Resumption of the Exchange Visitor Program
Following the October 25th Presidential Proclamation lifting Schengen area travel restrictions effective November 8th, 2021, the French-American Chamber of Commerce – New York (FACC-NY) will resume the processing of J-1 Exchange Visitor applications, effective immediately.
As your trusted J-1 visa sponsor, the FACC-NY remains committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of all program participants. We will continue to provide the most timely and up-to-date information as we work with Host Companies and Exchange Visitors to safely begin new programs.
For more information about the resumption of the program, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions below.
For next steps to apply for the Exchange Visitor Program, please see below:
New applications: please send your resume/CV to coordinator@faccnyc.org so our team can pre-determine your eligibility for the Exchange Visitor Program.
Pending applications (initiated from March to June 2020): please email icdp@faccnyc.org with the subject line: PENDING J-1 VISA REQUEST: Last Name – Host Company
The ICDP team will respond with next steps and required documentation to complete your pending request.
Thank you and we look forward to welcoming Exchange Visitors to the United States!
Frequently Asked Questions
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When can an applicant begin their program in the United States?
Generally, it takes between 6-8 weeks to process a request. Processing times depend largely on when application materials are submitted and the completeness of the application.
Please note that this timeline does not include the wait time for an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in your home country. The FACC does not have control over embassy wait times – we urge all applicants to book the earliest possible appointment and check back frequently for cancellations.
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If an applicant started their J-1 visa request with the FACC-NY in 2020 and it was postponed, do they need to re-submit any documents to the FACC-NY?
Yes, we will need updated documents for all pending applications.
Once your program dates are confirmed, email icdp@faccnyc.org for a full list of required documentation and instructions for submitting your updated documents with the subject line: PENDING J-1 VISA REQUEST: Last Name – Host Company
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If an applicant has already completed a Pre-Departure Interview with the FACC, do they need to complete this step again?
Yes. Even if an applicant already passed their pre-departure interview last year, they will need to complete a refresher interview to ensure they are familiar with all J-1 visa regulations.
Please review: The EVP Orientation Guide, EVP Guidelines and your DS-7002 training plan.
Applicants will need to be intimately familiar with the contents of these documents as the Consular Officer may ask specific questions about them.
Applicants’ FACC-NY Account Manager will reach out to schedule a time for the refresher pre-departure interview once their updated application materials are received.
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If an applicant launched their Intern visa request in 2020 and is no longer eligible for the Intern program, can they pursue a Trainee visa instead?
It depends. Applicants should contact their FACC Account Manager to verify their eligibility for the Trainee program.
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What sanitary procedures do I need to follow to enter the United States?
Per the Presidential Proclamation issued on October 25th, 2021, all fully vaccinated travelers will be permitted to enter the United States starting November 8th, 2021. Travelers will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination before boarding their flight to the U.S.
CDC vaccination requirements can be found here.
