DOS Final Rule for Trainee/Intern Program

YMCA TRAINEE & INTERN PROGRAM

ANNOUNCEMENT

FINAL RULE AMENDING J1 VISA TRAINING AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The U.S. Department of State published Final regulations for the J-1 Trainee and Intern visa categories on Wednesday, August 11^th, 2010. The new regulations will become final and take effect on September 10, 2010.

Highlights of the amendments/clarifications to regulations:

• To permit the use of telephone interviews to screen potential participants for eligibility if videoconferencing or in person interview are not viable options.  

• Dun & Bradstreet numbers are no longer required.

• Amends the provision regarding the verification of Worker’s Compensation to verify the existence of either a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy or equivalent in each state or, if applicable, evidence of state exemption from requirement of coverage. 

• To clarify that trainees and interns may repeat training and internship programs under certain conditions. A new internship is also permissible when a student has successfully completed a recognized course of study (i.e., associate, bachelors, masters, Ph.D., or their recognized equivalents) and has enrolled and is pursuing studies at the next higher level of academic study.

• Training and internship programs be in the participant’s field of study, and that interns are adequately advanced in their chosen career fields to benefit from program participation. To qualify for YMCA sponsorship, an intern must have at least 2 semesters completed.

• Placement of participants at counter help in quick service restaurants or other counter service positions are prohibited as they are not suitable placements for interns and trainees and are seen as extended Summer Work Travel Programs.

• Occupational fields that fall under Public Administration and Social Service Professions (i.e., youth services) will be permitted while occupational fields that fall under the Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (i.e., clinical/medical social work, hairdressers, dental services, nursing, veterinary medicine and services, etc.) are prohibited.

Final J-1 Trainee/Intern Regulations link:

http://www.internationalymca.org/TraingAndInternships/announcements/Final_Rule-_Trainee_Intern_Regulations.pdf

Implementation

The International YMCA will change its application forms and website information to meet the requirements of the final regulations and will apply only to Trainees and Interns whose applications are processed on or after September 10, 2010.

We appreciate working with you to provide training and internship programs for deserving international students and professionals, and we look forward to our continued partnership.

Kind regards,