing time? It takes 10 to 12 business days to review nonexpedited applications. About
the J-1 Trainee Click here for eligibility requirements. The minimum age is 21 years old at the commencement of the J-1 training program. The J-1 visa is granted with the assumption that international trainees will return to their home countries and implement the newly acquired skills and knowledge. Therefore, international training candidates approaching the age of retirement are unlikely to receive the J-1 visa from the U.S. consulate. Does part-time or volunteer work count as work experience? The amount of time spent in part-time or volunteer work directly related to the field of proposed training must total at least one year in order to substitute for full-time experience. How many letters verifying past employment are necessary? Any number of letters that verify a total of at least 12 months of employment for trainees with a degree OR any number of letters that verify a total of at least 5 years of employment for trainees without a degree. Does self-employment count as acceptable work experience? Yes, but to verify this employment, documentation verifying that the candidate has worked in the field of the proposed J-1 training program for at least 2 years must be submitted with the application. Examples of supportive documentation include: reference letters from clients, articles of incorporation, tax documents, insurance forms, etc. Are original signatures necessary from the J-1 trainee applicant, or are faxes sufficient? Original signatures are preferred. Faxed signatures will be accepted if they are followed by submission of the original signature. About
Other Visas The U.S. Department of State requires a 2 year waiting period between successive J-1 training programs. If I 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, Visiting Scholar, etc., may apply for the J-1 training visa. Can a foreign national who is presently in the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visa apply for a J-1 trainee or intern visa? Yes, they may submit an application to AILF, but upon acceptance for a J-1 training program they must return to their home countries to apply for the J-1 visa at the U.S. consulate. Will AILF accept an application from an international trainee who plans to change visa status from J-1 to a different visa category? All AILF sponsored international trainees must sign an agreement not to change visa status while on the J-1 visa. Is the J-1 visa a viable alternative for
workers excluded by the H-1B visa cap? About
the Host Company We require a prospective J-1 training company to have been in operation for at least 2 years. This indicates that the company is a stable business that can accommodate an international trainee who may be with them for up to 18 months. What are the minimum qualifications of a prospective host company? Click here for eligibility requirements.
AILF sponsors programs for hosts of all sizes. Small organizations must have a large enough revenue and number of employees to be able to train an additional person. Companies must have at least 10 full-time employees to be considered for participation in AILF's Exchange Visitor Program. Is there a limit as to how much
an international trainee can receive in the form of remuneration? Return to AILF's Exchange Visitor Program homepage |
