Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce in The United States


	FAQ Trainee/Interns Testimonials Intern Program Trainee Program Host Company Information American Trainees in Belgium New SEVIS fee required for J-1 Visa holders


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: click on arrow next to question What is a J-1 Visa? What is the difference between an Intern and Trainee? Does the BACC assist students and young professionals in obtaining traineeships? How can I find a company to train with? What is the process to obtain a J-1 Visa? How long does it take for the BACC to process my completed application? Is the BACC’s J-1 Visa program limited to a particular field? How much does the program cost? Since host companies must be members of the Chamber, what are the BACC’s membership dues? Is there a limit to the length of training in the U.S.? Can any foreign national apply for a J-1 Visa through the BACC? Once I receive my DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility,” how do I obtain a Visa, how long does it take, and what does it cost? What is the SEVIS fee and how can I pay it? Do I need special insurance to train in the U.S.? How long may I remain in the U.S. once training/internship is completed? Are trainees/interns paid? What requirements must trainees and interns meet to be accepted into the program? What requirements must companies meet to be accepted into the program? Is there an orientation for trainees when they arrive in the U.S.? (housing, etc.) If my spouse and children will be traveling with me for training/internship, what type of Visa must they obtain? Do I need a U.S. social security number and do I have to pay U.S. taxes? Can I request a J-1 Visa if I have had one before? What is a J-1 Visa? The J-1 Visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States temporarily as an Exchange Visitor. It was developed to expose individuals from around the world to the culture and institutions of the U.S. and to foster better understanding of the U.S. perspective on a variety of issues. Organizations that are eligible to sponsor foreign nationals for a J-1 Visa can set up “Exchange Visitor Programs.” These organizations are designated and oversee by the U.S. Department of State. Each organization is bound by both federal regulations, which also govern the J-1 Visa, and the terms of the specific designation given to them by the U.S. State Department. The U.S. Department of State authorized the BACC as an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor in October of 2002 (Program No. P-3-6124). This permits our organization to issue a “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form DS-2019) to qualified Belgian interns and trainees, allowing them to train in the United States under a J-1 Visa in the field of Management, Business, Commerce and Finance. What is the difference between an Intern and Trainee? The BACC offers both an intern and trainee J-1 Visa program. Both students and young professionals must be Belgian nationals, at least 18 years old and training with a company in the field of Management, Business, Commerce and Finance. Interns must be registered full-time at a university, college or superior school and have completed at least two years of study in a relevant field to the training or just graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date. Interns may train in the U.S. for a maximum of twelve months. Trainees must have completed their studies with a university or superior school degree and have at least one year of professional work experience in a field relevant to the training. If trainees do not have a degree, they must have at least five years of professional work experience in a field relevant to the training. Trainees may train in the U.S. for a maximum of 18 months. Does the BACC assist interns and trainees in obtaining traineeships? The main service of the BACC is to facilitate the visa procedure. However, interns and trainees may also contact us for assistance in finding a suitable U.S. company to train with. Sometimes our members are looking for trainees. Otherwise we will direct you to companies who might be interested in hiring a trainee with your profile. Finding a U.S. company to train with will probably take some of your time and effort. Interns and trainees who are interested in the J-1 Visa Program must realize this and be proactive. But until now, all the people who've contacted the BACC were determined in the undertaking and have succeeded in finding a suitable traineeship. Once an intern or trainee and a host company have agreed on a valid training position, both parties must contact the BACC to obtain the J-1 Visa application materials. How can I find a company to train with? Interns and Trainees interested in practical training/internship in the U.S. may consult the BACC's list of members on this website. Go to the section 'chapters', choose 'New York chapter' or 'Atlanta chapter' and click on 'member list'. There is also a list of Belgian companies operating in the United States on the website of the Belgian Embassy in the U.S. A link to this list is provided on the BACC website, under the section 'Resources'. Another way of finding a company to train with is via personal or business contacts. If you (or a member of your family, your friends...) are currently working for an American