CIEE’s Trainee Programs, Internship USA (INT USA) and Professional Career Training USA (PCT USA), are an excellent opportunity for students, recent graduates, and young professionals to spend up to 18 months in the United States gaining structured training in their fields of endeavor. Through these two distinct programs, training is available for both students and non-students; can take place all year round; and is permitted in almost any field.

Services we give you

• DS-2019 form, certificate of eligibility necessary to apply for the J-1 visa, which authorizes you to work legally in the U.S.
• Pre-departure Orientation
• Visa application information
• Evaluations in US
• Fully comprehensive emergency, medical and repatriation insurance coverage in accordance with U.S. government requirements.
• Sponsor's letter necessary for applying for the Social Security Card upon your arrival in the U.S.
• Emergency Assistance - offered by the Portland office during your stay.

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF PROGRAM

“The primary objectives of training are to enhance the exchange visitor’s skills in his or her specialty or non-specialty occupation through participation in a structured training program and to improve the participant’s knowledge of American techniques, methodologies or expertise within the individual’s field of endeavor. Such training programs are also designed to enable the exchange visitor trainee to understand better American culture and society and to enhance American knowledge of foreign cultures and skills by providing the opportunity for open interchange of ideas between the exchange visitor trainees and their American counterparts. Use of the Exchange Visitor Program for ordinary employment or work purposes is strictly prohibited.”

 This category of exchange programs unequivocally prohibits any position that would be considered “just work”.

 PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

 Internship USA (INT USA)

CIEE requires that an INT USA participant be the equivalent of a university undergraduate or postgraduate student. As a general guideline, a student must have already begun a full-time course of study of at least two years in duration at an accredited post-secondary institution (e.g. university undergraduate or graduate program) to be eligible. A student who has graduated from secondary school but has not yet begun university-level study is not eligible for INT USA.

No part-time students will be accepted to participate in INT USA.

A student enrolled in a one-year specialization course (e.g. law or engineering) can be accepted on INT USA, as long as this course is not the first and/or only year of postsecondary study for the  participant. A one-year Master’s Degree student would be accepted because the Master’s Degree is built upon a Bachelor’s Degree and therefore is not the only year of post-secondary study.

A student who applies for INT USA while enrolled in university must begin the training exchange within six months of completing his academic coursework. If the training is scheduled to begin more than six months following the last day the applicant is enrolled in full-time courses, that participant must apply for the Professional Career Training USA Program.

 Professional Career Training USA (PCT USA)

CIEE developed PCT USA Program to enable a wider range of non-students to participate in a training exchange program. To be eligible for PCT USA, participants must be at least 20 years old and generally not older than 40; have graduated from secondary school and possess demonstrable professional skills. These skills may have been developed either by acquiring a university degree, earning a professional certificate from a trade/technical school, completing an apprenticeship of at least 2 years, or having at least two years of professional experience in the field in which they intend to train.

 Country of Application

Applicants must apply for their chosen Trainee Program while in their home country or their country of current study or work. A DS-2019 for a new Trainee Program will not be issued to applicants who are in the U.S. (e.g. already in the U.S. on a tourist, student or other J-1 Exchange Program visa). Of course, a DS-2019 extension may be issued while the Trainee is in the US.

TYPES OF TRAINING PLACEMENTS

 Accepted

CIEE is authorized to sponsor Trainees in the following categories:

• Arts and Culture
• Information Media and Communications
• Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services
• Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
• Health-Related Occupations
• The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Public Administration and Law

Prohibited

CIEE is NOT authorized to sponsor Trainees in the following categories:

• Aviation
• Construction and Building Trades
• Au pairs, Camp counselors, Teachers or Physicians
• Training involving hands-on physical therapy, exercise training, hands-on veterinary care, counseling, or training administering treatment or making diagnoses of medical, psychiatric or psychological patients is not permitted
• Training to be a maid or other domestic work, such as baby-sitting or housekeeping is not permitted.
• Training as a crewmember or pilot on ships or airplanes is not permitted.
• Experience has led CIEE to prohibit training with certain categories of Host Companies.
• Positions working directly for a temporary employment agency are not permitted
• Positions with pool companies or “fast food” restaurants or franchises are not permitted
• Any "teachers" brought in under our designation must be students training to be teachers. They can NOT be any of the following:

