The IACC has been designated as an Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor by the U.S. Department of State and is authorized to approve training programs for interns (currently enrolled university students/recent university graduates) or trainees (young professionals) in the following fields:  Hospitality and Tourism; Management, Business, Commerce and Finance; Public Administration and Law; The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations.

The IACC does not currently provide direct placement services.  Companies and eligible candidates must have already secured a placement before contacting the IACC. We can however provide recommendation to companies and eligible candidates who are interested in the program.

In order to qualify for the program, a prospective intern must be:

a foreign national who is currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution outside of the United States

OR

has received the equivalent of a U.S. post-secondary degree within the last 12 months from the start date of their internship outside of the United States, at least 18 years of age, in possession of an internship offer from a qualified host company in one of the following fields: Hospitality and Tourism; Management, Business, Commerce and Finance; Public Administration and Law; The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations.

In order to qualify for the program, a prospective trainee must be:

in possession of the equivalent of a U.S. post-secondary degree from outside of the United States and have accumulated at least 52 weeks (1 year) of employment experience in the proposed field of training, at least 18 years of age, in possession of a training offer from a qualified host company in one of the following fields: Hospitality and Tourism; Management, Business, Commerce and Finance; Public Administration and Law; The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations

OR

have accumulated five (5) years of employment experience in the proposed field of training: Hospitality and Tourism; Management, Business, Commerce and Finance; Public Administration and Law; The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations

The host company providing training must have sufficient structure to host an interns/trainee. Companies that are not currently IACC members will receive a complimentary membership valid for one year as part of the administrative fee. That company must submit a training plan for the prospective trainee/intern and should also provide for cross-cultural activities such as company functions or cultural outings that will enhance the overall quality of the trainee’s/intern’s experience in the U.S. The employer must also provide him or her with a maintenance allowance to cover living expenses during the training period. The maintenance allowance paid to the trainee/intern should be comparable to the amount paid to other individuals having similar education and work experience. It is important to note, however, that the host company is required by law to pay the trainee/intern at least the prevailing minimum wage as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Once a host company and a trainee/intern have agreed upon a suitable training opportunity, they can contact the IACC to begin the application process (j1visa@italchamber.org). Upon receiving all completed application materials and provided that there is no need for further documentation or clarification, the IACC’s Responsible Officer and Alternate Responsible Officers will begin a review of the application. Upon an initial approval of the submitted application and a determination that the proposed trainee/intern shall not be employed for the purpose of staffing or obtaining temporary help, the IACC will conduct an in-person or telephone virtual interview with the prospective trainee/intern in order to ascertain the trainee’s/intern’s ability to adequately speak and comprehend the English language, describe their upcoming mission in the U.S. and its relevance to their education and professional experience, and his or her intent to depart the U.S. and apply the skills learned during the training period. Once the applicant has proven a level of English language proficiency that is satisfactory to the IACC officer processing the application, the IACC will send a “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form DS-2019) as well as additional orientation materials directly to the trainee/intern abroad electronically. The trainee must then present the application to the Non-immigrant Visa Unit of an American consulate/embassy abroad. The Consul Officer  shall then issue the applicant a J-1 Non-Immigrant Visa.

J-1 application costs vary based on program type, duration and IACC membership status. Please contact our J-1 Visa Specialist Ericka Rodas at J1Visa@italchamber.org for detailed pricing information. Our fees include highly personalized service from the IACC’s expert team, offering tailored, hands-on guidance through every step of the J-1 Visa process and a seamless, user friendly experience for both host companies and participants.

Participating host companies are required by law to provide Interns/Trainees with an amount equivalent to at least the current prevailing minimum wage as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. The IACC encourages host companies to compensate Interns/Trainees in a manner that is consistent with the salary that would be paid to a regular employee with commensurate levels of education and experience.

Interns/Trainees are required to pay all federal and state taxes associated with earnings derived from their traineeships. State income tax rates vary (and some states do not have an income tax), but the federal income tax rate is determined by the level of one’s wage. Federal and state income taxes will be automatically deducted from the trainee’s paycheck by his or her employer. Interns/Trainees must file both federal and state (if applicable) income tax returns by April 15th for each year in which they earn income in the United States. For additional information on filing income tax returns, please visit the web site of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.

Yes.  Upon arriving in the U.S., Interns/Trainees should apply for a Social Security card. In order to do so, Interns/Trainees must present themselves at their local office of Social Security Administration with a valid passport, proof of residence in the U.S. and DS-2019 Form. The nearest Social Security Administration office can be located on the Internet at https://www.ssa.gov/locator/

Yes. Spouses and children wishing to accompany Interns/Trainees to the States during the duration of their training programs are included on the trainee’s “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form DS-2019) and are issued separate J-2 visas by the appropriate consulate in Italy. The visa status of dependents is contingent upon the visa status of the J-1 holder. Therefore, spouses and children are permitted to remain in the U.S. as long as the trainee is participating in a valid program and must leave upon the J-1 holder’s return to his or her home country. Please note that IACC charges an additional administrative fee per J-2 application; the administrative fee also includes health insurance coverage for the duration of the J-2 program.

Interns/Trainees are permitted to remain the United States for up to 30 days after the program end date indicated on the Certificate of Eligibility. What is the difference between the two-year waiting period between training programs and home- country physical presence requirement? There are two different regulations that have a 2-year residency requirement: INA 212(e), which applies to certain exchange visitors under the Skills List and 22 CFR 62.22(n), which applies to ALL J-1 trainees and interns.

Yes, but you must inform the IACC the dates that you will be away.  You cannot travel for more than 30 consecutive days as you risk falling out of J-1 status at the U.S. border. Any exceptions must be approved, in advance by IACC.  Your DS-2019 form will also need to be signed before you leave the country. Please note that entry and re-entry to the U.S. is up to the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. J2s will also need to follow the above procedure for travel validation.