Architect-US Programs

The J1 Visa program has numerous benefits to participants looking to gain a cross-cultural experience in an American firm. An experience which will provide you with tools and skill sets from experienced professionals within the field that you will be able to carry on throughout your professional career. However, as our program is overseen by the Department of State, there are a regulations that we must adhere to. With the help of our sister company -ASSE- we make sure that our program participants and host companies involved all comply with these regulations. That way we make sure that whichever company which you will begin working with, is up to the necessary standards that will give you the best experience possible. At Architect-US we also want to ensure that our participants -who enroll in our program or are just looking for J-1 Visa sponsorship – are able to get the right placement and all the help necessary throughout the visa issuance process and are given orientation for getting into the States. That way they meet all the necessary requirements and they can have the guidance they need to make this dream a reality. Since we have had some questions on this topic in the past, we wanted to share with you the 3 things which the program must not include under any circumstance. 1. Prohibited Positions Participants may NOT (intern or trainee) participate in casual or unskilled labor positions. They also cannot take part in any type of position which provides any sort of therapy, counseling, care for another person, or medical and/or clinical help. Examples include physical therapy, speech therapy, dentistry, etc.). 2. Notoriety or Dispute Our team strives to give you the best experience possible and we want to make sure that is beneficial to the host companies involved as well. That is why, we will not condone any sort of businesses or occupations which may bring you or the program into dispute or notoriety. 3. Recruitment We cannot engage staffing or employment agencies to recruit or screen our program participants. That means that a third-party placement is out of the question! So, if you have any other questions or doubts about the program make sure to let somebody in our team know and we will help you along the way. There are a lot of moving parts to the program but that is why our team is here to help you with every step. [activecampaign form=258]

Architecture is a changing practice and one that will require you to adapt to as time goes on. There are technological advancements being made everyday and we are seeing more and more exchange between different cultures and communities. It is important that you ask yourself questions about the biggest challenges that you as young professionals are facing today and the community which surrounds us. A well-designed space is one that is designed for everyone, not just a select group of individuals. So, how are you going about to address questions which target issues like these? If you are among the designers that want to strengthen the communication and collaboration between different cultures and ethnicities, a program like the J1 Visa program is one that you should consider. Architectural practices today are seeing the value in which the engagement of communication across all of society is bringing. You may be stepping into the unknown while doing so, but it is the only way that you will truly immerse yourself in an environment that will bring solutions to current problems. You have to remember that we are not perfect, and we are not always going to get everything right, in other words, be open to failure as an option. It is your responsibility as a developing architect to see the connections which multi-cultural settings bring. Something which is overlooked by many in the profession today. With a growth of immigration in today’s society, we have to be committed in being part of the creation of a dynamic working environment between different races, backgrounds, and nationalities. Making a positive impact and targeting socioeconomic, demographic, ethnic and climate-related problems have become key factors in making a substantial turn in the right direction. Providing a setting for multiculturalism to take place by modifying the way flow and dynamic of the workday will contribute to the intellectual growth and expansionism that will drive architecture in a positive direction. The J1 Visa program was designed for that specific purpose. To break the boundaries between different cultures and widening the perspective in a growing cross-cultural world. Remember to always ask yourself questions throughout the course of your career. Take the time to step away from problems of your own and reflect on the problems which others have. The Job+J1 visa program will not only bring benefits for your self-development but create opportunities to tackle problems on a bigger scale. So, think about it, what type of designer do you want to be? How will you approach the problems that we face today? [activecampaign form=258]

If you want to take part in the Architect-US J1 Visa Exchange Program it is important that you know the dates that you are allowed to be in the U.S. This will allow you to plan ahead with your time and will also give you the opportunity to see what are the most cost effective ways that you can buy your tickets, look for rent, and get set up during your stay there. There will be several things that you will have to take care of and the more time that you give yourself to prepare for this, the calmer you will be with the whole process. Our team will always be there to guide you along the way and will give you tips and material on what your next steps will be once an offer has been extended to you. You may not arrive more than a month prior to your program start date which is shown on the DS-2019 form. This will be the form that will be filled out by your Host Company. Once your program has come to a completion, you have a grace period of 30 days before you have to depart the United States. You also have to be aware that if you travel outside of the U.S. during the time of your program and your J1 Visa has expired, you will have to apply for a new J1 Visa in your home country in order to re-enter the States.  It is very important that you are aware of the status of your J1 Visa and that your immigrant documents are valid at all times. [activecampaign form=258]

