Employer Requirements

The InterExchange Career Training USA program is overseen by the US Department of State.  Under the program regulations, employers in our program must:

  • Have a Federal Identification Number and a Dun & Bradstreet Number
  • Submit proof of an active Worker's Compensation Insurance Policy (certificate or information letter)
  • Be able to provide full-time, professional level positions for interns and trainees (not to involve more than 20% clerical work)
  • Be able to provide continuous on-site supervision of interns and trainees
  • Sign a Host Employer Agreement form
  • Create and sign a Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002)

If your company has fewer than 25 employees or less than $3 million in revenue, then we’re required by the State Department to perform a site visit prior to approving you for the program. We charge a one-time $250 fee for a site visit, but once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll never have a repeat charge from InterExchange.

To further ensure appropriate placement of interns and trainees, we also require that employers in our program:  

  • Maintain a full-time employee to Intern/Trainee ratio of at least 3:1
  • Not be a home-based business

Prohibited Employer Types and Training Locations

Not all employers are permitted to host interns/trainees through InterExchange Career Training USA.  We cannot approve participants for sponsorship at the following locations:

  • Pool management companies
  • Spas/salons/dog grooming companies
  • Candy stores/mall kiosks/boardwalk booths and stands
  • Arcades
  • Convenience and grocery stores
  • Gas stations or toll plazas
  • Fast food restaurants
  • Staffing agencies
  • Customer service/phone operators

Futher, we cannot approve any positions that require or involve child care or elder care, or in clinical or any other kind of work that involves patient care or contact, including any work that would require trainees or interns to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical care (e.g., sports or physical therapy, psychological counseling, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, social work, speech therapy, or early childhood education).

All other employers and training plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  If you are uncertain as to whether your place of business is appropriate for a J-1 Intern or Trainee program, please contact us.  Further, please note that programs may not consist of more than 20% of basic or clerical tasks nor may interns or trainees perform unskilled labor.  To see a list of unskilled occupations prohibited by the US Department of State, click here.

If you require staff at one of the locations mentioned above or would like seasonal staff to assist with tasks that are not appropriate for Career Training USA participants, our Work & Travel USA program may be able to help meet your needs.

 

Once you register with us, we’ll evaluate your business and the job tasks and responsibilities you have in mind for your international internships and training programs. If you have any specific questions about the program requirements, just call 1-888-621-1202 or contact us.

If you don’t meet the requirements for InterExchange Career Training USA, you may be interested in our Work & Travel USA work exchange program.

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