company or a company with branches in America, don't hesitate to inquire about training possibilities. What is the process to obtain a J-1 Visa? Once a qualified host company and intern/trainee agree on a valid training/internship position, both must contact the BACC to obtain application materials. The BACC will begin review once it receives complete applications (see Checklist) from both the host company and intern/trainee. If there is no need for further documentation or clarification and if both the host company and trainee meet all requirements, the BACC will issue the DS-2019 to the trainee or intern which will allow them to obtain the J-1 Visa. How long does it take for the BACC to process my completed application? Applications for a J-1 Visa are usually reviewed and approved within two weeks. Is the BACC’s J-1 Visa program limited to a particular field? Yes. The U.S. Department of State has authorized the BACC to issue a “Certificate of Eligibility” (DS-2019) to qualified Belgian nationals in the field of Management, Business, Commerce and Finance only. How much does the program cost? The BACC charges an administrative fee based on the type and duration of traineeship. The costs are as follows: Administrative Fee: Interns: $ 500 Trainees: 0-6 months: $ 800 6-12 months: $1,000 12-18 months: $1,200 Host companies also must be a member of one of the BACC chapters (New York, Atlanta or Brussels). If a company is not a member, they may join one of the BACC chapters and pay membership dues for the entire training period. Regardless of the company’s chapter affiliation, the J-1 Visa program is managed and administered by the BACC’s New York Chapter. Any correspondence and fees concerning the J-1 Visa Program should be sent directly to the New York Chapter. Since host companies must be members of the Chamber, what are the BACC’s membership dues? New York Individual: $350 Business: $850 Corporate: $1750 Atlanta Bronze: $175 Silver: $250 Gold: $500 Is there a limit to the length of training in the U.S.? Yes. The intern category may train for a period of up to six months while trainees may train for up to 18 months. Can any foreign national apply for a J-1 Visa through the BACC? No. Only Belgian nationals may obtain a J-1 Visa through the BACC. Once I receive my DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility,” how do I obtain a Visa, how long does it take, and what does it cost? Please check the following section on the U.S. Embassy website, www.usembassy.be/consul/nonimmi/english.visapply.htm for information on applying for a J-1 Visa. There are two important costs involved. All Belgian J-1 Visa applicants must pay a Visa application fee (85 Euros, administrative cost) to the US Embassy in Brussels. As of September 1st 2004, they also need to pay a SEVIS fee (100 USD). What is the SEVIS fee and how can I pay it? The SEVIS fee is used to register J-1 Visa applicants (among others) in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS is a nationwide registration program for international visitors in the US. It is a web-based program for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors and their dependents in the United States. For more information, please check www.ice.gov/graphics/news/factsheets/sevisfactsheet.htm Once you receive the DS- 2019 form, you can make an appointment for a Visa application interview at the US Embassy. The SEVIS fee (100 USD) must be paid at least 3 business days before your actual interview. It can be paid electronically (with credit card number) through the Internet on www.fmjfee.com. Do I need special insurance to train in the U.S.? U.S. Federal Regulations require that, before arriving in the United Sates, all J-1 interns/trainees (and any accompanying dependents) obtain health insurance covering them for the entire length of training/insternship. All insurance coverage must meet the following limits: Medical and Accident $50,000 per illness/accident or more $500 deductible or less Medical Evaluation $10,000 or more Repatriation $7,500 or more U.S. regulations also require that all insurance policies must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having one or more of the following ratings: A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above; Insurance Solvency International, LTF (ISI) rating of “A-” or above; Standard & Poor’s Claim-paying Ability rating of “A-” or above; Weiss Research, Inc. rating of “B+” or above; Backed by full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; or Be covered by one of the following: health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees; a federally qualified health maintenance organization; or an eligible competitive medical plan as determined by the Health Care Finance Administration. When an application is submitted, the trainee or company must provide the BACC with proof of coverage meeting all above-noted minimum requirements. The company’s insurance plan or private insurer may be used. The BACC provides applicants with information on our recommended insurer (Seabury & Smith’s Gateway USA plan), if neither the trainee’s nor company’s insurance meets the above requirements. How long may I remain in the U.S. once training is completed? Interns/trainees are allowed to remain in the U.S. as tourists for an additional 30 days after the expiration of their J-1 visa. Are trainees