In the U.S., overtime is typically earned once you have completed, or exceeded the 40 hours per week. This pay is normally paid at a rate of 1.5 times the normal wage. Your Host Company is not required to pay the candidate overtime, however, you must know the difference between two types of positions: 1. “Exempt” vs “Non-exempt” positions There are two types of available positions offered by the Host company. An “exempt” position will earn an established wage to perform the tasks of that position, while a “non-exempt” candidate will earn a wage for the actual time they work. This is determined by the position itself, not the individual. So, if you are considered an “exempt” candidate, the Host Company is not required to pay you for any overtime work, accordingly, if your position is considered to be a “non-exempt” position then you are eligible for overtime. 2. Bonuses As part of the J1 Visa program, the Host company is not required to offer you any bonuses, however, it can be the case. There are no regulations set forth by the Department of State which prohibit any of the candidates from earning a bonus during their j1 program. This is something that will be determined between you and your Host Company. Something that all participants must know is that under no circumstance can they work a second job. The J-1Visa are not authorized to earn a wage at any other organization during their program. If you are unclear or you have more questions regarding this topic you can always contact any of our Architect-US team members and they’ll be happy to assist you in the matter. [activecampaign form=260]

The Architect-US J1 and Job+J1 Visa programs are a great opportunity for international architects to pursue an internship or trainee position in some of the top architectural firms in the United States. If you have been dreaming about an opportunity to work in the U.S., this program is a great opportunity for you to do so in the least amount possible and with all the help you can get so that all of the aspects of a difficult visa process essentially become stress-free and easy to accomplish. The team at Architect-US will guide you along the way, and in this post has outlined just five of the many ways in which they know you will benefit from this exchange program: 1. Learn about U.S. history and culture Possibly one of the most important aspects of this program -apart from the offered position- is that it will give you the opportunity to integrate yourself into the local culture of that city. You will be able to experience first hand what people in the city are like, the vast variety of cultures in metropolitan cities of the U.S., local and international foods, and learn from the different cultures activities that will teach you all about the history of the city and the U.S. 2. Wage All positions offered to candidates participating in the Architect-US program are compensated according to the set minimum wages of each State and according to your academic background and years of experience. It will also give you an opportunity to earn money that you will be able to save for your future endeavors and travels. 3. Friendships and Networking Big cities in the U.S. are heavily populated and have a wide variety of different cultures and people that you can learn from. During this experience you will be able to meet locals and people from different parts of the world giving you the opportunity to form strong bonds and hopefully future career opportunities. You will be able to attend different networking events offered by your Host Company and ones organized by the city that will grow your personal and professional connections. 4. Professional and Personal Development This opportunity will boost your career in many ways as it will give you a platform to enhance your Portfolio and CV. You will also be able to learn from some of the world’s most prestigious organizations and top leading companies and apply that knowledge into your future in the profession. As you will go to the U.S on your own, you will also have to find ways to tackle daily aspects of your life independently, helping you build self-confidence and self-esteem. Architect-US offers you access to one of the most competitive markets out there and will provide you with an experience and values that will impulse your international career. This will become a truly memorable, and life changing experience, so what are you waiting for? [activecampaign form=258]

When entering our program, there are two different routes that you can take. One is the J1-Visa and the other is the Job+J1 Visa. The main differences between both programs is the “Job” part, and that means us being the ones that find you the placement. So basically, it depends on what it is that you are looking for. Do you want us to sponsor your Visa after you have already found a job opportunity in the States, or do you want us to present you with different job opportunities for you as well? There are candidates which already have an offer in the States and all they are looking for is the right Visa that will take them there in as short amount of time. Which we will gladly facilitate for them and the Host Company which is looking to add the participant to the team. On the other hand, there are participants which join the Job + J1 Visa Program as we will also find them the right intern or training opportunity for them. Putting our participants in the front steps of leaders in the Industry, and securing all the documentation that is required prior to the move. 1. Job With the Job+J1 we are constantly presenting you with new offers and offers from our partner companies that are looking to bring in somebody new to their team. We are continuously growing the number of companies that we are working with and we are able to put your CV and Portfolio in their sights. Making sure that they keep us updated on the reviewing process and the interviews. If you do not have an offer yet, this is probably the quickest way for you to find a job in the States! 2. Cost Both program fees make sure that they cover J-1 Visa application processing fees, issuance and shipping of the DS-2019 and acceptance packet, Accident and Sickness Insurance, the mandatory SEVIS Fee, Informative Dossier, 24 Hour Emergency support, and the English interview. The difference is in the added cost of the Job+J-1 Visa, and that is the 8% of the yearly salary that is offered by the American Company. 3. Communication During the duration of the Job+J1 program we are also in communication with the Host Company to make sure that the training plan that was set by the company is being followed and that you are provided with the adequate training experience that you were looking for. We also make sure that all the necessary communication that is needed is covered by our end, that way the participant does not have to be in constant check with the company for the documentation. [activecampaign form=258]

