|
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 Diane Karlin at
dkarlin@babinc.org.
BABC 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.
Site visits: The purpose of a site visit is for the Program Sponsor
to ensure that the host organization possesses and maintains the ability
and resources to provide structured and guided work-based learning
experiences according to the individualized Trainee’s Placement Plan.
The site visit and screening is conducted by a designated BABC officer
to satisfy the criteria from the US State Department. A site visit is
required if the member company is applying to use the program for the
first time.
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) All trainees must be qualified to receive the training by virtue
of their academic background and experience. Trainees must have either
A) a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary academic
institution outside the U.S. and at least one year prior related work
experience in his or her occupational field; or B) five years of work
experience outside the U.S. in his or her occupational 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?
The Program covers a wide range of fields, including:
- 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 Visa Forms
 |
J1 Visa Application |
|
|
J1 Visa Instructions |
|
|
J1 Visa Insurance Certification |
|
|
J1 Visa Insurance Information |
| 
