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| Two Ethiopian NGO leaders with the Cleveland International Program |
J-1 VISA INFORMATION
CIPUSA is a United States Department of State authorized
J-1 sponsoring organization. CIPUSA has the ability
to issue the required documents needed to obtain a J-1
visa and to facilitate training programs for international
professionals in the United States.
What is a J-1 visa?
A J-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa issued by the
U.S. Department of State that allows foreign professionals
to train with an American organization for 1-18 months.
The J-1 visa is intended to facilitate exchanges that
allow individuals from around the world to gain an understanding
of U.S. culture, work practices and institutions. To
train in the United States legally you are required
to have a J-1 training visa. CIPUSA is authorized by
the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 training sponsor.
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant exchange visitor’s
training visa that is valid for a specific period of
time, no more than eighteen months. Non-immigrant status
implies that the trainee will not stay in the United
States when the training program is complete and intends
to return to his or her country of citizenship.
CIPUSA does not allow trainees to work during their
training programs. Use of the Exchange Visitors Program
for ordinary employment or work purposes is strictly
prohibited.
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What is the purpose of J-1
programs?
The purpose of J-1 exchange programs is to increase
mutual understanding and provide opportunities for cultural
and professional learning between citizens of the United
States and citizens of other countries by means of educational
cultural exchange. CIPUSA’s focus is on enhancing
the exchange visitor’s skills in his or her specialty
occupation through participation in a structured training
program.
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In what training fields can CIPUSA
provide J-1 sponsorship?
CIPUSA can arrange training programs in a variety of
fields for up to 18 months.
Training fields include:
Architecture
Business
Commerce
Communications
Education**
Engineering
Finance
Health Related Occupations*
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Information Media
Law
Library Science
Management
Public Administration
Social Services and Counseling*
Social Work
Special Education* |
*CIPUSA can provide trainees with
positions in health related occupations, such as learning
how to create and use medical devices or learning about
program planning and implementation in health education.
CIPUSA regretfully cannot offer programs that involve
physical interaction with patients or direct patient
care.
**CIPUSA can arrange
for training for those interested in curriculum development
or educational administration. CIPUSA regretfully cannot
offer programs that involve direct teaching.
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CIPUSA CRITERIA FOR J-1 VISA SPONSORSHIP
Applicant must meet the following criteria:
• Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
• Have a university degree or a professional certificate.
• Be proficient in speaking, reading and writing
English. For those applying from countries where
English is not the first language, a TOEFL score is
required unless waived by the interviewer.
Applicants must have a score of 500 or higher on the
written test or a 250 or higher on the computer-based
test. We prefer however the test of spoken English
(TSE) with a score of 50 or higher.
• Have experience in the desired field of training.
CIPUSA prefers candidates to have at least
three years of experience but may make exceptions for
graduate student applicants.
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If I have been on a previous J-1 visa may I
apply again?
CIPUSA will not accept applicants who have previously
been on a J-1 training program. As is stated by the
U.S. Department of State, J-1 training trainees may
participate in only one training program per lifetime.
If you were on a J-1 visa for a work and travel, au
pair, or a student program you may apply for a J-1 training
visa since it would be your first time, however the
maximum lifetime limit for a J-1 visa is 18 months.
For example, if you participated in a J-1 work and travel
visa for 6 months and would like to participate in a
J-1 training program, your maximum program length would
be 12 months.
How long can I be on a J-1 training visa?
The maximum length of a J-1 training visa is 18 months.
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Can I extend my training program?
CIPUSA will consider extensions if the trainee and training
site can prove the need for additional training. CIPUSA
cannot issue an extension beyond the 18 month program
limit.
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Can I bring my family with me while on a CIPUSA
program?
CIPUSA will issue J-2 visas for family and spouses only
for the Global Partners Program.
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Is health insurance required
by the J-1 visa?
YES, all J-1 trainees are required to have health insurance
that meets the J-1 requirements. CIPUSA offers trainees
the required U.S. Department of State J-1 visa health
insurance through HTHWorldwide Insurance. All CIPUSA
J-1 trainees and their dependents are required to have
medical insurance coverage with the following minimum
benefits during their training program [J-1 regulation
22 CFR 62.14]:
• Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident
or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation
of the exchange visitor to his or her home
country in the amount of $10,000
• Prescription drugs 100% coverage
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident
or illness.
• An insurance policy secured to meet the benefits
requirements must be underwritten by an
insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of "A-"
or above, an Insurance Solvency International,
Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-I" or above, a Standard
and Poor's Claims Paying Ability rating
of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc.
rating of B+ or above.
For information on the health insurance plans CIPUSA
offers please download our Health Insurance Request
Form.
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SEVIS
Section Coming Soon.
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