What is the VIE Program?
What is the VIE Program?
The VIE, Volontariat International en Entreprise or International Internship, is a hassle-free HR package offered by the French government that allows French companies to offer an assignment abroad for a period of 6 to 12 months (renewable once) to high-profile young professionals from France and the European Economic Area. In New England, FACCNE can support your company as you set up a VIE Program.
The VIE Program is a key tool for French companies to develop their business in new international markets, thereby strengthening the French economic community worldwide. It is also an excellent opportunity for young people to gain international professional experience and develop their skills.
The opportunity to gain international experience has a strong appeal for young people. The HR solution of the VIE Program is a real lever for promoting your business to tomorrow's managers.
It is entirely flexible and provides several financial advantages, aimed at making your cross-border HR needs more manageable. The full cost of the VIE is charged to the French company, not the host company. In addition, the VIE Program is exempt from taxation in France. The company in France is also entitled to certain fiscal advantages (tax deductible for subsidies, tax credit for SMEs, etc.) as well as regional subsidies.
Since its inception in 2001:
- 77,000 VIEs have been hosted by more than 7,400 companies worldwide.
- 10,300 VIEs are currently on assignment for 2,000 companies in 130 countries.
The VIE program falls within the scope of the Exchange Visitor Program and the VIE candidate holds a J-1 Visa. Depending on their profile, the candidate has either an intern or a trainee status.
To be eligible for the VIE Program, candidates must be:
- over 18 and under 28 years old at the time they apply,
- of French or European nationality (i.e. be a national of a Member State of the European Economic Area, which includes the 27 Member States of the European Union including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Monaco)
- have a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary institution outside the U.S.,
- AND at least one year of relevant full-time work experience outside the U.S.
Business France handles administrative procedures (payroll administration, contract, insurance, and, upon request, travel and recruitment processes). FACCNE works with the host company in the U.S. to approve and process J-1 Visa applications for VIE candidates.
For more information on the VIE program as an HR solution, and to post an open VIE position, please visit: Business France's dedicated platform. North American companies can contact Melanie Boude at infovieadn(@)businessfrance.fr.
Potential VIE Program candidates can search for open positions on: Mon Volontariat International - Business France.