What is the J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa issued by the U.S. Department of State that allows foreign students and professionals to train with an American corporation. The objective of the J-1 visa is to facilitate exchanges that allow individuals from around the world to gain a firsthand understanding of U.S. culture and institutions and to foster a better understanding of the American perspective on a variety of issues.

Requirements for the J-1 Visa:

• From 18 to 30 years old
  
• Capable and comfortable functioning in an English speaking environment (the participant must have the equivalent of a 550 TOEFL) in order to pass the visa interview at the US Consulate and succeed with the Host Company
  
• Interest in a training program that will enhance the academic or career interests
  
• Applicants must have three years of cumulative experience (educational and/or work experience) in a field directly related to the Trainee position.
  
  For example:
  
  • 3 years of education completed in a field directly related to the
    Trainee position, or
  • 2 years of education completed and 1 year of work experience, all in a field directly related to the Trainee position, or
    3 years of work experience in a field directly related to the Trainee position, or
  • 1 year of education and 2 years of work experience, all in a field directly related to the Trainee position.

*If you have been to the U.S. on a J-1 Trainee visa at any time, you are not eligible for this program.

Insurance Information:

U.S. Federal Regulations require that, before arriving in the United States, 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 $500 deductible or less
Medical Evacuation	$10,000 or more
Repatriation	$7,500 or more

H-1B Visa Information

What is an H-1B?

The H-1B is a nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.

What is a specialty occupation?

A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. For example, architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts are specialty occupations.

Is there an annual limit on the number of H-1B aliens?

Yes. The current law limits to 65,000 the number of aliens who may be issued a visa or otherwise provided H-1B status in FY2004. (The numerical limitation was temporarily raised to 195,000 in FY2001, FY2002 and FY2003.)

How does one apply?

• H-1B status requires a sponsoring U.S. employer.
  
• The employer must file a labor condition application (LCA) with the Department of Labor attesting to several items, including payment of prevailing wages for the position, and the working conditions offered.
  
• The employer must then file the certified LCA with a Form I-129 petition plus accompanying fee of $130. (Prior to FY2004, employers were required to submit an additional $1,000 fee to sponsor the H-1B worker, unless specifically exempt.) Based on the USCIS petition approval, the alien may apply for the H-1B visa, admission, or a change of nonimmigrant status.