• Interpret and maintain compliance with U.S. government J-1 visa regulations
• Review trainee applicants' resumes and confirm their English skills
• Verify the legitimacy and stability of host sites
• Determine final selection of applicants
• Provide J-1 visa sponsorship
• Pay SEVIS fee and provide SEVIS receipt with DS-2019 form
• Provide acceptance package and orientation materials
• Provide government-mandated sickness and accident insurance
• Provide 24 hour assistance and support to recruiters, host sites, and participants, as needed
• Monitor and evaluate progress of training programs (through written evaluations and in-person site visits)
• Provide information and assistance in locating housing upon arrival
• Provide information to partners, host sites and trainees through quarterly e-newsletters and other information sources.
• Provide trainees with opportunities for networking, community involvement, cultural exchange, and involvement with the local YMCA.

Trainee Requirements

• Trainees must demonstrate English proficiency.
• Trainees must be at least 20 years old.
• Trainees must apply for programs that do not duplicate prior education or experience.
• Trainees must have at least 2 years of post-secondary work experience, or 2 years of post-secondary education related to the field of training, gained in their home country.
• Trainees must have sufficient funds or financial support for round-trip airfare and living expenses for the duration of their stay
• Trainees must apply for the Training Program and the J-1 visa in their home country.
• Trainees must enter the U.S. on the J-1 visa (change of status within the U.S. is not permitted).

Host Site Requirements

• Host Sites must be incorporated companies, and have been in operation for at least 5 years.
• Host sites should have least 5 full-time employees per trainee.
• Host Sites must have appropriate facilities and equipment to provide the training program.
• The host institution must provide the training program and supervision.
• The host institution must assign the trainee to a qualified direct supervisor who has the skills and experience necessary to provide training and monitor the trainee's progress.
• Host sites cannot place trainees in positions that displace American workers.
• Host sites cannot place trainees in positions of ordinary work, or positions that would normally be filled by locally-hired employees.
• As with all YMCA programs, host sites are expected to demonstrate YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility.

Use of the Exchange Visitor Program for employment, work, unskilled labor, or for immigration purposes is strictly prohibited. The regulations distinguish between receiving training, which is permitted, and gaining experience, which is not permitted.