J-1 Trainee Program General Terms

Last updated: July 20, 2025

1. Program Participation

By applying to or participating in our J-1 Trainee Program, you agree to comply with all program guidelines, U.S. Department of State regulations, and these Terms and Conditions.

2. Eligibility Verification

Applicants must meet the official J-1 eligibility criteria, including appropriate education, background, and intent to return home after the training period.

3. No Employment Guarantee

This program is for training purposes only and does not constitute employment in the U.S. It is not a pathway to permanent residency or a work visa.

4. Sponsor Role

We operate as a designated sponsor organization and facilitate the matching of eligible trainees with qualified U.S. host companies. We do not act as an employer or recruiter.

5. Compliance and Conduct

Participants must follow the terms of their DS-2019 form and maintain lawful J-1 visa status throughout the program. Misconduct or visa violations may result in program termination.

6. Fees and Refunds

Program fees are subject to the terms stated in your agreement. Refunds, if any, are provided according to our cancellation policy and U.S. sponsor guidelines.

7. Liability Disclaimer

We are not responsible for changes in visa policy, host company decisions, or government processing delays. Participants assume full responsibility for their visa compliance and travel arrangements.

8. Intellectual Property

All program materials, website content, and training documentation are protected by intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced without permission.

9. Changes to Terms

We may revise these terms at any time. Continued participation in the program after updates constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

10. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved under U.S. jurisdiction.

11. Contact Information

For legal inquiries or questions about these terms, please contact us at info@ustrainee.org.


Trainee Agreement

INTERN/TRAINEE AGREEMENT – Between USTrainee and TRAINEE

  1. I understand that USTrainee provides DS-2019 forms for accepted applicants but cannot guarantee visa issuance.
  2. The J-1 Visa is non-immigrant and not a path to permanent residency or employment.
  3. I will not apply for a visa status change during the program.
  4. I affirm all information provided is accurate and agree to the program rules.
  5. I will comply with all J-1 program regulations as published by the U.S. Department of State.
  6. I understand USTrainee is not responsible for job retention or conflict resolution caused by my own conduct.
  7. I may only participate during DS-2019 dates; the 30-day grace period is not for training.
  8. I confirm I have $2,000+ for self-support during the program (excluding travel costs).
  9. I acknowledge the requirement to maintain valid health insurance during the program dates.
  10. I release USTrainee from liability for injury, delay, or travel-related issues beyond their control.
  11. I agree to indemnify USTrainee for any damage I may cause during the program.
  12. I authorize USTrainee to share application information for placement or housing.
Data Privacy & Protection

I understand that USTrainee collects and stores personal information such as passport details, education history, and financial status strictly for the purposes of J-1 program eligibility, sponsor compliance, and training placement. This information will be handled in accordance with U.S. data protection laws and never sold or misused.

I agree that any unauthorized disclosure or misuse of personal data by any party, including myself, may result in legal consequences and immediate program disqualification.

Legal reference: 22 CFR Part 62.22

Company Agreement

HOST COMPANY AGREEMENT – Between USTrainee and HOST COMPANY

  1. We will host trainees in accordance with the U.S. Department of State's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
  2. We will follow all labor laws and not displace U.S. workers by hosting trainees.
  3. We agree to provide a formal DS-7002 training plan with proper supervision and rotation.
  4. We acknowledge USTrainee's role as the program sponsor and will cooperate with audits and site visits.
  5. We will report any emergency, misconduct, or program change to USTrainee immediately.
  6. We understand trainees are non-immigrant visitors and may not be used for long-term staffing.
  7. We will not collaborate with staffing agencies or third parties for trainee placement.
  8. We may be subject to removal from the program if we violate sponsorship terms.
Data Privacy & Protection

As a Host Company, we understand that we may receive personal information of trainees, including identification, education history, or visa documents. We agree to protect this information, use it only for training-related purposes, and not share or store it beyond the intended duration or purpose.

Any breach of trainee privacy will result in immediate suspension from the program and may be reported to relevant U.S. regulatory agencies.

Reference: U.S. J-1 Sponsor Regulations

Agent Agreement

AGENT AGREEMENT – Between USTrainee and REGISTERED AGENT

  1. I acknowledge that I act as a facilitator only and not as an official sponsor, employer, or recruiter.
  2. I will provide accurate information and documentation when assisting applicants with the J-1 process.
  3. I will not guarantee visa approval or job placement on behalf of USTrainee.
  4. I agree to communicate transparently with both trainees and companies without misrepresenting USTrainee's services.
  5. I will not charge unauthorized fees to applicants for services related to this program.
  6. I understand that violation of these terms may result in immediate termination of my agent status and legal consequences.
  7. I authorize USTrainee to audit my communication and service practices at any time for compliance.
  8. I agree not to engage in fraudulent, coercive, or unethical practices when assisting applicants or companies.
Data Privacy & Protection

As an Agent, I may handle or process confidential applicant information, including sensitive identity documents. I agree to maintain strict confidentiality, use this data only for legitimate purposes related to the J-1 application process, and never store or transmit such data insecurely.

I acknowledge that failure to protect applicant information will result in permanent disqualification from agent status and may trigger legal or criminal investigations in the U.S. and/or the applicant’s home country.

Enforced under U.S. Data Protection and Exchange Visitor Program laws.