What is the J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa supported by the U.S. Department of State. It  allows foreign students  to train with an American corporation. The objective of the J-1 visa is to facilitate exchanges that allow individuals from around the world to gain a firsthand understanding of U.S. culture and institutions and to foster a better understanding of the American business mentality.

Do I really have to involve a sponsor organization to get my J-1 visa?

Yes. In order to be able to apply for your J-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate you need the Certificate of Eligibility, DS-2019. This form can only be issued by an exchange visitor program sponsor designated by the U.S Department of State (DOS). The GACC New York is such a sponsor organization, designated by the DOS under the Program Number P-4-05715.

Who is eligible to obtain a J-1 visa through the GACC New York?

In order to qualify for the program, a prospective trainee must be:

• between 18 and 35 years of age;
• a matriculated student at a university or 'Fachhochschule', who has completed at least 1 year of studies OR
• a young professional who has completed his/her studies or his/her vocational training;
• in possession of a training offer from a qualified host company which must to be closely related to his/her field of study or his/her vocational training.
• knowledge of English

How much does it cost to obtain the visa at the Consulate?

At the moment the U.S. Consulates in Germany charge a visa processing fee of € 85, but trainees should consult the Homepage of the U.S. Consulate in Germany for updated fee and visa processing information.

What is the SEVIS fee and how can it be paid?

SEVIS is a web-based system for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States. It is designed to keep the United States safe while facilitating the entry and exit process for foreign students in the United States.

The fastest way to pay the SEVIS fee of $ 100 is to file the Form I-901 online at www.fmjfee.com, to pay by credit card and print a receipt. Allow three working days for the information to be posted to SEVIS and the Department of State consular information system.

For further information please visit the Homepage of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

How does a trainee apply for his J-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate?

Everyone applying for a J-1 visa is required to schedule an appointment for a visa interview and must appear in person. To schedule an appointment for a visa interview, please call:

Live Operator Service at 0190 - 85 00 55, 7am to 8pm, Monday - Friday (EUR 1,86/min)

You should have your passport in front of you when you call. The customer service representative will ask you for information from your passport.

Note: If you currently live abroad and wish to make an appointment for an interview, you should have a friend or relative in Germany make the appointment for you.

For further information and a record of all documents you have to submit at your interview, please visit the Homepage of the U.S. Consulate.

How long prior to the start of the training can a trainee enter the U.S. and how long can he/she remain in the U.S. after completion of his training?

A trainee is allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start of his training activity. Upon successful completion of his training program the trainee may remain in the U.S. as tourist for an additional 30 days after the expiration of the training as noted on the DS-2019 (commonly referred to as the "Grace Period"). Continued training during the "Grace Period" is NOT allowed.

What requirements does a potential company have to fulfill?

The host company must submit a training plan for the prospective trainee and should also provide for cross-cultural activities such as company social functions or cultural outings that will enhance the overall quality of the trainee's experience in the U.S. Company information and sample training plans may be found on the Visa Service - Applications and Important Information page.

Is a host company required to pay a trainee?

Payment is not required, though encouraged. We recommend a minimum maintenance allowance of $1,200 per month for student trainees and $1,800 per month for young professionals. Additional benefits such as housing support, reimbursement for health insurance and transportation assistance are encouraged but not required.

Can a training activity be part-time?

No. The trainee must be active at least 35 hours/week.

Can a trainee take courses during his/her training activity?

Yes, as long as he continues full-time training.

Are trainees required to pay taxes on their earnings?

Yes. Trainees are required to pay all federal and state taxes associated with earnings derived from their traineeships, but are exempt from Social Security taxation (FICA). State income tax rates vary, but the federal income tax rate is determined by the level of one's wage. Federal and state income taxes will be automatically deducted from the trainee's paycheck by his or her employer. Trainees must file both federal and state (if applicable) income tax returns by April 15th for each year in which they earn income in the United States. For additional information on filing income tax returns, please contact the GACC New York, visit the Visa Service - Applications and Important Information page or visit the Internal Revenue Service website.

How can a trainee apply for a Social Security Card?

The trainee should present himself at the nearest Social Security Office with his passport, his I-94 card, his DS-2019 and his Employer Letter. In order to find the Social Security Office closest to you, please visit Social Security Online.

How long may a trainee be away on holiday from a training activity?

The trainee may take leave of his/her activity for no longer than 30 days.

If a trainee has already had a J-1 Trainee visa, can he/she apply again?

Unfortunately not. If a trainee has already had a J-1 Trainee visa before, GACC cannot support his second application. The U.S. Department of State dictates that a candidate can only have one J-1 Trainee visa in his lifetime, no matter for how many months the previous visa has been issued.

However, this does not affect all of the other J-1 visa categories. For example, if a trainee has had a J-1 visa in the Au Pair or Summer Work and Travel category, he/she would be eligible to apply for a J-1 Trainee visa.

What is the two-year home-residence requirement and will it affect me if I apply for my DS-2019 through the GACC New York?

Two-year home-residence requirement means that the J-1 visa holder will not be eligible to remain in the U.S. and change to another visa status, or leave the U.S. and reenter until he/she has returned to his home country and remained there for two years.

The two-year home residency requirement applies to:

• participants in programs who receive funding from the U.S. government or by the government of the trainee's home country
• participants whose skills are considered by the U.S. Government to be in short supply in the trainee's home country.
  Usually, trainees participating in the GACC's program do not receive governmental funding and are not subject to the two-year home-residency requirement. However, the final decision is at the discretion of the U.S. Consulates.

What is a J-2 visa?

The J-2 visa is a visa for a dependent spouse or child of a J-1 visa holder. The holder of a J-2 visa may stay in the U.S. as long as the principal J-1 visa holder has valid status and can apply for work authorization upon arrival in the U.S. as long as his earnings are used for his own support and not for the support of the J-1 holder.

For further information please contact the GACC New York or E-mail visa(at)gaccny.com.