-          language teachers

-          full-fledged trained teachers

-          teaching assistants

NOTE: Workers in “unskilled occupations”, as defined by the US Department of State, are not eligible for a Trainee Program:

• Assemblers
• Attendants, Parking Lot
• Attendants (Service Workers such as Personal Services Attendants, Amusement and Recreation Service Attendants)
• Automobile Service Station Attendants
• Bartenders
• Bookkeepers
• Caretakers
• Cashiers
• Charworkers and Cleaners
• Chauffeurs and Taxicab Drivers
• Cleaners, Hotel and Motel
• Clerks, General
• Clerks, Hotel
• Clerks and Checkers, Grocery Stores
• Clerk Typist
• Cooks, Short Order
• Counter and Fountain Workers
• Dining Room Attendants
• Electric Truck Operators
• Elevator Operators
• Floorworkers
• Groundskeepers
• Guards
• Helpers, any industry
• Hotel Cleaners
• Household Domestic Service Workers
• Housekeepers
• Janitors
• Key Punch Operators
• Kitchen Workers
• Laborers, Common
• Laborers, Farm
• Laborers, Mine
• Loopers and Toppers
• Material Handlers
• Nurses' Aides and Orderlies
• Packers, Markers, Bottlers and Related
• Porters
• Receptionists
• Sailors and Deck Hands
• Sales Clerks, General
• Sewing Machine Operators and Handstitchers
• Stock Room and Warehouse Workers
• Streetcar and Bus Conductors
• Telephone Operators
• Truck Drivers and Tractor Drivers
• Typist, Lesser Skilled
• Ushers, Recreation and Amusement
• Yard Workers

CATEGORY-SPECIFIC CIEE GUIDELINES

HOTELS AND RESTAURANT TRAINING PLACEMENTS

A hotel Traineeship or restaurant Traineeship is reserved for a Trainee with one of the following:

1. A directly-related field of study (INT USA) or professional history (PCT USA);

2. A general management field of study and documented work experience in the field of training; or

3. A general management field of study and strong written support for this specific training program from both his university and his Host Company.

The hospitality industry has developed recognized training standards for its management Trainees, and CIEE expects any Host Company Training Proposal in this field to uphold those guidelines.

- Training activities in unskilled areas like housekeeping or reception must be limited to short (two- to eight-week) rotations and, as with all rotations, must demonstrate progressive skill development. The length of these rotations will be considered within the context of the total program length (e.g. A six-month Traineeship should not include a full eight weeks in an unskilled area).

- Rotations through such areas should include progressive responsibility, advancing the training to include management roles.

- The Trainee must gain experience in the back office as well.

CIEE will consider positively Traineeships at established hotel or restaurant chains or groups for an applicant with the appropriate background.

As stated earlier, CIEE will not accept applications for training with a “fast food” restaurant, franchise, or chain regardless of the proposed Trainee role or the applicant’s background.

 SINGLE LOCATION RETAILERS

Single location retailers, hotels, and restaurants interested in hosting a Trainee should possess a clearly documented, established training program (i.e. not one developed ad hoc for the individual applicant) for university students or professional Trainees.

 WORK AND TRAVEL COMPANIES

Typical Work and Travel (WAT) companies (i.e. amusement parks, casinos, hotels, pubs, etc.) must provide clear evidence of sufficient resources and a commitment to the goals of a Trainee Program in order to support bona fide training. Unlike a WAT participant, a Trainee’s experience must be limited in its unskilled activities and must demonstrate progressive skill development.

