| J1 Visa |
| |
If you are transferring staff to the United States from anywhere in the world, our J1 Visa Program may well offer you a very expedient, easy and cost-effective solution. We offer this Program exclusively to members of BABC chapters. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) , as well as applications and insurance information, are found below. |
| |
For further information on the J1 Visa Program please contact your local BABC chapter or Alice Mount at amount@babinc.org. |
| J1 (Exchange Visitor) Program FAQs |
| |
What is the Purpose of the Program? |
| |
To provide an expedient, cost-effective way for member companies of the BABC in the United States to bring qualified executives into the US for up to 18 months of training and work experience. |
| |
How does a Member Company Qualify for the Program? |
| |
The company needs to: |
| |
1. |
be a member of a chapter of the BABC in the US; and |
| |
2. |
either be doing business between the US and the UK, through a parent or subsidiary company; or if the company does not have a presence in the UK through a parent or subsidiary relationship, the company must intend to establish a UK office, thereby justifying their need to bring a UK-based executive into the USA for training and work experience. |
| |
How does an Executive Qualify for the Program? |
| |
1. |
There are no age or nationality restrictions. However, non-British executives must either be a resident of the UK or already be employed by the applicant company. |
| |
2. |
Participants must have achieved, by academic study and/or work experience, a minimum competency requirement in the relevant field. |
| |
3. |
Executives must have the intention of continuing to do business with the member company upon completion of the training, by being employed by the member company in the UK or country of residence. |
| |
What Fields can be Covered by the Program? |
| |
|
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industry
Information, Media & Communications; and Law |
| |
How Much Does It Cost? |
| |
|
The application fee is $1,500. |
| |
How long does it take the BABC to process a completed application for sponsorship? |
| |
|
Completed applications are normally processed within five business days upon receipt at the BABC Secretariat’s office. |
| |
What happens after the BABC processes my application? |
| |
|
We will issue a DS 2019 (certificate of eligibility for a J-1 Trainee Visa) and send to the sponsor company to forward to the trainee. The trainee makes an appointment with their local US Embassy/Consulate to get approval on the visa. The embassy will then return the trainee’s passport to the trainee along with visa. |
| |
How long does it take to have the visa issued at the consulate? |
| |
|
There is no definite time, but allow at least 3 weeks to secure an interview and approval with the Embassy or Consulate. |
| |
How much does it cost to obtain the visa at the consulate? |
| |
|
These filing fees and instructions are subject to change and we recommend all trainees contact their local embassies and consulates for the latest information and instructions. |
| |
Must the trainee return to his or her home country in order to obtain the visa at the consulate? |
| |
|
We recommend that the trainee be in their home country to obtain the visa – to avoid delays and complications. |
| |
What are the U.S. minimum insurance requirements for J-1 trainees? |
| |
|
Each trainee and any accompanying family member must have health insurance that meets the following minimum requirements: |
| |
|
- Medical expenses to $50,000 per year
- Repatriation of remains (at least $7,500)
- Expenses associated with medical evacuation to home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
|
| |
How would you define a training opportunity? |
| |
|
An opportunity through which the trainee would gain in-depth skills, knowledge and experience about US business practices that they could not get in their home country. |
| |
How long can I remain in the host country after the completion of my training? |
| |
|
Upon completion of the training, the trainee may stay up to 30 days as a visitor whereupon they must leave the country. |
| |
|
In some cases the trainee may be subject to the 2-year home residency requirement (usually developing countries that have skills shortages). Trainees may apply for a waiver to the 2-year home residency requirement. |
 |
| Note: This FAQ is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions about this Program. More information about the Program and its requirements can be obtained from your local chapter of the BABC. |
J1 VSA Forms |
| |
 |
J1 Visa Application |
| |
|
J1 Visa Instructions |
| |
|
J1 Visa Insurance Certification |
| |
|
J1 Visa Insurance Information |
