Finding quality labor is an issue that most employers in the US are familiar with. J1 visas have made it easier for employers to fill temporary jobs in various sectors with foreign workers where there is unavailability of domestic workers. The J1 visa program is primarily a training or educational program, where there is an exchange of ideas. Workers with a good level of experience can get additional training and also share their knowledge with others in the host country. They can return to their home countries to further their careers and also improve their communities. There are two types of J1 visas for workers trainees and interns.A trainee must have a degree from an academic institution in addition to at least one year of work experience in his field. An intern on the other hand should be studying in an academic institution outside the US. Interns must also have a minimum of one year’s work experience in their occupational fields. Trainees and interns can work in the US for up to 12 months. Fruit growers in the US are taking advantage of the exchange visitor J1 visa program to engage foreign workers, as they think they work more than local workers because of fewer distractions because their main focus is to make money, learn English and experience American culture; they are also open to learning new methods and techniques.
Trainees and interns must fulfill all the eligibility requirements of the J1 visa program for getting employment in the US. Since the application process takes some time, it is good to do it in well in advance. The sponsoring organization takes care of all the necessary paper work, travel arrangements, pre arrival training and technical support. Applicants must ensure that they have adequate finances to cover their travel, living expenses and also health insurance cover.