Recruit Interns and Trainees

Greenheart Exchange carefully reviews each prospective Intern and Trainee for the Exchange Visitor Program on a case-by-case basis.

Intern Eligibility:

• A foreign national who is currently enrolled in an accredited academic post-secondary degree/certificate program outside of the U.S. in their occupational field, OR
• A foreign national who graduated from an accredited academic post-secondary degree/certificate program outside of the U.S. in their occupational field no more than 12 months prior to their requested DS-2019 start date

Trainee Eligibility:

• A foreign national who graduated from an accredited academic post-secondary degree/certificate program outside of the U.S. in their occupational field more than 12 months before their requested DS-2019 start date AND has at least 1 year of related full-time work experience outside of the U.S., OR
• A foreign national who did not graduate from an accredited academic post-secondary degree/certificate program outside of the U.S. but has at least 5 years of related full-time work experience outside of the U.S.

Greenheart Exchange will work with you to ensure that your proposed T/IPP is in-line with Exchange Visitor Program requirements. However, consider these basic requirements as you develop the T/IPP:

• The T/IPP is a legal U.S. Department of State form that outlines the specific career development opportunity the host organization will provide to the prospective Intern or Trainee
• The T/IPP acts as the primary agreement between Greenheart Exchange, the host organization, and the Intern or Trainee for the duration of the program
• Greenheart Exchange must also review and approve any changes made to the T/IPP, and be notified of any deviations from the T/IPP while the Intern or Trainee is on program
• The T/IPP must be tailored to the individual Intern or Trainee listed on the form and must align with the their academic and/or professional background
• The T/IPP must demonstrate a progression in the development of advanced skills by the Intern or Trainee
• Entry-level activities are only appropriate in circumstances when they provide opportunities to improve or acquire new skills and knowledge. The T/IPP must clearly outline the purpose and the duration of time Interns and Trainees will engage in any entry-level opportunity
• Entry-level activities (unskilled or casual labor) are inappropriate when these activities duplicate the Intern or Trainee’s previous experiences or constitute a predominant portion of any T/IPP phase
• A T/IPP that involves positions comprised of unskilled or casual labor are not permitted
• Host organizations should play an active role in completing T/IPP document
• Any staff at the host organization who will assist in overseeing the Intern or Trainee must be familiar with the T/IPP and have access to the file at all times

Greenheart Exchange carefully reviews each prospective host organization interested in hosting an international Intern or Trainee. As the visa sponsor, Greenheart Exchange is responsible for ensuring each host organization meets the qualifications necessary to participate in the program. Please keep in mind these basic requirements:

• The host organization must be committed to fulfilling DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan for the full duration of the Intern or Trainee’s program
• The host organization must guarantee at least 32 hours of training experience per week
• The host organization must demonstrate sufficient qualified staff to provide constant supervision of the Intern or Trainee:
  • Host organizations with fewer than 5 full-time permanent, onsite employees will not be considered as a placement
• The host organization must provide a suitable training location:
  • Training locations based in unsafe conditions, personal residences, warehouse environments, clinical settings, or requiring remote access will not be considered

Greenheart Exchange reviews the applicant for eligibility once the following required documents are submitted:

• Career Advancement Program resume form, completed by applicant
• DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), completed by host organization
• Host organization documents:
  • Host Organization Agreement
  • Workers Compensation policy
  • Photos of the workspace
• If the applicant will apply for a J-2 dependent visa, please notify Greenheart Exchange at this time.

When the applicant is approved for sponsorship, he/she will be granted access to a personal Greenheart Exchange Online account. The applicant will be asked to complete:

• The online application
• The online Skype Interview
• The pre-arrival virtual orientation

While the applicant is working on their Greenheart Exchange Online application, Greenheart Exchange will simultaneously verify the proposed host organization. The host organization verification process includes:

• A host organization verification call
• Vetting of host organization documents and background check
• The completion of a site visit, if required

Once the following required steps are completed, the Intern or Trainee applicant’s DS-2019 form will be issued.

• Applicant approved for sponsorship by Greenheart
• Complete online application is accepted by Greenheart
• The program fees have been paid
• The host organization is approved by Greenheart
• Applicant completes a Skype interview with Greenheart

Once the applicant receives the DS-2019 Form, he/she will be able to schedule their visa interview with the local U.S. Embassy. Don’t forget to let Greenheart Exchange know the date and the results of the visa interview!

Upon successful receipt of a J-1 visa, the applicant will be able to schedule travel arrangements to the U.S. Be sure to let Greenheart know once a flight to the U.S. has been booked.

What is included in Greenheart Exchange’s program fee:

• J-1 visa sponsorship (DS-2019 Form)
• Pre-arrival Virtual Orientation
• Health insurance within DS-2019 program dates
• 24/7 in-country support from Greenheart Exchange
• Cultural resources provided by Greenheart Exchange
• Intern/Trainee English interview with Greenheart Exchange
• Host organization phone screening to determine suitability
• Assistance in developing DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan

What is not included?

