The J1 (Exchange Visitor Visa) Trainee program is a program which allows foreign nationals to reside in the USA as a trainee for generally 12-18 months. The training programs can include a variety of fields including IT, hospitality and finance. Keep in mind that trainees are people who at least have a degree from an institution outside of USA and have had at least one year of experience in that very field and are pursuing your master’s degree and want to have some professional experience.

Learn more about the Exchange Visitor Visa here.

 

Individuals who complete training programs can do so in a variety of fields, ranging from engineering to hospitality to science. This means that going on a J-1 visa training program is likely a possibility for you, regardless of your professional field. To qualify for a J-1 Traineeship Program, participants must between the ages of 18 – 35 and meet the criteria of being a recent graduate from an institution at the Associates level or higher with at least 12 months of related work experience outside of the United States.

The trainee program comes with several benefits. From building networking opportunities to securing a better job in the future, trainee programs help to enhance skill, and bring out more professionalism in your field of work from your potential.

You already know that building your resumé or CV is important for future job searches. If you want to advance in your career, it is critical that you gain relevant skills and try out advanced opportunities. Demonstrating that you have had quality professional experience (in fields like finance and technology) will certainly help your application. And a J1 trainee program will definitely help on that. The sectors eligible for obtaining a J1 Trainee visa are:

  • Agriculture
  • Arts and Culture
  • Construction and Building
  • Health
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Management, Trade, and Finance
  • Engineering
  • Architecture

It’s also beneficial to network with people in your field of work. Connecting with people all over the world is priceless. The economy is global, and having relationships from all around the world will benefit you in any area. Amazing things happen when people bring varied ideas to the table and resolve to work together. Who knows where developing foreign connections will take you. The trainee program offers that networking opportunity too! Additionally, when you travel abroad, you have access to a whole new collection of resources. You may open a lot of new doors just by being in a new place if you have an exploring attitude and the bravery to inquire.

Trainees are not permitted to work in unskilled or casual labor positions, positions requiring or involving childcare or elder care, or positions requiring or involving patient care or contact. Sponsors must also not assign trainees to jobs that require more than 20% clerical or office support work. It is strictly forbidden to use the Exchange Visitor Program for regular employment or work purposes. Sponsors are not allowed to place trainees in positions that are currently occupied or will be occupied by full-time or part-time employees. In addition, the training cannot replace a trainee’s previous work experience or training.