This section outlines the fees associated with the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. It elucidates each component, ensuring you are fully informed of your financial obligations as you engage in this enriching cultural exchange experience.
Reviewing J-1 visa applications and related documents, DS-2019 issuance, offering orientations, insurance coordination, monitoring and support, cultural exchange facilitation.
All J-1 participants must have insurance throughout their programs. The insurance provided by Amlotus LLC surpasses the minimum program requirements.
Mandatory U.S. government fee to fund the operation of the U.S. government’s SEVIS, which oversees the SEVIS database. This fee must be paid online before attending the visa interview.
| Additional Fees & Required Funds | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Participants should plan for monthly living costs while in the United States. Actual expenses vary by location and lifestyle, but estimated monthly costs may include:
Some internship or training placements may offer a stipend to help offset living expenses. Stipend amounts vary by host organization and location and typically range from:
To ensure a successful program experience, participants are encouraged to: Create a personal budget to manage stipends and savings effectively Maintain access to additional funds of at least $2,000 USD (personal savings or family support) Open a U.S. bank account upon arrival for easier financial management
We offer a variety of convenient payment methods to make your experience seamless. Choose from credit card payments, bank transfers, or PayPal options to meet your preferences. This flexibility ensures that all participants and host organizations can easily manage their fees.
Understanding financial aid options is vital for your journey. Our scholarships and discounts help make the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program more accessible. Each option aims to reduce costs and support your cultural exchange experience. For detailed information on specific scholarships and eligibility criteria, please explore the sections below.
We offer a range of scholarships specifically designed for eligible participants. These scholarships aim to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with the program, making it easier to engage in your cultural exchange experience.
Various discounts are available for program participants based on their circumstances. These opportunities ensure you can enjoy the full benefits of your exchange without excessive financial pressure.
Our support team is here to help you navigate financial aid applications. From answering questions to providing necessary documentation, we ensure you have the assistance needed for successful enrollment.
Taking advantage of our financial aid resources can significantly enhance your experience. Participate fully in activities and cultural exchanges without the worry of costs piling up.
Amlotus helps U.S. businesses and organizations benefit from hosting international professionals for structured training programs. As a U.S. Department of State-designated BridgeUSA sponsor, we provide J-1 Visa sponsorship to eligible international interns and trainees. We handle the regulatory compliance, vet the candidates, and issue the necessary visa documents (Form DS-2019) to allow them to train at your company.
The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued through the BridgeUSA Program (formerly the Exchange Visitor Program). It allows foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to participate in educational and cultural exchange programs. Amlotus specifically sponsors the “Intern” and “Trainee” categories, allowing participants to gain professional experience in their field of study or career.
The difference lies in the participant’s education and experience level:
Interns: Current students enrolled in a degree-granting post-secondary institution outside the U.S. or recent graduates who graduated within the past 12 months.
Trainees: Professionals who have a degree plus at least one year of related work experience, or five years of related work experience without a degree.
Payments for program fees are typically due upon acceptance into the program or as specified by the program sponsor. It is crucial to review the payment schedule outlined in the program materials.
Generally, there are no program or placement fees charged to the Host Organization; most program fees are covered by the participant. However, if your organization has fewer than 25 employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue, federal regulations require us to perform a Site Visit. There is a one-time fee of $250 for this visit. If your company is approved and you successfully host a participant, no additional site visit fees are required for future placements.
Host Organizations must provide a structured training plan (Form DS-7002) that offers substantive professional development. The training cannot be unskilled labor or ordinary employment. You must also have sufficient resources, equipment, and trained personnel to provide ongoing supervision and mentoring to the intern or trainee.
Yes. While this is a cultural exchange program, Amlotus requires that Host Organizations provide a stipend to assist with living expenses. The amount varies by location, but typical stipends range from $2,000 to $2,500 per month. This ensures the participant can afford housing, food, and transportation during their stay without financial hardship.
J-1 Interns and Trainees are generally subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. However, they are typically exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare taxes, as well as Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA). We recommend consulting with your corporate tax advisor or payroll specialist to ensure compliant withholding.
No, Host Organizations are not required to provide housing. However, finding short-term furnished accommodation can be difficult for international visitors. Amlotus provides housing referrals and guidance to participants, but we highly encourage Host Organizations to offer advice or local leads to help their interns settle in quickly.
The duration depends on the specific visa category:
Interns: Can participate for up to 12 months.
Trainees: Can participate for up to 18 months (except for Hospitality/Tourism programs, which are limited to 12 months).
All programs must be full-time (minimum of 32 hours per week).
No. The J-1 Visa is strictly for training and cultural exchange, not for labor. Federal regulations prohibit using J-1 participants to displace American workers or to fill ordinary employment positions (such as unskilled or casual labor). The participant must follow a structured training plan (Form DS-7002) that you develop with them.
Yes. Amlotus conducts a mandatory screening process to ensure all participants have sufficient proficiency in the English language to function in an English-speaking environment. They must be able to understand their training tasks and interact effectively with your team and customers.
If you require additional information or support, we’re just a message away.