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Exchange Visitor Program
The BABC's Exchange Visitor Program is designed to promote business relations and commercial ties between the U.S. and the U. K. and to facilitate international exchange by enabling participating companies to bring selected trainees to the U.S. for up to 18 months.
This goal is achieved by imparting to the trainees knowledge and understanding of U.S. business practices and culture in a structured training program in a specific occupational field.
The approximate cost is $1,600 per visa and processing takes approximately 4 weeks from receipt of application.
Requirements
Companies wishing to use this service have to be members, in good standing, of the British American Business Council of New England, Inc.
J1 Visa Forms
 J1 Visa Application
J1 Visa Instructions
J1 Visa Insurance Certification
J1 Visa Insurance Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Purpose of the Program?
To provide an expedient, cost-effective way for member companies of the BABC in the United States to bring qualified executives into the US for up to 18 months of training and work experience.
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How does a Member Company Qualify for the Program?
The company needs to:
- be a member of a chapter of the BABC in the US; and
- either be doing business between the US and the UK, through a parent or subsidiary company; or if the company does not have a presence in the UK through a parent or subsidiary relationship, the company must intend to establish a UK office, thereby justifying their need to bring a UK-based executive into the USA for training and work experience.
- (if the member company is applying to use the Program for the first time) undergo a site visit and screening by BritishAmerican Business officer or designated BABC officer to satisfy the criteria from DOS. The purpose of the site visits is for the 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's Placement Plan.
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How does an Executive Qualify for the Program?
- There are no age or nationality restrictions. However, non-British executives must either be a resident of the UK or already be employed by the applicant company.
- All trainees must be qualified to receive the training by virtue of their academic background and experience. Trainees must have either 1) a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. and at least one year prior related work experience in his or her occupational field; or 2) five years of work experience outside the U.S. in his or her occupational field.
- Executives must have the intention of continuing to do business with the member company upon completion of the training, by being employed by the member company in the UK or country of residence.
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What Fields can be Covered by the Program?
The Program covers a wide range of fields, including:
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industry
- Information, Media & Communications; and
- Law
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How Much Does It Cost?
The current application fee is $1,600
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How long does it take the BABC to process a completed application for sponsorship?
Completed applications are normally processed within five business days upon receipt at the BABC Secretariat's office.
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What happens after the BABC processes my application?
We will issue a DS 2019 (certificate of eligibility for a J-1 Trainee Visa) and send to the sponsor company to forward to the trainee. The trainee makes an appointment with their local US Embassy/Consulate to get approval on the visa. The embassy will then return the trainee's passport to the trainee along with visa.
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How long does it take to have the visa issued at the consulate?
There is no definite time, but allow at least 3 weeks to secure an interview and approval with the Embassy or Consulate.
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How much does it cost to obtain the visa at the consulate?
These filing fees and instructions are subject to change and we recommend all trainees contact their local embassies and consulates for the latest information and instructions.
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Must the trainee return to his or her home country in order to obtain the visa at the consulate?
We recommend that the trainee be in their home country to obtain the visa – to avoid delays and complications.
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What are the U.S. minimum insurance requirements for J-1 trainees?
Each trainee and any accompanying family member must have health insurance that meets the following minimum requirements:
- Medical expenses to $50,000 per year
- Repatriation of remains (at least $7,500)
- Expenses associated with medical evacuation to home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
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How would you define a training opportunity?
An opportunity through which the trainee would gain in-depth skills, knowledge and experience about US business practices that they could not get in their home country.
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How long can I remain in the host country after the completion of my training?
Upon completion of the training, the trainee may stay up to 30 days as a visitor whereupon they must leave the country. In some cases the trainee may be subject to the 2-year home residency requirement (usually developing countries that have skills shortages). Trainees may apply for a waiver to the 2-year home residency requirement.
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Please note: This section is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions about this program. Full information about the Program and its requirements can be obtained from the BABCNE office.
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J1-Visa
