LEGAL FAQ

Can I change trainee positions once in the U.S.A.?
You may not change host companies or leave earlier than what was committed.
What is meant by the Home-Country Physical Presence requirement?
Home-country physical presence requirement means that an exchange visitor who is within the purview of section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act must reside and be physically present in the country of nationality or last legal permanent residence for an aggregate of at least two years following departure from the United States before the exchange visitor is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence, a nonimmigrant H visa as a temporary worker or trainee, or a nonimmigrant L visa as an intracompany transferee, or a nonimmigrant H or L visa as the spouse or minor child of a person who is temporary worker or trainee or an intracompany transferee
What if I loose the copy of the DS2019 form?
A $50 fee will be asking you to replace your DS-2019. Without this document you are not legal in USA so make a copy!! If you lose your passport, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible so that they can assist you in obtaining new documentation.
Can I choose to extend my Visa once I arrive in the USA?
Extensions are difficult to obtain and also expensive due to new non-refundable fees required by the United States Government. Participant who wish to extend their Visa need to request it not less than 30 days prior to the expiration date on the DS-2019. It is also extremely important that applicants apply for the maximum amount of time they are able to train in order to avoid the need to submit an extension application.
Can I leave the USA early?
No. You have signed an agreement that commits you to a certain company and time frame. You should honor this contract.
Can I leave the USA and re-enter on my J- 1 Visa?
You may leave and re-enter the U.S.A. without obtaining a new visa, provided the visa and DS-2019 form have not expired, you hold a multiple-entry visa, the passport is still valid, and you have a copy of the DS-2019 form in your possession. Before you leave the United States, however, the sponsor organization must coordinate a signature on the front of the DS-2019 form to show that you are still in good standing with the trainee program.
What type of visa do I receive?
As a participant in an educational exchange program approved by the US Department of State you will receive a J-1 Visa. This Visa allowed you to train for up to 18 months with a company approved by the sponsor organization and the State Department. In November 1986, the US Congress passed a new immigration law requiring employers to verify that all employees – both U.S.A. citizens and non-residents aliens – are eligible to train/work. The company supervisor will ask to see your passport and a copy of the Exchange Visitor Visa form called DS-2019. This was the form that served to obtain the visa. The immigration officer will stamp it and leave it in your passport. It should remain there at all times. We encourage you to make photocopies of your passport and the DS form and keep them in a safe place. These are the documents that prove your eligibility and identity.
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International Trainee Network / HEADQUARTERS | 3325 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 600 Los Angeles, CA 90010United StatesPhone: (1) 213 385-2829 Fax: (1) 213 385 2836 

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