J-1 Visa Program
J-1 Regulations
![employee on ipad drawing](/sites/default/files/styles/460w/public/images/2023-04/send-employee-to-us-on-ipad-drawing.jpg?itok=2M-egFmt)
A Look Inside The J-1 Visa Program
The U.S. Department of State introduced the J-1 Visa more than 45 years ago to promote international exchange and cultural understanding. The U.S. Department of State:
- Approves and issues visas through embassies in a participant’s home country. International professionals apply for a J-1 Trainee Visa, good for 18 months. The American Embassy also issues J-2 Visas for dependents.
- Grants a set number of eligibility certificates – called Form DS-2019 – to qualified sponsors, including CIEE
- Oversees the program, and sets and enforces rules to guarantee that visa holders are supported and are benefiting from cultural exchange
- Requires an approved training plan – called Form DS-7002 – to ensure proper professional development. Learn more
![team meeting with computers white board](/sites/default/files/styles/460w/public/images/2023-04/international-professional-in-meeting-room.jpg?itok=I3yVBnEM)
Host Organizations
Host organizations include American businesses, nonprofits, government offices, and educational institutions. The host organization:
- Offers positions that promote professional development and exchange
- Creates the DS-7002 training plan as part of the application process
- Supervises and trains participants during the program by executing the training plan
- Provides opportunities for cultural exchange for participants
J-1 Visa Sponsors
CIEE is one of the largest J-1 visa sponsors entrusted by the U.S. government to manage the program, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and that rigorous quality standards are met.