ABOUT THE PROGRAM

WHAT IS THE CAMP AMERICA TRAINEE PROGRAM?

The J-1 Trainee program permits participants to stay in the U.S for up to 18 months to gain valuable skills in their career field. AIFS is a U.S. State Department designated sponsor for the J-1 Trainee program for the following categories and program durations:

• Education, Social Sciences, Library Sciences, Counseling and Social Services – 6 months, 12 months, 18 months
• Hospitality and Tourism – 6 months, 12 months
• Management, Business, Commerce and Finance – 6 months, 12 months, 18 months

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY:

Trainee’s must hold a degree or non-vocational, professional certificate from a college, university, or other post-secondary academic institution of higher education outside the U.S. AND at least 1 year of related professional experience outside the U.S. OR; Have at least 5 years of related, full-time professional experience outside the U.S.

All trainee applicants must also be able to document their current and previous related occupational experience from current/former employers outside the U.S.

CAMP AMERICA TRAINEE REQUIREMENTS:

Trainee must submit the following:

• Background check
• Medical form
• 2 References

*If a Trainee submitted any of these documents to an AIFS subsidiary dated within the past 12 months, those documents will suffice for this requirement.

APPLICANT RESOURCES:

EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS:

• Create Trainee training plan
• Provide housing for Trainee
• Comply with local, state, and federal minimum wage laws
• Provide Trainee with cultural exchange opportunities

EMPLOYER PRICING:

EMPLOYER RESOURCES:

STEP 1: APPLICANT REGISTERS
Potential applicants are asked to begin the process by filling out the online application form.  Applicants will be asked questions on their background, work, and education history to ensure eligibility for the trainee program.  They will be able to upload their CV which will be sent to their potential employers.

Once completed, applicants will receive a confirmation email explaining the next steps in the process.  If needed, this includes submitting a Background check, Medical form, and two References. A link to pay the application fee will also be provided at this time.

STEP 2: EMPLOYER BEGINS TRAINING PLAN
Upon submission of their application, if an applicant has indicated they have been offered a placement already, a message will be sent to the Point of Contact supplied by the applicants.

Employers will review the Applicant/Trainee's submissions, sign the Letter of Agreement, and then complete your organization's information, details about the traineeship, and create/sign each phase of the training plan.

STEP 3: CAMP AMERICA REVIEWS & MAILS VISA DOCUMENTS
Once the employer has submitted the training plan, Camp America will review it for accuracy.  This process will take less than 2 business days.  If changes are needed, Camp America will reach out to the employer to assist.  If the training plan is ready, Camp America will begin the process of creating the DS-2019 and additional documents necessary for the applicant to secure their visa appointment. 

Employers & Applicants will both be notified when the complete visa packet has been mailed to the applicant in their home country.  A tracking number will be provided as well.  At this time, an invoice for the employer for all fees will be sent.

STEP 4: APPLICANT SECURES & ATTENDS EMBASSY INTERVIEW
Once the applicant has received their visa packet, they will begin the process of securing an embassy appointment.  Applicants are encouraged to wait until they have received their passport and visa back to book travel to the US.

Our partners in each applicant’s home country will be on hand to guide them through the embassy booking process as well as ensure they are properly prepared for their Traineeship.