J1 Visa & VIE (Exchange Visitor Program)

The Exchange Visitor Program is a U.S. Department of State program aiming to encourage cultural exchange by allowing exchange visitors (VIE, J1-Visa) to come to the United States for up to 12 months as Interns (for students and recent graduates) or for up to 18 months as Trainees (more experienced candidates) to participate in full time, paid, practical training programs.

These programs are extremely beneficial for candidates and host companies and serve to further understanding and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the world. The candidates gain valuable experience in fields as diverse as finance, engineering, law, communications, and technology, while our host companies get the benefit of top international talent while helping to train the leaders of tomorrow. 

The VIE Program (Volontariat International en entreprise or International Internship Program) falls within the scope of the Exchange Visitor Program: the VIE candidate holds a J-1 Visa. According to their profile, the candidate can have either an intern status or a trainee status.

Through the US-wide French-American Chamber of Commerce network, FACCNE can officially sponsor J1-Visa.  We will guide you throughout the process whether you are a host company or an Intern/Trainee Candidate, and offer specific support throughout the J-1 visa sponsorship process.

We also coordinate year-round networking and cultural events for our J-1 Exchange Visitors, promoting American cultural exposure and networking opportunities nationwide.

The French-American Chamber of Commerce Network (FACC) is the only sponsor for J-1 Visa and VIE dedicated to the French-American business community.  Together with the other chapters, we form a preeminent and long-standing private organization committed to strengthening relationships with U.S. and French government officials.

As an official designated sponsor by the U.S. Department of State, the FACC-NYC has 40+ years of experience with this program. Their dedicated bilingual team (French and English) will assist you in the process whether you are a Host Company or an Intern/Trainee Candidate throughout the program.

After carefully reviewing a candidate’s qualifications, experience and motivations, we determine whether the candidate is eligible for the program and, if so, issue the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) to allow the application to proceed to the next step: visa issuance at the American Embassy.

The FACCNE is your local partner and your link to the FACC-NYC. We will help you start the process and connect you with their Exchange Visitor Program Team. We can also help you find the right company to host you for your Internship or Traineeship or we can connect your company with a potential Intern or Trainee that would fit your company' s needs.

We also coordinate year-round American cultural events for all J-1 Exchange Visitors and professional networking opportunities.