A WAT company that seeks to host one of its previous WAT participants as a Trainee is encouraged to submit a robust Host Company Training Proposal, clearly identifying the ways in which the training will surpass the participant’s earlier experience, as well as written rationale for re-hiring the former WAT participant.

DURATION OF PROGRAM

The maximum duration for Trainee Programs is 18 months.

 According to 22 CFR 62.8 (b), the minimum duration for a training exchange is three weeks. The shortest Trainee Program that CIEE offers is one month, however, very short exchanges need to be justified in terms of the training that the participant will receive in such a short period of time. Given the additional requirements for repeat Trainee applicants, it is advisable to maximize one’s original training time in the US.

CIEE’s average length of training is currently six to eight months. The proposed length of each training program will be considered within the context of the applicant’s background, the training objectives and activities, and the training environment offered by the Host Company. In evaluating the length of  program, CIEE will consider also the following:

-  University endorsement of the specific length of training: University support for a current student’s proposed leave period is viewed positively, particularly when the training would keep the student from his educational program for more than one academic year.

-  Documentation from a Host Company on its standard training program length: Training proposals that follow a well-established standard for a particular industry or company are viewed positively.

 THE APPLICATION PROCESS

 REQUIRED MATERIALS

The application includes two parts: the Trainee Application itself, which is to be completed by the individual participant, and the Host Company Training Proposal, which is to be completed by the Host Company in the US.

 Proof of Student Status and Academic Endorsement

An applicant for INT USA must have approval from his college or university to participate in training. The Academic Endorsement must be completed again in the event of a change in Host Company or an extension to the original program.

Although this requirement does not apply to a PCT USA applicant, a prospective PCT Trainee must clearly demonstrate that he meets the eligibility criteria for the program as described before.

 A Certified Copy of the Academic Transcript (Grades/Marks Sheet)

An applicant must submit a certified copy of his most recent academic transcript, translated into English, as part of the application packet. The purpose of this requirement is to confirm that the training is related to the participant’s field of study and that it is provided at a level appropriate for the Trainee.

 Résume/CV

An applicant must submit a current résume or CV as part of the application packet. The purpose of this requirement is to confirm that the training is related to the participant’s field of study or professional area and that it is provided at a level appropriate for the Trainee.

 Proof of Funds (Financial Security Statement)

A Trainee who is paid less than $750 per month must submit, at the time of application, proof that he will have access to at least that amount to cover monthly living expenses.  Page 3 of 7 of the Trainee Application must be completed to verify that the Trainee has sufficient funds. The Trainee may submit this proof in the form of a bank statement (original or certified copy) or a guarantor letter, which must be in English. The Trainee should keep a copy of this documentation with his passport to show at Port of Entry (POE) should US Immigration request it.

 A participant cannot secure a job (or volunteer position) while on a Trainee Program.  If the Trainee will be accompanied by dependants on J-2 visas as part of the exchange, the J-1 (Trainee) must  demonstrate the availability of an additional $750 per month for each dependant.

 English Ability

All non-native English speakers must be screened for English ability. Page 3 of 7 of the Trainee Application must be filled out to verify a level of English sufficient to live and successfully participate in training in the US.

 Applicant’s Statement of Training Objectives

It is imperative that the Trainee understands he is participating in this program in order to acquire specific, professional skills training. It is the applicant’s responsibility to establish the relationship between the proposed training and his field of study (INT) or career path (PCT).

In order to determine whether this Trainee’s intentions are aligned with the Department of State’s purpose of the Trainee Programs, CIEE requires all Trainees to complete a statement of training objectives. This is found on page 4 of 7 of the Trainee Application.

 Participant Declaration for Trainee Programs

The applicant must submit a signed copy of the Participant Declaration in the application packet. The purpose of this two-page document is to confirm that the Trainee understands all program rules and requirements, including but not limited to SEVIS registration.

REVIEW OF A TRAINING PLAN

Trainee placements must consist of practical training directly related to the participant’s field of study (INT USA) or career path (PCT USA). Practical training may vary from position to position but must include well-rounded and structured exposure to the company/organization as well as the progressive development of skills and techniques specific to that company/organization.

