How to Apply
Whether you’re a skilled international professional or representing a U.S. employer looking to develop your global workforce, working with AIFS Professional Pathways assists you every step of the journey, beginning with our streamlined, step-by-step application process.
Company Representative
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Representatives of U.S. Companies provide basic company information (registration, staffing Workers’ Comp, etc.), contact information, details about the proposed training program goals and activities, and program compensation and benefits information.
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Participants (future visa holders) provide biographic, academic, and professional information; insight into their goals and intent in pursuing this opportunity; and information around their financial resourcing to live in the U.S.
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Participants are prompted to supply materials including a copy of a valid passport, up-to-date resume/CV, proof of recent academic credentials and/or professional experience, and documentation confirming English fluency.* Participants will also make their health insurance selection and provide information about any dependents who will require J-2 visa sponsorship.
*AIFS Professional Pathways will conduct an interview if documentation unavailable.
Once the materials of both the company/organization and participant are received, the sponsorship application is deemed complete and will be evaluated by AIFS Professional Pathways. All parties may be contacted during this time for follow-up information.
New J-1 Host Companies working with AIFS Professional Pathways will undergo mandatory vetting and an educational onboarding call during this step.
Once determined eligible, AIFS Professional Pathways will issue the federal DS-7002 Official Training Plan document to be reviewed and signed by the company/organization and the participant.
We will issue the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility, fully signed DS-7002, and I-901 receipt. These are the documents required for the participant to apply for their J-1 visa.
(Non-Canadians only) Participants apply for and obtain their visa through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, though wait times vary greatly based on location and time of year.
AIFS Professional Pathways Application Processing Timeline:
From the time of application completion to DS-2019 issuance, please plan for a 4-week turnaround with standard application processing. Expedited application processing available for a 1-week service upon request.
When planning, please consider both these processing times and local U.S. Embassy/ Consulate wait times. In general, we advise applicants start this process 2-3 months prior to their anticipated U.S. arrival date.