Last Updated on August 23, 2023
The J-1 Cultural Exchange visitor program is most popular for young people to want to come into the U.S. to work as temporary or summer workers. The benefits of the J-1 visa type are crucial for tourism in many locations around the U.S. that rely on the part-time work of J-1 employees to get through the busy seasons. Also, for companies looking to fill roles with interns, counselors and trainees, the J-1 program has proven helpful.
Benefits beyond business
The visa not only helps businesses, but also families in need of childcare as au pairs, which is a common use for the visa. It’s also a program that benefits international relations, in its goals to provide cultural education and experience to young people who will eventually return to their country of origin. The visa is intended to help provide those temporary workers with favorable experiences to take home with them as well as a deeper cultural understanding of like in the U.S.
Cultural exchange in question
Despite its multiple benefits, the J-1 program has been under scrutiny in recent months. In August, the Trump administration flagged the program, calling the existence of the J-1 into question altogether. To date, no action to cancel the program has been taken, although recent changes in the level of scrutiny applied to immigration in the United States mean that many programs are being reevaluated by the current administration.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of the J-1 visa for your organization?
Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 7 to tune into our live webinar, Understanding the Basics of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an Envoy-retained attorney or another qualified professional.
