How Long Will J-1 Visa Last For Business And Industrial Trainees?

J-1 visas are available for persons wishing to visit the United States to become involved in an employment or professional training program held by a private company or a nonprofit company and the program participation can be paid or unpaid by the sponsoring company.  Most companies will team up with a J-1 approved sponsor educational facility to more readily set up access the J-1 visas for prospective international students.  To be eligible for a J-1 visa the students must be admitted to an exchange program approved by the United States Department of State through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Requirements

Students granted a J-1 visa must be planning to participate in an approved, work based or professional training program in their professional mitier and (1) they must have a degree or a professional certificate and at least one year of on the job work experience in the specific field or (2) they must have at least five years of on the job work experience in that specific field.  Those people hoping to get a J-1 visa a second time to attend a second training program in the United States will be required to spend at least two years outside the United States before they can again qualify for another J-1 visa.

How Long Do They Last?

Business and industrial trainees would be issued a J-1 visa allowing them to remain inside the United States for a maximum of eighteen months.  Trainees involved in some kind of airplane or flight training program may expect to remain inside the United States for the training program for approximately twenty four months.  Those students enrolled in flight training programs will need to provide additional documentation of the flight program they are attending and all of their related plans while visiting the United States for security reasons.

Getting Legal Help

If you or your employee is interested in applying for a J-1 visa in order to participate in a professional training program concerning your business or industry profession which is being offered by a sponsor educational facility approved by the United States Department of State then it may be helpful to obtain the guidance and experience of an immigration lawyer in sorting out the correct forms and documentation to successfully obtain the J-1 visas for your employees.  The process of applying for international visas can be complicated and certain individuals may encounter difficulties that a lawyer can easily clear up.