In fact, it may be easier to describe what practical training is not. Practical training is not routine skilled or unskilled, day-to-day work, regardless of the level of supervision provided, the inherent nature of the work, or the interest the “worker” has in performing the work.

A Host Company must provide a detailed Host Company Training Proposal for each Trainee it intends to host. In reviewing these training plans, CIEE’s Program Admissions team evaluates the viability of training based on the following criteria:

-  The training is closely related to the Trainee’s field of study or career path.

-  The level of training is appropriate for the Trainee’s background.

-  The training is not duplicative of the Trainee’s prior experience.

-  The training is imparted through structured activities, such as classroom training, seminars, rotations through departments, and on-the-job training.

-  The training is not in an “unskilled occupation”.

Note: Components of a training plan may be on the unskilled list if they are an integral part of the overall program. Such tasks typically occur at an introductory stage of training and must be clearly limited in duration.

-  Training consists of at least 30 hours of experience per week. This CIEE rule helps to promote a true cultural exchange by enabling the Trainee to become more fully involved in the Host Company setting.

-  The training is not designed to fill a labor need, to displace full-time or part-time employees, or to recruit international citizens for employment in the US.

-  The Host Company has sufficient resources to support bona fide training.

 1. The Host Company is easily identified as a legitimate, established company/organization.

 2. A full-time employee with the background/credentials and responsibility level to serve as an appropriate trainer is supervising the Trainee in each rotation.

 3. The size of the Host Company is adequate to support a Trainee’s experience, and the number of Trainees on-site does not suggest that participants are filling a labor need. CIEE advises that no more than 10 percent of the Host Company’s staff should be comprised of Trainees.

CONSECUTIVE TRAINING PLACEMENTS

Consecutive training placements (e.g. a second pre-arranged training placement) are allowed as long as it makes sense given the whole view of the training. A Trainee is not allowed to extend their program and change host companies at the same time.

 CAUSES FOR IMMEDIATE DENIAL OF AN APPLICATION

CIEE will immediately deny an application for any of the following reasons:

1. CIEE has reason to doubt that the application has been completed according to the instructions provided.

2. CIEE has reason to doubt that the applicant will actually train as outlined in the Host Company Training Proposal.

3. CIEE has reason to doubt that the person listed as the Trainee Supervisor or the Host Company Contact Person is a full-time employee of the Host Company.

4. CIEE has reason to believe that the intent of the Host Company is to hire a temporary “worker” rather than to provide training.

5. CIEE has reason to believe that the intent of the applicant is to work rather than to train.

6. CIEE has reason to doubt the existence of the Host Company.

7. CIEE has reason to doubt the applicant’s intention to receive training at the Host Company for the duration of his program.

8. CIEE has reason to doubt the general intention of the applicant to comply with the J-1 regulations, which govern CIEE’s Trainee Programs.

9. The proposed Host Company can be found on CIEE’s “unsupportive”

TRAINEE PROGRAM EXTENSION

Extension information (applications and instructions) is available on the Trainee website at: www.ciee-trainee.net

Extension requests must be directed to the Trainee’s original Partner.

A Trainee may apply to extend his Trainee Program in the US, as long as he meets the following criteria:

-  An Extension Application is submitted to CIEE at least six weeks prior to the original training program end date. A Trainee who makes an extension request without this15 advanced notice must submit a statement explaining the circumstances behind his delayed application. Even then, there is no guarantee that the late request will be considered.

-  Additional training time is proven to be necessary to meet training objectives as stated on the original training plan or to increase professional competencies with more sophisticated skills training.

-  The total program time does not exceed 18 months.

-  The extended training is with the same Host Company.

-  The college/university approves the extension for an INT USA Trainee.

-  Insurance coverage is extended for the appropriate period.

-  The extension fee, based on the additional number of program months, is paid.

