Welcome to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. We facilitate enriching cultural and educational experiences for international participants and U.S. host organizations. Our goal is to promote understanding and foster connections through diverse programs. For comprehensive information, support, and to get involved, explore our resources.
We welcome your inquiries and look forward to assisting you with any questions related to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
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.
If you have additional inquiries or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We are here to assist you and provide the information you need.