Here we give you the basic outline of the procedure from start, which begins with joining our Job+J1 Program and all the way to your departure to the States. During these steps members of the Architect-US team will be constantly following-up with prospective Host Companies and with you to make sure that you are updated in the process, and to reduce any hassles you may find along the way. The team will provide you with guidance throughout the entire process and will make sure that all of the steps required for the J-1 Visa Issuance process are made. That includes everything from the end of the Host Company and yours. Registration Complete your online registration by going to the Architect-US website and selecting between the J1 Visa Program and the Job+J1 Visa Program. You will have to fill out your information so that an email detailing the next steps is sent to you. Registration is open to any Architecture, Engineering or Design student, recent grads or professionals either enrolled in a Post Grad School or holding a Degree at the moment of application. Eligibility During this phase of the program you will be presented with exciting offers which fit the experience level and the conditions (position, location, duration, salary, etc.) which you are looking for. You will reply to those offers to let us know of your interest for each of the offer that we sent to you. For the offers that you have specified to us that you are interested, we will make sure to present your work to the company and keep you updated during the continuous conversations that we have with them. Once a company extends out an offer and a placement is confirmed, you (the participant) will have to pay the reminding program fees. Training Agreement From there we will take care of all the documentation that we need from the Host Company’s end and make sure that the Internship/Training Placement Plan (DS-7002) is completed and signed. During that time your Program Advisor will be guiding you with the necessary documentation needed, and help you with the steps that you need to make prior to scheduling your embassy interview. Once the Certificate of Eligibility DS-2019 is issued and shipped to your home to get your signature we will submit all of the documentation to the Department of State. Visa Approval Once the Embassy Interview is completed and your Visa has been approved, we will provide you with a pre-departure orientation to provide you with some help and useful information prior to your departure to the States. It will then just be a few days before your start in the States and making your American Dream come true. [activecampaign form=258]

The Job+J1 Visa Program is especially targeted at Architects - Residential Architects, Commercial Architects, Interior Designers, Green Design Architects, Landscape Architects, Urban Designers, Industrial Architects and so on! Architect-US helps international architects to find an opportunity to gain professional experience in the U.S. based on their background, skills, interests and desired destination. Admission is subject to the Program's Excellency Standards. After that finding you the perfect position, Architect-US will also sponsor the J1 Visa, supply you with the necessary health insurance, and assist you and your Host Company with all the official paper work for the process. Apply NOW!

Architect-US facilitates the J1 Visa arrangements to internationals who have already found an internship or training position in the U.S. and have an offer letter from a Host Company. We will support your candidacy, sponsor your J1 Visa, supply you with the necessary health insurance, and assist you and your Host Company with all the official paperwork. Registration for the J1 Visa Program is open to any international students, recent grads, or young professionals (age 18 - 35) in the fields of:

1. Hospitality 
2. Tourism
3. Business (and Management, Finance, Commerce)
4. Marketing
5. Accounting
6. Public Administration and Law
7. Engineering (and Sciences)
8. Architecture 
9. Mathematics
10. Industrial Occupations
11. Others

Contact us directly at training@architect-us.com for more information!

The Architect-US J1 Visa and Job+J1 Visa Programs are overseen by the U.S. Government Exchange J-1 Visitor Program under the Department of State's regulations. Following these rules, the maximum J1 Visa program length for a trainee is 18 months.

The Architect-US J1 Visa and Job+J1 Visa Programs are overseen by the U.S. Government Exchange J-1 Visitor Program under the Department of State's regulations. Following these rules, the maximum J1 Visa program length for an intern is 12 months.

The Architect-US Career Training Program offers two different types of routes that you can select prior to enrollment. We offer the J1 Visa Program and the Job+J1 Visa Program, both which will sponsor your J1 Visa but only differ in the fact that one will help you look for a job opportunity in addition to sponsoring your visa as well. Registration is open to any international between the ages of 18-35, however, there are differences in other aspects in the two programs: 1. J1 Visa Program For this program we will be your Visa sponsor and help you with any communications with the Host Company once they have extended an offer to you. You can receive offers from fields such as hospitality, tourism, business, marketing, accounting, public administration and law, engineering, architecture, mathematics, and many others and we will take care of all the Visa issuance process. 2. Job+J1 Visa Program This program is exclusively for Architects because Architect-US has a specialized network with different architectural firms in the United States. We are currently working on expanding those resources into other fields as well, but for the time being, this program is offered for those who are interested in pursuing a position in architecture and other architectural related branches. Our team is always here to answer any questions you may have in regard to eligibility, so if you have any doubts please feel free to reach out to us! [activecampaign form=258]

You need to meet the following entry requirements: have an offer from a Host Company or be actively looking for a career opportunity in the US. If you meet these requirements you can register for the J1 Visa Program.

