Visa Candidates • French-American Chamber of Commerce

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.

Discover Our J-1 Visa Program

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

Intern

J-1 visa candidates applying to the Intern Program Category must meet the following criteria:

Currently enrolled full-time and actively pursuing relevant studies at a foreign accredited university or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States.

Or graduated from a foreign institution no more than 12 months prior to the start date of their J-1 visa program.

Intern visas have a maximum duration of 12 months for the J-1 visa program.

Trainee

J-1 visa candidates applying to the Trainee Program Category must meet the following criteria:

Possess a relevant degree or professional certificate from a ministerially recognized post-secondary institution outside the United States AND have at least 52 weeks of full-time relevant work experience outside the United States.

Or have at least five years of relevant full-time work experience gained outside the United States.

Trainee visas have a maximum duration of 18 months for the J-1 visa program

Application Process & Timeline

(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.

Program Fees

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

Program Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

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

J-1 Visa FAQ

Business France’s VIE 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

J-1 Visa Success Stories

“A huge thanks to the FACC for making this program easy, and providing assistance as needed during my time in the US.” – Julien Chesnot, Boiron Inc

“I have the great opportunity to work with an amazing team who immediately embraced me and helped boost my self-confidence at work, which can be challenging when moving to a foreign country and adapting to work in a different language.” – Justine Grossnickel, Saint-Gobain North America

“Thanks to this experience, I’m learning to speak a new language, increasing my open-mindedness and becoming more adaptable and flexible.” – Thibault Cheminet, Forvia

“This program offers unparalleled professional experience, the opportunity to gain real-world work experience in your field at a U.S. company or organization is invaluable.” – Jean-Baptiste Bonnet, Roche Bobois US

“FACC-NY provided me with some key information about the J-1 visa process, life in the United States, things to do while in the US, etc. Many things that are not often officially said outside FACC-NY, and that are good to know and to be warned about before going to the US.” – Francois Saulgeot, Saint-Gobain

“I wholeheartedly recommend the FACC as a J-1 visa sponsor. Their commitment to assisting applicants through every stage of the process, coupled with their expertise and resources, makes them an invaluable partner for anyone embarking on a J-1 visa journey”. – Romane Birchler, Safran Aerosystems Evacuation

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