Trainee/Intern Program

Step 1: Understanding Sponsorship

Any foreign national whom you would like to invite to the U.S. for training at your company must first be accepted by an officially designated organization that helps ensure that the trainee and the proposed training satisfy all visa requirements. Only U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors like CICD are authorized to issue to your prospective trainee the Certificate of Eligibility that he or she needs to obtain the J-1 Trainee Visa.

Step 2: Understanding the J-1 Visa Program

The purpose of the J-1 Visa Program for trainees is to provide international participants with opportunities for professional development, and insight into American know-how in the field of training for a greater understanding of American society and culture. J-1 Trainees are expected to share the cross-cultural and professional knowledge they have gained in the U.S. upon returning to their home country at the end of the training. The J-1 Program is also intended to allow American businesses and individuals to learn about the culture and expertise of the participant's home country.
Using the J-1 Visa Program to fill the position of a regular staff member and/or to immigrate into the U.S. is strictly prohibited by U.S. Department of State regulations.

Step 3: Checking Requirements

To be eligible for hosting a CICD-sponsored J-1 Trainee, your company needs to: If you are still searching for qualified candidates, please contact us as we may be able to assist you. Provide the trainee with a structured training program that must both be suitable to his or her qualifications and background and be approved by CICD (as required by J-1 Program regulations). We will assist you in developing an adequate training syllabus. Ensure that the trainee is engaged in training and does not perform ordinary work that a part-time or full-time staff member of the company would otherwise be responsible for. J-1 Trainees may not make final decisions about, or carry the full responsibility for, major tasks, assignments or projects. However, they may provide assistance in these matters since on-the-job training is encouraged as an important learning tool.
Offer training up to 18 months in one of the following subject fields: Information, Media, Communications, Management, Business, Commerce, Finance, the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Industrial Occupations, Public Administration or Law.
Click here for more information about the types of training that CICD sponsors on the J-1 Program.

Step 4: Applying for the J-1 Visa and Making Final Arrangements

Your trainee submits the Certificate of Eligibility along with other application materials to the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over his or her place of permanent residence. Please be aware that the processing of the application may take up to four or more weeks in some countries and that the U.S. embassy or consulate provides no guarantee that the J-1 Visa will be issued to your trainee.
Once your trainee obtains the J-1 Visa, he or she may then travel to the U.S. to begin the training. CICD will be there to respond to any questions, concerns, or problems you may have in connection with your trainee's training program.