{"id":8450,"date":"2019-04-04T13:05:22","date_gmt":"2019-04-04T12:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/?p=8450"},"modified":"2020-11-05T15:09:20","modified_gmt":"2020-11-05T14:09:20","slug":"eligibility-requirements-for-an-american-company-to-host-j1-participant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2019\/04\/eligibility-requirements-for-an-american-company-to-host-j1-participant\/","title":{"rendered":"Requirements to Host a J1 Participant for American Companies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Imagine you have signed up for our J1 Visa Program<\/a> because you really want to gain experience in the USA and you’re already applying for our Exclusive Offers<\/a> or searching through our Weekly Openings <\/a>and everywhere else on the world wide web for opportunities in American companies. But how can you be sure that even if you do get an offer, you’ll be able to\u00a0work there with the J1 Visa? Find the requirements to host a J1 Participant below.<\/p>\n

Everyone asks us if they are eligible for the Program, but few ask\u00a0about what makes their host company eligible or not. (And this goes for\u00a0ALL companies in the USA, not just the architectural ones)\u00a0Some criteria depend on the visa sponsor so here are our requirements to host a J1 Participant<\/strong>! BUT please know we review case by case so, in case of doubts, it’s best to directly email us at\u00a0training@architect-us.com<\/a>\u00a0!<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo by Nastuh Abootalebi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What are the requirements to Host a J1 Participant?<\/h3>\n

At least 3-4\u00a0full-time employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The most important criteria to look out for when searching for opportunities in the USA as an international is the size of the company<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I understand those that want to go help someone build up their company from scratch, but in such a scenario there is no guarantee that you will be paid regularly and be able to afford the American lifestyle while on your J1 visa program<\/strong>. So we can’t accept Host Companies with less than 4 full-time employees<\/strong> (3 in exceptional cases). When we say “full-time employees” it means on the company’s payroll<\/strong> – so contractors<\/em> and freelancers<\/em> don’t count.<\/p>\n

In the case that the company is a large one with various locations<\/strong>, the one you would be joining must have at least 3-4 employees there<\/strong>, so that they can guide you, supervise you and help you grow professionally, as is the goal<\/strong> of the program.<\/p>\n

If the company has less than 25 employees<\/strong>, then a “Site Visit<\/strong>” will be necessary. This means that an Area Rep<\/strong> will schedule a visit to the office<\/strong> to verify the work conditions and size of the company so that your experience has the maximum potential<\/strong> to be amazing and without any problems!<\/p>\n

Minimum of 32 Hours per Week<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The American company must make sure you get the most out of your experience, so the best would be that you “work” (well, “train”) full\u00a0time <\/strong>– so 40 hours per week<\/strong>. If not, the minimum<\/strong> you are allowed to do is\u00a032 hours per week<\/strong>. So make sure the company needs you not just for a couple hours of odd tasks a day, but will actually involve you in the projects and the day-to-day functions.<\/p>\n

Minimum Salary is $1300<\/h3>\n

Yes, the minimum salary is a requirement to host a J1 Participant<\/strong>, we don’t accept unpaid<\/strong> opportunities unless you are going to get other compensation such as\u00a0credits (for a class)<\/strong>\u00a0if you are still studying, but then you will have to prove you will be able to afford to live<\/strong> in the USA without an income. But in general, we always encourage hard work to be rewarded and so we always recommend you insist on a fair salary <\/strong>according to your experience and skills,\u00a0and the minimum established by the U.S. Department of State is $1300<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo by Erol Ahmed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

English Must be the Main Language<\/h3>\n

In order to\u00a0live out the full authentic\u00a0American experience<\/strong>, we insist the primary language<\/strong> spoken in the office be English. It might sound like an obvious requirements to host a J1 Participant<\/strong> but some companies that have an office in the USA but their headquarters<\/strong> are elsewhere and often have employees from that original country which could mean that the day-to-day communications are not<\/strong> in English. So even if it sounds tempting, remember that you are going to the USA to grow professionally<\/strong> and\u00a0improve\u00a0your English language level<\/strong> is part of the amazing challenge that will change your life<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Valid\u00a0Insurance Policy<\/h3>\n

It is an important one between all requirements to host a J1 Participant. Whether it’s a Workers Compensation Policy<\/strong> or a Certificate of Liability Insurance<\/strong> – it’s something the company must have in order to qualify as a Host Company. But don’t worry about this one – we’ll ask them directly – and most companies do have it! It proves that the employees are insured<\/strong> in case anything happens. Yes, as I said,\u00a0leave these criteria to us, we just wanted to let you know it can be grounds for rejecting an American company.<\/p>\n

Commitment to your Experience<\/h3>\n

Even\u00a0if you are an experienced professional, remember that the J1 visa is a program meant to help you grow<\/strong> professionally through\u00a0training in a U.S.-based\u00a0company. So although the mere fact of living in the USA for a given period of time sounds amazing enough, you\u00a0will be\u00a0there mainly to learn so it’s vital that the company understands that is\u00a0a requirement to host a J1 Participant<\/strong>. It must commit to supervising you<\/strong> continuously and to encouraging your immersion<\/strong> in the American culture<\/strong>, so that when you leave you to have no regrets…<\/p>\n

I hope this was helpful for you but remember we review\u00a0case by case\u00a0for you, so don’t worry if you aren’t sure that the company is eligible to host you!<\/p>\n

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email us at training@architect-us.com<\/a>\u00a0! If you are a hosting company interested in having international interns or trainees, please also contact us<\/a>!<\/p>\n

<\/div>