A J-1 training 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 3 weeks to 18 months. The J-1 training 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 training 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 use the Exchange Visitors Program for ordinary employment or work purposes.

The purpose of cultural exchange training 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.

CIPUSA can provide exchange-training programs in a variety of fields for up to 18 months.

Training fields include:

• Architecture
• Arts & Culture
• Information Media Business
• Law Commerce
• Library Science Communications
• Education*
• Public Administration Engineering
• Social Services
• Finance

*CIPUSA can arrange for training for those interested in curriculum development or educational administration. CIPUSA regretfully cannot offer programs that involve direct teaching.

If you have questions about whether CIPUSA can sponsor a particular training field, please call or email our headquarters: +1-440-247-1088 or info@cipusa.org

Applicant must meet the following criteria:

• You are at least 21 years old
• You are applying from your home country
• You have a college degree or professional certificate from a non-U.S. institution in a field related to your training and one year of relevant work experience outside the U.S. OR at least 5 years of related work experience outside of the U.S.
• You have the ability to understand and communicate in the English language.

Yes, you may apply for another J-1 training visa sponsorship provided that it has been more than 2 years since the end of your last J-1 visa training or intern visa program and you meet the qualifications above.

The maximum length of a J-1 training visa is 18 months.

CIPUSA will consider extension if the training site can prove the need for additional training. CIPUSA cannot issue an extension beyond the 18-month program limit.

CIPUSA will issue J-2 visas for family and spouses in certain programs.  Please contact CIPUSA directly to find out if this is an option for your program.

SEVIS stands for “The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System”. Each exchange visitor issued a DS-2019 must pay a SEVIS I-901 fee of $220 USD. Participant may elect to go online (www.fmjfee.com) to pay the SEVIS fee or have CIPUSA do it and reimburse CIPUSA.

Yes. In addition to the CIPUSA Program Fees, the U.S. Embassy/Consulates charge an applicaiton fee to attend the visa interview.  This fee varies depending on the country and special circumstances. Other fees might also apply.  Always check with the U.S. embassy/consulate where your visa approval interview will be held to determine if additional monies are required.

Yes, J-1 sponsored trainees (and their dependents) are required to have health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State requirements. The minimum requirements for medical insurance coverage are the following:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• 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.
• Insurance policy may require a reasonable waiting period for pre-existing conditions; include a coinsurance provision that may require exchange visitor to pay up to 25% of the expenses per accident or illness.

CIPUSA can provide trainees the required U.S. Department of State J-1 training visa health insurance through GeoBlue.  Please contact CIPUSA for current prices.  CIPUSA can also provide trainees with a list of other health insurance policies that meet the U.S. State Department's minimum requirements.

The participant or the placement site is responsible for arranging the training program and finances for the trainee’s stay in the U.S. including living, insurance and transportation costs. The participant and the placement site are required to create a training plan documenting the participant’s time spent training including goals and skills that will be learned. CIPUSA will assist with training plans and will provide the participant J-1 sponsorship and support to complete the process. Please see more detailed descriptions of responsibilities below.

• Providing roundtrip airfare
• Negotiating any compensation from the training site
• Arranging living accommodations
• Arranging travel to and from training site
• Paying the CIPUSA administrative fee (this can be paid by the training site as well)
• Arranging the required health insurance
• Committing to learning and professional development
• Submit all required CIPUSA paperwork (evaluations, etc.) in a timely manner.
• Adhere to all J-1 training visa regulations during the training program

• Creating a well-designed DS-7002 training plan for the trainee
• Providing a supervisor for the trainee Sign a contract with CIPUSA for hosting the trainee
• Providing the trainee with an orientation to the U.S., local city, and U.S. culture
• Assisting the trainee with living accommodations, getting acquainted with the U.S., traveling to and from the training site, and educational/cultural opportunities.
• Providing the trainee with an overall enriching training program  

• Support in designing a training plan
• Sponsorship for the J-1 training visa by arranging the DS 2019 forms
• Health insurance if needed
• Information about the U.S.
• Support with cultural or educational activities if desired
• Evaluations throughout the program
• Support throughout the program 

• Completed CIPUSA Global Partner Program Application in English (please type)
• Complete mailing address, home or work telephone number and active email address - please note, the visa paperwork must be mailed to your home country
• Copy of passport information page
• American style resume (include all volunteer and internship experiences in addition to professional background)
• Copies of all degrees or certificates
• Two letters of professional reference
• Program fees
• DS-7002 Training Plan - Completed & signed by applicant & training site supervisor (CIPUSA will review for final approval)
• Host Organization Agreement
• Host Organization COVID-19 Waiver
• Participant COVID-19 Waiver
• Health Insurance Form

All CIPUSA Program Fees must be paid before CIPUSA will send the J-1 sponsorship forms (DS 2019). Fees can be paid by check from an American based organization, money order, or credit card. Once CIPUSA has received payment for services we will send you the necessary documents.

In addition to the CIPUSA fee all J-1 trainees are now subject to a $220 USD SEVIS fee. This fee is being imposed to support the U.S. Government Student Exchange and Visitor Information System to maintain accurate and secure information on exchange visitors to the United States. This fee must be paid prior to your U.S. Embassy visit. U.S. Embassies will not issue a J-1 visa until this fee has been paid. CIPUSA will process this fee on behalf of the trainee. For further information about SEVIS please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement web site at http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/index.htm

Normal processing time for CIPUSA is 6-10 business days. For an additional $600 Expedite fee, CIPUSA can process the application within 3-5 business days. This service is based on CIPUSA receiving a complete application, training plan, additional forms, and all fees paid in full.

The applicant must complete the CIPUSA application J-2 dependent section as required and provide CIPUSA with a copy of all dependents' passports and marriage/birth certificates. The cost for J-2 sponsorship for each dependent is $750 USD. Please be aware that in order for J-2 dependents to be employed while in the U.S must apply to the USCIS. Please contact CIPUSA for more information on J-2 dependents.

Once CIPUSA receives the completed application form, signed DS-7002 training plan, host site agreement form, and administrative fees, CIPUSA will begin reviewing the application. An approved CIPUSA staff member or recruiter will interview the participant by Skype or telephone. The CIPUSA application review process is as follows:

CIPUSA will review the application and signed DS-7002 training plan. If it meets CIPUSA requirements it will be submitted for J-1 training visa sponsorship. CIPUSA processing time is generally 6-10 business days. (Should you request expedited processing, CIPUSA can review and process your application within 3-5 business days for an additional $600. Please note that a completed application, signed DS-7002 training plan and administrative fee payment are required for the expedite process) . If the application is approved CIPUSA will send all necessary documents (DS 2019 form) to the address listed on the application. CIPUSA will not send original papers to any party other than the applicant applying and application materials must be sent to the applicant's home country.

NOTE: CIPUSA cannot send out any Global Partner documents until both the administrative fees and the $220 USD SEVIS fee have been paid.