Join the FACC and access our comprehensive range of experiences, networks and opportunities. Join now
Join the FACC and access our comprehensive range of experiences, networks and opportunities. Join now
Join the FACC and access our comprehensive range of experiences, networks and opportunities. Join now

Become a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor

Since 1983, the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC-NY) has been a US Department of State accredited J-1 visa sponsor through the Bridge USA program,assisting young professionals worldwide to engage in professional and cultural exchange in the US.

J-1 visa Exchange Visitors have the opportunity to build invaluable skills through cultural immersion, professional development, and personal growth during their J-1 visa mission, creating a new horizon for an international career.

The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program was created under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright-Hays Act) with the purpose of promoting mutual understanding between Americans and foreign nationals.

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category for Interns or Trainees, requiring participants to return to their home country upon completion of their mission. All participants must adhere to a full-time schedule, receive supervision by the Host Company, and be compensated at least the local minimum wage. At the FACC-NY, we can sponsor Intern/Trainee missions in the following occupational categories:

  • Business, Commerce & Finance
  • The Sciences & Engineering
  • Information, Media & Communications
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Public Administration & Law

(1) Initial Contact & Prescreening

Once you’ve secured a US internship or training role, reach out to FACC-NY at icdp@faccnyc.org 6-8 weeks before your visa start date with your CV to assess eligibility and begin the application process. Note : prescreening doesn’t ensure approval of your application.

(2) Application Launch

Once the FACC-NY has predetermined your eligibility and prescreened your Host Company (if they have not previously hosted a J-1 visa Exchange Visitor through the FACC-NY), we will send you the link to the Application Start Form.

(3) Submission of Application Materials

Once the Application Start Form is received by our team, your Account Manager will provide you with a unique upload link, enabling both you and your Host Company to submit the required documentation. J-1 visa candidates have 48 hours to upload documents.

(4) Application Processing

Your Account Manager will review your application materials and confirm your eligibility for either the Intern or Trainee Program Category.

(5) Pre-Departure Orientation Interview

After your eligibility has been confirmed and we have received all required Host Company documents, your Account Manager will invite you to schedule the Pre-Departure Orientation Interview in English.

(6) Final Review & Issuing of DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility

After passing the Pre-Departure Orientation Interview in English, the FACC-NY reviews your application for completion and accuracy. Upon approval, your Account Manager will email your SEVIS number and DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility.

(7) US Embassy Appointment

Upon receipt of your SEVIS number and DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility, you must book the visa appointment at a US Embassy. Once your visa is approved by a US Consular Official, allow 3-5 days to receive your J-1 visa.

The FACC-NY invites J-1 visa candidates to explore the fees associated with the J-1 visa program.

Have a read through some of our FAQs related to the J-1 visa program.

The VIE (Le Volontariat International en Entreprise) program is an international internship experience for French citizens or citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) between the ages of 18 and 28 supported by Business France and the French Embassy.

The VIE program includes the following benefits:

   •  J-1 Interns/Trainees are provided health insurance coverage for the entirety of their program in the US

   •  Throughout the J-1 visa program, Interns/Trainees receive a monthly stipend, which is not taxed in France.

For more information regarding Business France’s VIE program, please contact them here: Contact Business France VIE My International Internship

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33 W 46th St STE 800,
New York, NY 10036

By appointment only

(212) 867-0123