Exchange Visitor Program Eligibility

Last updated July 6th, 2023

The J-1 visa program encourages cultural exchange by allowing exchange visitors to come to the United States for up to 12 months as Interns or for up to 18 months as Trainees to participate in full time, paid, practical training programs at eligible FACC member companies. These programs are extremely beneficial for both candidates and host companies and serve to further diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the world.

Candidate Eligibility

J-1 Intern: Exchange Visitors who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution outside the United States OR have graduated from such an institution within the past 12 months. Intern programs are limited to 12 months.

J-1 Trainee: Exchange Visitors who have a relevant degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary institution outside the United States AND at least one year of relevant full-time work experience outside the United States. Trainee programs are limited to 18 months.

Please consult our Accepted Academic Institutions Guidelines for more information on education/work experience approved by the FACC-NY.

Company Eligibility

To begin a J-1 visa application, the FACC-NY must first confirm that the host company meets the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program eligibility requirements. 

You will find below a list of the most important eligibility requirements for host companies:

• Intern/Trainee Program must be paid at least the local prevailing minimum wage;
• Intern/Trainee Program must be on a full-time basis (32 – 40 hours per week);
• Intern/Trainee Program is a bona-fide training program and does not constitute work; the candidate has to be supervised at all times by the designated responsible supervisor;
• Hosting company must provide opportunities for the exchange visitor to experience American culture, in accordance with the purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. See our Recommended Cultural Activities for more information.
• Hosting company must agree to pay the FACC-NY administrative fees;
• Hosting Company must have valid FACC membership to their local chapter (minimum level varies depending on chapter);
• To host an Intern, host company needs to have at least 3 full-time employees (NB: does not include EVs, interns, contractors…) at the site of activity for each Exchange Visitor in which at least 2 must be American citizens or green card holders.
• To host a Trainee, host company needs to have at least 5 full-time employees (NB: does not include EVs, interns, contractors…) at the site of activity for each Exchange Visitor in which at least 2 must be American citizens or green card holders. 

For full host company eligibility requirements, please consult the Host Company Eligibility Checklist as well as the FACC-NY EVP Guidelines.

For questions concerning candidate or host company eligibility please contact coordinator@faccnyc.org

If your company does not current meet minimum hosting requirements or if the French company does not yet have a fully established U.S. subsidiary in the U.S. also contact icdp@faccnyc.org as some exceptions within U.S. Department of State regulations could be made.

Ready to launch your application with the FACC-NY? Please consult our How to Apply page!