International Exchange Center Expands Trainee Designation

International Exchange Center

The International Exchange Center of the American Immigration Council (formerly AILF) has been approved by the Department of State to expand its trainee designation. This expansion includes support for those seeking International Exchange Center J-1 trainee intern sponsorship.
The 6 new occupations in the trainee designation include Arts & Culture; Tourism; Social Sciences, Library Science, Non-clinical Counseling, and Social Services. During a J-1 internship program, you will have the chance to put into practice the knowledge that you accumulated in school. You can expand on it by getting American mentorship. To be eligible for a J-1 Intern Program, you must be between the ages of 18 – 35. Additionally, you must meet ONE of the following criteria: 1. A current student at an accredited program pursuing a degree at the Associate’s Degree level or higher.

International Exchange Center — J-1 Intern & Trainee Sponsorship (IEC J-1 Programs)

The International Exchange Center (IEC) sponsors J-1 exchange-visitor programs placing interns and trainees with U.S. host organizations for supervised professional training, cultural immersion, and skill transfer. IEC’s expanded trainee designation now covers additional occupational categories, making J-1 training available in more fields while preserving strong sponsor and host compliance obligations.

Who these programs serve

• J-1 Interns — college/university students or recent graduates seeking structured, supervised experience in their academic field.
• J-1 Trainees — professionals with relevant degrees or work experience who need specialized training to advance skills in a defined occupation.

What changed — expanded trainee designation

The IEC’s expanded trainee designation broadens eligible occupational categories (for example: arts & culture, tourism, certain social services and professional fields). Hosts must supply a detailed training plan, qualified mentors, and regular evaluations to confirm the placement is educational and does not displace U.S. workers.

Sponsor & host requirements

• Training plan: a written training plan with learning objectives, weekly tasks, duration, mentor supervision, and evaluation milestones.
• Site vetting: sponsors must vet host organizations and document that the placement is primarily educational.
• Recordkeeping & reporting: sponsors keep trainee progress reports, evaluations, and any program changes; trainees must maintain valid J-1 status and required insurance.
• Protections: trainees are entitled to program-promised terms and must not be used as permanent labor.

Benefits & cautions

Benefits: hands-on skill transfer, professional mentorship, and U.S. workplace exposure.
Cautions: hosts should avoid using trainees for routine, permanent work; sponsors must document compliance to withstand audits or site reviews.

Practical steps for hosts & trainees

1. Draft a clear, specific training plan before placement.
2. Maintain mentor contact information and scheduled evaluations.
3. Ensure trainees understand reporting obligations and insurance requirements.
4. Keep tabbed records (training plan, evaluations, attendance) for sponsor audits.

How we help

We review and draft compliant training plans, prepare sponsor documentation, audit host compliance, and assist trainees with eligibility packets and SEVIS/J-1 reporting. Request a J-1 trainee training-plan template or a host compliance checklist and we’ll deliver it ready to paste.