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ARTICLE · 18 JANUARY 2013

Monitoring Evolving Changes In The Department Of State’s Administration Of The J-1 Trainee And Intern Visa Programs

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
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Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

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A number of internships or traineeships to junior-level foreign employees who come to the U.S. to gain on-the-job training and who often utilize J-1 exchange visitor visa programs for interns and trainees have been put to question following a number of specific incidents.

United StatesImmigration
Douglas Hauer
Douglas Hauer
Susan Cohen
Susan Cohen
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U.S. companies that offer appropriate internships or traineeships to junior-level foreign employees who come to the U.S. to gain on-the-job training often utilize J-1 exchange visitor visa programs for interns and trainees. This program is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs ("BECA") within the Department of State (DOS). There are several different categories of J-1 visas, but for each of the categories an underlying requirement in the law is that the exchange visitor be afforded opportunities to meet Americans and be exposed to the culture of the United States. Cultural exchange as a value underpins the J-1 visa and is a policy driver behind the existence of the visa.

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