How to Create a Compliant J-1 Host Program: A Guide for U.S. Businesses

Thinking about bringing international talent to your U.S. business? The J-1 visa program is a fantastic way to hire skilled interns, trainees, or specialists from around the world, adding fresh ideas and global perspectives to your team. 

But to make it happen, you’ll need to set up a compliant J-1 host program. Don’t let the word “compliance” scare you—it’s manageable with the right steps and a trusted partner like J1 Visa Exchanges. In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know, from meeting eligibility requirements to ensuring your program runs smoothly.

What’s a J-1 Host Program?

Let’s start with the basics. The J-1 visa is part of the Exchange Visitor Program, run by the U.S. Department of State. It allows foreign nationals to come to the U.S. for cultural exchange through activities like internships, training, or teaching. 

As a host organization, your business provides the hands-on experience, whether it’s an internship for a recent graduate or training for a professional. You don’t sponsor the visa yourself; instead, you work with a designated sponsor, like J1 Visa Exchanges, who handles the visa process and ensures everything follows the rules.

The goal is cultural exchange, not just hiring workers. Your program should help participants learn new skills, share their culture, and immerse themselves in American life. This focus on exchange is what keeps the program compliant and meaningful.

Why Host J-1 Participants?

Hosting J-1 participants can transform your business. International talent brings diverse perspectives, which can spark innovation and creativity. For example, a tech company might gain new approaches to problem-solving from an intern with a unique background, or a hospitality firm could improve guest services with a trainee’s global insights. 

The program also builds international networks, opening doors for future collaborations. Plus, it’s a chance to contribute to cultural exchange, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals.

Eligibility Requirements for Your Business

Before you can host J-1 participants, your business needs to meet certain criteria. These vary slightly depending on the sponsor, but here are common requirements based on standard practices:

Your company should have at least 3 full-time employees for interns or 5 for trainees, not counting contractors or freelancers. If you have fewer than 25 employees, the sponsor might need to visit your workplace to confirm it’s suitable. 

Participants typically work at least 32 hours per week, with 40 hours being standard. You’ll need to pay at least $1300 per month unless the position is unpaid with compensation like academic credits, in which case, the participant must show they can support themselves.

English should be the main language spoken in your workplace to ensure clear communication and cultural exchange. You’ll also need a Workers’ Compensation Policy or Certificate of Liability Insurance to cover participants. Finally, you must commit to supervising participants and encouraging their engagement with American culture, which is central to the J-1 program.

These rules ensure the program is a genuine exchange, not a way to fill regular jobs. Check with your sponsor to confirm specific requirements for your business.

Related: How To Become A J-1 Host Organization

Choosing the Right J-1 Category

The J-1 visa offers several categories, each tailored to different roles. For businesses, the most relevant are interns, trainees, and specialists. Interns are students or recent graduates gaining practical experience in their field, ideal for entry-level roles. 

Trainees are professionals with some work experience seeking advanced training, perfect for skill-building projects. Specialists are experts sharing knowledge, suitable for short-term, high-impact roles.

Pick the category that matches the role you’re offering and the participant’s qualifications. For example, a marketing firm might choose an intern for social media projects or a trainee for strategic planning. Your sponsor can help you decide which category fits best.

Partnering with a Designated Sponsor

You can’t sponsor a J-1 visa on your own—you need a designated sponsor approved by the Department of State. J1 Visa Exchanges is one such sponsor, specializing in intern and trainee programs. They take care of visa paperwork, ensure compliance, and support both you and the participant throughout the program.

When you work with a sponsor, they’ll guide you through creating a training plan, handle visa forms like the DS-2019, and conduct any needed site visits. They also monitor compliance, so you don’t have to worry about missing a regulation. J1 Visa Exchanges makes this process straightforward, letting you focus on integrating your new team member.

Related: How Partnering With J-1 Visa Exchanges Can Benefit Your Business

Creating a Training Plan

A key part of hosting J-1 participants is developing a training plan, submitted on Form DS-7002. This plan outlines what the participant will learn, how they’ll learn it, and how you’ll evaluate their progress. It’s not just a formality—it shows the program is a true training opportunity, not regular work.

Your plan should include clear objectives, like learning specific skills or mastering new tools. Describe the activities, such as projects or workshops, and explain who will supervise the participant. Include evaluation methods, like regular check-ins or project reviews, to track progress. The plan should benefit both the participant and your business, showing mutual growth.

Work with your sponsor to ensure the plan meets Department of State standards. A vague or overly general plan could raise red flags, so be specific about what the participant will gain.

Staying Compliant

Once your program is up and running, you’ll need to stay compliant with J-1 regulations. This means reporting changes, like a participant’s address or program status, through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You’ll also need to ensure participants follow their training plan and engage in cultural activities, like community events or workplace cultural exchanges.

Your sponsor will handle most SEVIS reporting and guide you on compliance. Regular communication with your sponsor and participant helps catch any issues early, keeping your program in good standing.

Getting Started with J1 Visa Exchanges

Ready to create your J-1 host program? Start by contacting us at J1 Visa Exchanges. We’ll assess your eligibility, help you choose a category, and guide you through every step, from training plans to compliance. With our support, you can confidently bring international talent to your business.

Hosting J-1 participants is a chance to grow your team, spark innovation, and build global connections. Take the first step today and see how a compliant J-1 host program can transform your business.