J-1 Visa Services
Exchange Visitor Host Company
To qualify for BritishAmerican Business’s Exchange Visitor Program, the Host Company must:
- Have a business relationship with the UK.
- Complete all required BAB Application paperwork for a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, inclusive of submitting a detailed training plan in the relevant occupational field.
- Enter into an agreement with BAB to comply with BAB’s Exchange Visitor Program goals and requirements and the regulations of the US Department of State.
- Ensure the Exchange Visitor becomes an individual member of their local BritishAmerican Business Network (BABN) chapter for the duration of the training, in order to participate in local events.
- (If the Host company is applying to BAB’s Program for the first time and has fewer than 25 employees or less than three million dollars in annual revenue) Undergo a site visit and screening by BAB in order to comply with DOS. The purpose of the site visit is for sponsors to ensure that host organizations possess and maintain the ability and resources to provide structured and guided work-based learning experiences according to the individualized Trainee/Internship Placement Plan.
Additionally, the host company must meet the following criteria set out by Department of State:
Financial and Insurance Obligations of the Participating Company
Host companies must demonstrate their financial ability to pay the Exchange Visitor the agreed upon salary (if applicable). Exchange Visitors must have sufficient finances to support themselves for their entire stay in the US, including housing, living expenses and round-trip travel costs (inclusive of salary from host company).
Host companies must also ensure that Exchange Visitors have appropriate sickness and accident insurance coverage that satisfies Department of State minimum requirements for the duration of their stay in the US BAB is happy to recommend a pre-approved policy which complies with these requirements. If a member company wishes to provide its own insurance, its policy must be noted in the Insurance Certification Form.
Pre-Arrival Information and Orientation
Host companies, in conjunction with BAB, must provide Exchange Visitors with appropriate pre-arrival materials covering: the purpose of Program; travel and entry into the US; housing; general living expenses and insurance. In addition, details on the One-Country physical presence requirement, if applicable (whereby the Exchange Visitor may be required to remain in their home country for a specified period of time following the end of their foreign exchange visa).
Host companies, in conjunction with BAB, must also provide appropriate orientation for all Exchange Visitors. Orientation should include information on: life and customs in the US; local community resources; available health care and emergency assistance; a description of the training program; important contact information.
Financial and Insurance Obligations of the Participating Company
Host companies must demonstrate their financial ability to pay the Exchange Visitor the agreed upon salary (if applicable). Exchange Visitors must have sufficient finances to support themselves for their entire stay in the US, including housing, living expenses and round-trip travel costs (inclusive of salary from host company).
Host companies must also ensure that Exchange Visitors have appropriate sickness and accident insurance coverage that satisfies Department of State minimum requirements for the duration of their stay in the US BAB is happy to recommend a pre-approved policy which complies with these requirements. If a member company wishes to provide its own insurance, its policy must be noted in the Insurance Certification Form.
Pre-Arrival Information and Orientation
Host companies, in conjunction with BAB, must provide Exchange Visitors with appropriate pre-arrival materials covering: the purpose of Program; travel and entry into the US; housing; general living expenses and insurance. In addition, details on the One-Country physical presence requirement, if applicable (whereby the Exchange Visitor may be required to remain in their home country for a specified period of time following the end of their foreign exchange visa).
Host companies, in conjunction with BAB, must also provide appropriate orientation for all Exchange Visitors. Orientation should include information on: life and customs in the US; local community resources; available health care and emergency assistance; a description of the training program; important contact information.
Monitoring and Evaluation Requirements
Host companies must monitor the program and the welfare of Exchange Visitors, and must ensure that the activity in which the visitor is engaged is consistent with those listed on the Certificate of Eligibility, Form DS-2019.
Participating companies must also develop procedures for the on-going evaluation of the training program. Written reports must be completed and submitted to BAB at the mid-point and conclusion of the program. Evaluation sheets are provided by BAB for this purpose.
Reciprocity
DOS regulations require that all exchange visitor programs be reciprocal. Accordingly, host companies must indicate their willingness to offer Americans a work experience or training opportunity abroad.