At the FACC-NY, we sponsor J-1 visa candidates that engage in either a VIE contract or a Non-VIE contract.
VIE Contracts – Le Volontariat International en Entreprise is a program facilitated by the French government that enables French citizens and citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) between ages 18 and 28 to acquire business experience in the United States at French affiliate or partner companies. To be eligible for the VIE program, candidates must first be approved by Business France, a French government entity.
Non-VIE Contracts – An Exchange Visitor completing a J-1 program at a qualifying Host Company in the United States, without the involvement of the French government or Business France.
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 have graduated from a foreign institution no more than 12 months prior to the start date of their 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.
The Host Company must have at least 1 US based full-time employee who works in-person at the training location.
Provide a stipend to the J-1 Exchange Visitor that meets the local, state, or federal minimum wage; whichever is highest (for Non-VIE contracts only).
Have sufficient structure to provide continual, on-site supervision of the J-1 Exchange Visitor through the entirety of the Intern/Trainee program.
Become a member of a French-American Chamber of Commerce chapter in the United States for the entire duration of the J-1 visa program.
Ensure that professional training does not constitute employment, or constitute work that could be performed by a US based employee.
Companies without a US presence can host through a local business partner (on a case by case basis, subject to review by the FACC-NY).
The FACC-NY invites Host Companies 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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