Global Current has sponsored foreign nationals from over 40 countries in 2010 thus far!

Why Choose a J-1 Trainee or Intern Visa?

The J-1 visa can be a great option for your company to quickly and efficiently bring in participants for your international training or internship programs. J-1 visas are flexible, timely, and fast. There are no age restrictions and there is no lengthy petitioning process prior to applying for a visa. From start to finish it is possible to complete the entire process within 2 to 3 weeks...especially when working with an organization such as Global Current. We proudly offer 48-processing for all eligible applications.

If the proposed traineeship or internship is in one of the following categories, Global Current may be able to help sponsor your proposed participant:

Business and Technology
Marketing
Administration/Management
Communications
Commerce
Finance
Information Technology
Engineering
Media
Social Services (Excluding Counseling)
Public Administration
Law
Social Sciences
The Sciences
Library Science
Mathematics
Arts and Culture
Film
Fashion
Graphic Design
Architecture
Education (Excluding Teachers)

Have a question about whether or not your proposed participant fits into one of the above listed categories? Fell free to contact us at any time!

Good Friday - Friday, April 2nd

Global Current will be closed Friday, April 2nd in observance of Good Friday. We will be back open for business on Monday, April 5th.

Summer Internship Rate!

Global Current would like to inform all interested persons that we are once again offering a special Summer Internship Rate for eligible candidates who have already secured internships with host companies in the U.S. Our rate includes Global Current sponsorship for your J-1 intern visa and payment of your SEVIS fee. Mandatory health insurance is not included. This rate only applies for internships. Traineeships are not eligible for this promotion.

*A summer intern is a student that participates in an internship of no more than 4 months during summer vacation from their home university. Upon completion of their internship program, participants return to their foreign university to complete a degree. For more information about this special promotion please contact us.

Jon Adler
Program Manager
Global Current
Phone: (212) 757-3774 x240
E-Mail: jona@globalcurrentexchanges.org

Over 30 Countries and Counting......

Did you know that Global Current has already sponsored professionals from over 30 countries in 2010 !!!

Travel Promotion Act Signed into Law

On March 4th, President Obama signed into law the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. The law will require a $10 fee to be levied on visitors to the United States from 35 European and Asian visa- waiver countries that do not pay $131 for a U.S. visa and are staying fewer than 90 days in the US. The fee will cover a traveler for two years and could produce as much as $100-200 million a year to help fund a corporation to promote the United States as a tourist destination. A further goal of the program is to educate travelers on U.S security procedures.

While this legislation will not affect any participants on J-1 Programs, it will affect those visiting them in the U.S. during their programs, including friends and family. It is expected that this fee will begin to be charged by the end of the year.

Identity Crisis: Is the J-1 Candidate a Trainee or an Intern?

The J-1 trainee and intern programs do have some overlap. There are some people that qualify for both programs. Maybe your J-1 candidate just completed a Master's program and also has a year of experience. How do you decide which program to apply for?

The J-1 trainee and intern programs are very similar but there are a couple factors that should be considered when choosing which to apply for. First of all, intern programs are typically more basic, building right off of a degree. They may also be project based. So, if the program looks more like an internship and the candidate's professional experience consists mostly of internships, then it would probably be best to apply for the intern program. If the program involves high-level training and the candidate has just completed a Master's with several years of work experience, then it would probably be best to apply for the trainee program.

As a sponsor, we will let you know if the program fits better under one program, but if the candidate and program are equally qualified for both, then you may want to consider the desired program length and the likelihood that the candidate will want to repeat the J-1 program. The maximum intern program length is 12 months and the maximum trainee program length is 18 months. You may have planned for a one year program but if for some reason the training is delayed you have the option to extend up to 18 months under the trainee program. If the proposed program is just 3 months long, then the possibility to extend may not be an issue.

In order to repeat the J-1 trainee program, participants must reside outside the U.S. for two years between programs, whereas intern programs can be completed virtually back-to-back as long as the candidate still qualifies. This could be important for candidates currently pursuing a degree (Masters) but that happen to qualify for both the intern and trainee programs. If they do an internship over summer break and then decide to do another internship after graduating, they are able to do this without waiting 2 years.

These guidelines should help you make an informed decision and if you need any advice, Global Current is always available. Contact us for a review!