The Global Partners Program is aimed at international professionals in the nonprofit, private and public sectors. Businesses and organizations with international reach have a clear advantage in todays economy. More organizations and businesses are choosing professional exchange programs to broaden their global network by capitalizing on the cultural know-how of international professionals. The Global Partners Program allows American companies and organizations to pre-select international professionals for training in their companies for up to 18-months. The companies and participants establish the terms of hire independently, negotiating the salary and length of the training.

SFIP serves local businesses in Northern California by offering convenient and affordable visa services and community resources to train and recruit new talent from abroad. SFIP offers enhanced visa services by providing assistance through the visa application process issuing J-1 visa sponsorship. We also support participants and training sites in the development of training plans, provide logistical support and cultural orientation, and offer cross-cultural exchange activities.

Participant Eligibility


All applicant's must be foreign nationals and meet all of the following basic eligibility requirements:
  • Found a training position of 32 hours per week at eligible training site with a Dun & Bradstreet Number, Employer Identification Number, and Worker's Compensation Insurance.
  • At least 20 years of age at the time of application.
  • Proficient in speaking, reading and writing English.
  • Able to do visa interview with embassy/consulate in home country.
  • Committed to returning to their home country to transfer their knowledge and skills back to their communities.
  • Trainee Category: Hold a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution outside the United States AND at least one year of prior related work experience in his or her occupational field outside the United States, OR five years of work experience in his or her occupational field outside the United States.
  • Intern Category: Currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, OR graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his or her exchange visitor program start date.

Training Site Benefits
  • Fill a full-time (30-40 hours/week) position for up to 18-months.
  • Build a diverse workforce and increase capacity to expand internationally.
  • Capitalize on the participant’s specialized skills and international expertise to develop new strategies and build international partnerships.
  • Enhance management skills and practices by instituting a mentor-supervisory relationship.
  • Reduce human resource, legal fees, and over-head cost of managing visa processing and recruiting internationally.
  • Expanded recruiting network through SFIP's global community - free to post training position on our website
  • Enhance community relations and philanthropic initiatives by partnering with SFIP.

Participant Benefits
  • Tailored professional training program to develop new skills and knowledge.
  • Mentorship from training site.
  • Education and cross-cultural exchange activities to cultivate leadership skills and expand professional networks.
  • J-1 visa sponsorship and support through the visa application process.
  • Orientation to facilitate a smooth transition.
  • Continuous logistical support and referrals to community resources.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a training site please contact us today!

For more information please browse the Frequently Ask Questions