The basic criteria is - be an Architect (this specific Program is only for Architects, Designers, etc). For a greater chance of being accepted into the Job + J1 Visa Program, you should be able to meet the following entry requirements: strong design portfolio; outstanding graphic skills; knowledge of the main architectural software. If you meet these requirements you can register directly here.

Architect-US Program fees DO cover:

• J1 Visa sponsorship
• Application processing
• Issuance and shipping of DS-2019 Form and acceptance pack
• Accident and Sickness Insurance for entire Program with Global Benefits Group
• Mandatory $220 SEVIS Fee
• Online pre-departure orientation session
• Informative dossier that covers opening a bank account, housing, social security number, taxes, etc
• 24-hours emergency support for the duration of the program
• English interview over the phone in case of lack of a Certificate of English level
• To receive full Program Fees email us at training@architect-us.com

The Job+J1 Visa Program and the J1 Visa Program fees do NOT cover:

• Host Company Site Visit Fee of $450 (when the American company has less than 25 full-time employees at the location where the J1 visa applicant would be interning / training)
• DS-2019 Expedited Service of $1.050 (when required by the participant or Host Company)
• Embassy Appointment Application Fee (usually $160) - as it has to be paid during the process of scheduling the appointment
• Airfare tickets or any travel
• Cost of living in the USA
• To receive full Program Fee email us at training@architect-us.com

Once you have an offer from a Company, sign up for the J1 Visa Program and we will contact you to verify your eligibility for the program and to answer your questions. However, in order to initiate the official application process for the J1 Visa issuance, you must pay the full Program Fee. Register for free to receive information about the price. To receive full Program Fees email us at training@architect-us.com

Once admission to the Job+J1 Visa Program is granted (the Selection Committee reviews and approves your Portfolio and Resume), you must fill out your invoice information and then pay a $350 Initiation Fee in order for Architect-US to begin the search of your U.S. professional position. This fee will be discounted of the total amount of the Program cost once you accept an offer. To receive full Program Fees email us at training@architect-us.com

Yes. Architect-US is devoted to change the culture of opportunities in the U.S. and only accepts paid internships and waged training positions. Also by law, the minimum salary is $1300, but in the Job+J1 Visa Program, Architect-US helps you get you the best conditions.

Yes, of course. In the Job+J1 Visa Program, once a company likes you, they will make you an offer and it includes information about the salary. But even in the J1 Visa Program, we will assist your Host Company throughout the process of filling out the DS-7002 Internship / Training Placement Plan which will include all your Program Information: stipend (salary),  supervisor information, work hours per week, skills to develop, etc.

With the Job + J1 Visa Program we look for the perfect professional experience for you in a top company base in the U.S. (see an example extract of our opportunities HERE) and in the J1 Visa Program, you will have already gotten an offer from an American-based company and we just Sponsor your J1 Visa. Only architects can apply to the Job J1 Visa Program as that is the area of expertise of the Selection Committee. The J1 Visa Program is for everyone without limitations on the industry. Sign up for both Programs is FREE, so go ahead and register to receive more information.

Please contact us directly at training@architect-us.com to send you the refundable fees file. To receive full Program Fees email us as well at training@architect-us.com

Yes, of course. The participant can rely on Architect-US throughout their entire Internship / Training Program. At the beginning, you will be assigned a Personal Program Advisor that will guide you through the applications process and will reply to all your questions until you finish the whole Program. We make sure to help in all aspects, including providing an online Pre-Departure Orientation Session (covers important issues such as what to expect in the USA, how to open a bank account, how to apply for a Social Security number, etc.), including the new participants in a WhatsApp group in which to get support from other international J1s in the USA and helping the Intern / Trainee with filing tax returns through a Partnership with Taxback.com. Also, all participants share their recommendations and advice on the Architect-US Blog.

Architect-US offers the most competitive price on the market while providing participants with a first-class fast-track service. However, should you need financial support, please contact your bank for affordable options? Keep in mind that the stipend you will be receiving from your Host Company during your J1 program with us will cover the costs in up to three months.