J-1 Visa Programs


Based in San Francisco, SFIP provides fast, affordable and personalized service to bring international professionals to Northern California through three J-1 Visa Programs:

■ Core Program matches mid-career and executive-level nonprofit professionals with short-term professional training positions, cross-cultural enrichment activities and home-stays.

■ Global Partners Program provides visa sponsorship for up to 18-months and cross-cultural programs for professionals who have pre-selected a training position in the nonprofit, public or private sector.

■ Bridging Leaders Program offers short-term training programs for groups of professionals tailored to their field of work and/or region, as well as accommodations, translation services, and cross-cultural enrichment activities.

Enhanced visa services


SFIP is dedicated to providing excellent service though continuous support, including:
  • Resources for finding training opportunities and recruiting new talent;
  • Personalized assistance through the application process;
  • Visa management and sponsorship of the J-1 and J-2 training visas;
  • Orientation to help participants transition smoothly;
  • Continuous support to participants and training sites; and
  • Opportunities for cross-cultural and educational enrichment.
There are no deadlines for applications. We accept applications year-round on a rolling basis:
  • Expedited processing is up to 10 business days
  • Standard processing is around three weeks
For more information please browse the Frequently Ask Questions

Questions? Need Assistance?


Applicants, training sites and immigration lawyers receive one-on-one direct support throughout the application process.

To speak with a representative, you can participate in the next Information Session every Wednesday from 9:00-9:30AM (PST)

Please call: (641) 715-3200
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The Exchange Visitor Program


Recipients of J-1 and J-2 training visas are part of the Exchange Visitor Program. Administered by the US Department of State, the program was first created under provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. The purpose of the Act is to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.”

The Exchange Visitor Program has gained acceptance by small start-ups and multi-national companies that want to provide cost-effective and convenient training to their foreign employees. Additionally, the limitations of H-1B visa program has drawn attention to the Exchange Visitor Program from companies and organizations that would like to employ, and further train, skilled and educated nonimmigrant employees.

Advantages of the J-1 Training Visa
  • Less expensive than H-1B and with an expedited processing time (as few as 10 business days).
  • Requirements are generally easier to meet than other work visas requirements, both “specialty” and “non-specialty” occupations can qualify.
  • Allows for more seamless inter-company exchanges, with fewer restrictions than L-1 visas.
  • There is no J-1 visa cap. The H-1B visa cap limits all US companies to 15% (and companies risk penalties for exceeding the cap).
  • Fewer restrictions on compensation from the host training site, provided that the participant has sufficient funds for the duration of the program.
  • Flexible training period for up to 18-months.

Support to immigration lawyers


SFIP has a reputation among the immigration law community for providing affordable, timely and personalized services, including:
  • Providing J-1 & J-2 visa services;
  • Referring participants to legal services;
  • Facilitating placements in law firms for professional training;
  • Engaging immigration lawyers in SFIP’s global network; and
  • Promoting philanthropy and community involvement to support nonprofits in Northern California.
Key law firms that SFIP works with to provide J-1 visa services:
  • Anderlini, Finkelstein, Emerick & Smoot
  • Asian Law Caucus
  • Berman, Berkley, and Lasky LLP
  • Chronis, Kreher & Wloszek, LLP
  • Elliot & Mayock, LLP
  • Kanter Immigration Law Office
  • Law Offices of Andrew M. Zacks
  • Law Office of Bram Dresden
  • Law Office of James Byrne
  • Law Offices of James J. Park
  • Law Office of Margaret Grover
  • Law Offices of Michael S. Sorgen
  • Law Office of Susanna Bogue
  • Litwin & Associates
  • Levy, Ram & Olson
  • McCown & Evans, LLP
  • National Indian Justice Center
  • Teraoka & Partners, LLP
  • The Epstein Group
  • Strand & Seaborn
  • Van Der Hout, Brigagliano, & Nightingale, LLP

For a comprehensive list of immigration lawyers please visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association