BABC J-1 Visa Program

How does a company qualify for the J1 Visa program? 

To qualify, the host company must:

• Have a business relationship with the UK.
• Complete all the required application paperwork.
• Enter into an agreement with the BABC to comply with the program’s goals, requirements, and US Department of State regulations.
• Ensure the trainees or interns in question become individual members of their local British-American Business Council chapter.
• Undergo a site visit and screening if they have fewer than 25 employees and annual revenue under $3 million.

What are the requirements of the trainee?

To qualify for the program, the trainee must:

• Have either A) a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary academic institution outside the US, and at least one year of related work experience, or B) 5 years of related work experience outside the US in a related field.
• The proposed training must not duplicate any prior training the trainee has undergone – it should broaden their skillset and enhance their career upon returning home.
• Have English language skills that are sufficient to function properly on a day-to-day basis in a training environment, if the trainee is a non-native speaker.
• If a non-British trainee has been employed by your company for less than 8 weeks, a written third-party reference is required.

How long does it take to process completed applications?

Completed applications can be processed in 5 business days.

How long has the program been running?

The program was authorized by the US Department of State in 1986.