paid? U.S. Department of State regulations state that trainees must receive at least the prevailing minimum wage as set by the U.S. Department of Labor. The BACC suggests that the amount paid should be comparable to that paid individuals having similar education and work experience. What requirements must trainees meet to be accepted into the program? Interns/Trainees must: Be Belgian nationals Be at least 18 years old Have an offer of training from a qualified host company in the U.S. in the field of Management, Business, Commerce and Finance Interns must be registered full-time at a university, college or superior school and have completed at least two years of study in a relevant field to the training or just graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date. Interns may train in the U.S. for a maximum of twelve months. Trainees must have completed their studies with a university or superior school degree and have at least one year of professional work experience in a field relevant to the training. If trainees do not have a degree, they must have at least five years of professional work experience in a field relevant to the training. Trainees may train in the U.S. for a maximum of 18 months. What requirements must companies meet to be accepted into the program? Companies must: Be a member of one of the BACC Chapters (New York, Atlanta) Be well-established and sufficiently structured(minimum 5 full time employees) Site visits must be conducted if host companies have fewer than 25 employees or less than 3 million dollars annual revenue and not previously participated successfully in the BACC J-1 visa program. Offer cross-cultural activities such as company functions, outings to sporting or cultural events, etc. Provide a maintenance allowance that is at least the prevailing minimum wage Provide information to the trainee, before arrival, information about the traineeship, the company’s geographical region including housing, transportation, living expenses, medical centers, schools, libraries, banks, recreation centers, emergency assistance, etc. Is there an orientation for interns and trainees when they arrive in the U.S.? (housing, etc.) Companies are required to provide, before interns and trainees arrival, orientation materials, e.g. information on the trainee/internship, the company’s geographical region including housing, transportation, living expenses, medical centers, schools, libraries, banks, recreation centers, emergency assistance, etc. Orientation upon arrival is the company’s responsibility. If my spouse and children will be traveling with me for training/internship, what type of Visa must they obtain? Spouses and children of J-1 interns/trainees are issued J-2 Visas and they are interns and trainees listed on the “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form DS-2019) that the trainee will take to the U.S. Embassy in Brussels to obtain his/her J-1 Visa. The J-2 Visa will be issued at the same time. If spouse and children are traveling separately, then a separated DS-2019 will be issued to them. J-2 visa holders are eligible to apply for work permission if the following requirements are met: 1. the J-1 visa holder must maintain his/her status in the U.S. 2. the money earned by the J-2 must not be used to support the J-1 visa holder. All dependents of a J-1 interns or trainee must also be covered by a health insurance policy meeting all minimum requirements established by the U.S. Department of State. The BACC will require proof of health insurance for the J-1 interns or trainees and all dependents. The visa status of J-2 dependents is determined by the visa status of the J-1 trainee. If the J-1 intern/trainee has completed training and leaves the U.S. then the J-2 visa is automatically cancelled. Do I need a U.S. social security number and do I have to pay U.S. taxes? Yes. Trainees and interns should present themselves at the nearest Social Security Office with their passport and Form DS-2019. In order to find a Social Security Office closest to you, please refer to the Social Security on-line Office Locator http://s3abaca.ssa.gov/pro/fol/fol-hom.html Trainees and interns must also pay U.S. federal and state taxes. State income taxes vary (and some states do not have an income tax), but the federal income tax is indexed by the level of your wage. You should expect to pay about 25 percent of your gross salary in federal income taxes. Federal and state income taxes will automatically be deducted from your paycheck by your employer. Prior to a intern/trainee’s arrival in the U.S., the BACC will send him/her a packet of information which includes a Social Security letter and application form and IRS Publication 513 which outlines the procedure for paying U.S. taxes. Can I request a J-1 Visa if I have had one before? Yes. Trainees can request it as long as at least two years have passed since you last held a J-1 visa, and as long as the field in which you wish to receive training is different from the field of training for the last visa. Interns may remain in the U.S. as a participant in a designated internship program for a maximum of 12 months. Interns may participate in additional internship programs as long as they maintain student status or begin a new internship program within 12 months of graduation.

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