If approved, the DS-2019 form with the extended training end date will be sent to the Trainee at Host Company address.

IMPORTANT: The Trainee is able to remain in the US and continue legally training for the approved extension dates listed on the new DS-2019, even if the J-1 visa expires with the initial DS-2019 end date. However, if the Trainee intends to leave the US to return home for a short period and the J-1 visa has expired, he must apply for a new J-1 visa at the US Embassy/Consulate in his home country. Participants cannot receive a new J-1 visa within the US. *A Trainee should only make this application in his home country (or the countrywhere original J-1 was issued) and not in Canada or Mexico.

If the original program DS-2019 expires before the Trainee submits an application for extension, or if it expires while the Trainee is back in their home country, the request is considered to be a new application and a 90-day wait period would apply.

CHANGE OF HOST COMPANY

A Trainee may only change his Host Company with prior approval from CIEE and only under the rarest circumstances.

 The only legitimate reasons for a change in Host Company are:

-  The Trainee or the integrity of the Trainee Program is in danger.

-  Training objectives as stated in the Host Company Training Proposal are not being met and cannot be met by the Host Company.

-  The Host Company is going out of business.

 REPEAT TRAINEE APPLICANTS

Not allowed.

 MINIMUM TIME IN HOME COUNTRY BETWEEN J EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

A Trainee participant must spend a minimum of 90 days back in his home country between any two different J-1 visa programs. This 90-day requirement does not apply to a participant extending the same Traineeship and returning home for a brief interim visit.

 TWO-YEAR RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT (212E ANNOTATION ON VISA)

INT and PCT USA participants should be aware that they might be subject to the Two-Year Residency Requirement (212E). This means that after completing their training in the US, they must be present in their home country for at least two years before returning to the US. According to the regulations, this two-year rule will only apply if: a) the participant is being funded by his government to complete the training in the US, or b) the skills the Trainee is gaining in the US are listed on the skills shortage list for the Trainee’s home country. The full list may be accessed at:

http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/participation/skills_list.pdf

PROGRAM DATES

Trainee programs may begin at any time of the year. As previously mentioned, the maximum allowable program length is 18 months.

A CIEE Trainee is allowed to enter the US up to five (5) days prior to the program training start (the start date listed on the DS-2019 form).

A CIEE Trainee is allowed the maximum 30-day grace period to travel in the US after the program end date listed on the DS-2019 form. The Trainee is not to train (or work!) during this time; it is simply an opportunity to stay in the US to experience the culture. If the participant leaves the US during this travel period, he will not be able to re-enter the US on the expired DS-2019. Please note that the participant must be covered by insurance for this travel period in addition to his training dates. The Trainee is responsible for submitting his travel dates to CIEE and paying for any additional time outside of the Trainee Program, so that insurance coverage continues throughout the travel period.

 EMBASSY/CONSULATE ISSUES

One of the main concerns of the US Government is that applicants for Exchange Visitor visas be able to prove their intent to leave the US after the completion of their training programs. Therefore, applicants must provide proof of their ties to home when asked.

 SUPPORT

All CIEE-sponsored Trainees are supported in full for the duration of the program. This support comes in the form of standard materials, trained and dedicated staff, and top quality third-party relationships. Although Trainees are instructed in many ways to ensure a successful Traineeship, undoubtedly, issues will arise. All Trainees should be directed to contact CIEE immediately if they have a problem or if they are aware of an issue that might bring the Trainee program into notoriety or disrepute.

A toll free number (1-888-COUNCIL) is provided to each Trainee to reach CIEE’s Customer Service Center during normal business hours. In the event of an emergency, a cell phone is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and calls are answered by a trained member of CIEE’s staff.

SEVIS TRACKING SYSTEM

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system, which maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students.  

 Trainees must comply with two specific SEVIS requirements:

1. Register program start within 20 days of the Program Start Date listed on the DS-2019 Form.

2. Update CIEE within 10 days of any change to US home address.