Information and Eligibility

Specialists are foreign nationals who are experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skills, coming to the United States for observing, consulting, or demonstrating their special skills for up to 12 months. 

Basic Participant Eligibility Requirements 

• Must have either a post-secondary degree plus at least 5 years of relevant professional experience or ten or more years of relevant professional experience that proves expertise. 

• Must have a proper level of expertise as per their academic and professional activities.  

• Program is up to 6 months long and is at least 32 hours a week. 

• Current foreign Subject Matter Expert from U.S. subsidiaries, global corporate partner, consultant with special expertise.  

Program Goal 

The J-1 Specialist visa seeks to support an increase in science, technology, engineering and mathematics students, professionals and exchange visitors’ participation in programs that increase international collaboration. 

J-2 Sponsorship for Family Members 

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age are eligible to accompany a J-1 exchange visitor on a J-2 dependent visa. Each dependent must be sponsored for a J-2 Visa and must have his or her own DS-2019 form issued by SHRM. All non-Canadian citizens must also apply for a J-2 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.  

U.S. Host Organization Size and Responsibilities 

• Must be U.S. -based with a physical U.S. location  

• Must have the resources to host.  

• Must provide cultural exchange opportunities, supervision and program evaluations.  

• Must offer a position that is in line with the participant’s professional and educational background.  

Insurance Coverage 

Every individual participating in the Exchange Visitor Program must have insurance coverage that meets the criteria set forth in the U.S. Federal Regulations for the J-1 program. All participants must be covered by an acceptable insurance policy that includes coverage for medical care, medical evacuation and repatriation for the entire duration of their program.  

• Medical Insurance Coverage: $100,000 per accident or illness*; 

• Expatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000; 

• Medical Evacuation: $50,000; 

• Deductible per accident or illness not to exceed $500; and 

• Co-insurance not to exceed 25 percent per accident or illness. 

In addition, the insurance policy, plan or contract must also, at a minimum, be: 

• Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A−" or above; a McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A−" or above; a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above; a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of "A−" or above; a Moody's Investor Services rating of "A3" or above; or such other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify; or 

• Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country; or 

• Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified health maintenance organization or eligible competitive medical plan as determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Per federal regulations, failure to maintain sufficient insurance for the entire duration of the program will result in an automatic termination of the J-1 program.  
  
If a Specialist will not be covered under his or her host organization's or foreign employer's insurance policy, or if the provided coverage does not meet or exceed the U.S. Department of State requirements listed above, they may obtain their own insurance (as well as insurance for any dependents). SHRM offers medical insurance coverage for J-1 program participants that meets the U.S. Federal Regulations.  

STEM Research Initiative 

U.S. Department of State’s STEM Research Initiative

• ResearcherUSA.com acts as a comprehensive resource for the Research Scholar category of the J-1 visa program, offering a thorough overview of the program, highlighting its benefits, and providing practical advice on how to participate. 

• STEMTalentConnect.com is a specialized career platform that connects U.S. companies, universities, and institutions with global STEM talent.