• Application processing and support
• SEVIS fee for inclusion in the government database
• Shipment of DS-2019 to home address
• Expedited processing
• Site visit to host organization, when required
• Health insurance during 30 day grace period before and after DS-2019 program dates
• Flights to and from the U.S.
• In-country transportation
• Housing in the U.S.
• U.S. Embassy visa and DS-160 processing fee
• Translation of documents

Greenheart Exchange is able to sponsor J-2 dependents for Interns and Trainees approved for J-1 visa sponsorship by Greenheart. A “dependent” includes the legal spouse and/or unmarried minor children (under age 21) of the approved Intern or Trainee. Sponsorship of a J-2 dependent with Greenheart Exchange includes the following documentation:

• DS-2019 form for each dependent
• Health insurance coverage

Intern and Trainee applicants should disclose any interest in applying for a J-2 dependent as early in the Intern or Trainee application process as possible.

Make sure that you:

• Stay connected with them via email and know their U.S. arrival plans
• Provide them with any onboarding requirements that your business follows
• Provide them with your contact information
• Collect their contact information
• Know the address of where they will be staying
• Provide them with instructions on how to get to the host organization
• Keep Greenheart Exchange updated on arrival plans and delays
• Know Greenheart Exchange’s Career Advancement Program contact information: 1-855-668-5536 or reach out to your Greenheart contact.

Entering the U.S.: To pass through customs at the airport, Interns and Trainees need the following documents:

• Valid passport with J-1 visa
• Original, signed DS-2019 form
• Signed DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (available on your Greenheart Exchange Online account)
• For additional items please refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website

SEVIS Validation: Every Intern and Trainee is required to validate their program with Greenheart Exchange once they arrive in the U.S. Once received, Greenheart Exchange submits the validation to SEVIS.

• If they will arrive in the U.S. more than 1 week after DS-2019 start date, make sure to notify Greenheart
• Once their program validation is successfully processed by Greenheart, the program will become ACTIVE in SEVIS and their Greenheart Exchange Online account

Social Security Number: If you would like to assist your Intern or Trainee in applying for a Social Security Card, please keep in mind the following:

• Wait until the Intern or Trainee’s program validation is successfully processed by Greenheart before they apply for Social Security Card
• For additional information please visit the Social Security website or the nearest Social Security office

• Monthly Check-ins: Each Intern and Trainee is required to complete a monthly check-in via the Greenheart Exchange Online account every 30 days. The purpose of the check-in is to keep Greenheart updated on the status of their health and safety, program conditions, and cultural activities
• Mid-Point Evaluation: If the program is 6 months or longer, Interns or Trainees and the host organization supervisor are required to complete midpoint evaluations.
• HCC Health Insurance: Greenheart Exchange provides Interns and Trainees with insurance coverage through HCC Medical Insurance Services. The insurance coverage is valid through the dates listed on the DS-2019 form
• International Travel: If the Intern or Trainee intends to leave the U.S. at any point during the program, please notify Greenheart Exchange as soon as possible
• Volunteering: Greenheart Exchange encourages all Interns and Trainees to volunteer in their local community to enhance their program experience. They can join the Greenheart Club to learn more about volunteer opportunities

Final Evaluation: All Interns and Trainees, and the host organization supervisor are required to complete final evaluations.

30 day grace period: If the Intern or Trainee’s I-94 card does not have any limitations, they are allowed to stay in the U.S. 30 days after the end date indicated on the DS-2019 form for purposes of travel

U.S. Tax Return: Interns and Trainees are required to file a tax return for any wages received in the previous year. The host organization is required to provide them a W-2 form in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Greenheart Exchange can direct you to relevant resources to help you through this process.

Final Evaluation: All Interns and Trainees, and the host organization supervisor are required to complete final evaluations.

30 day grace period: If the Intern or Trainee’s I-94 card does not have any limitations, they are allowed to stay in the U.S. 30 days after the end date indicated on the DS-2019 form for purposes of travel

U.S. Tax Return: Interns and Trainees are required to file a tax return for any wages received in the previous year. The host organization is required to provide them a W-2 form in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Greenheart Exchange can direct you to relevant resources to help you through this process.

Greenheart Exchange is the main point of contact for Interns, Trainees, the host organization, and the sending partner. As the J-1 visa sponsor, we are responsible for the safety and well-being of each Intern and Trainee.

As a sending partner, you are required to notify Greenheart Exchange promptly of any situation that impacts an Intern or Trainee’s ability to participate in the Career Advancement Program including, but not limited to:

• Concerns about health, safety, and/or well-being
• Issues with wages or taxes
• If the Intern or Trainee quits, is fired, or leaves the host organization for any reason
• Any changes are made to the DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), including:
  • Host organization changes location
  • Supervisor changes
  • Interns or Trainees are training in areas not listed in their T/IPP or the T/IPP is not being followed
  • The host organization is unable to provide training for at least 32 hours per week.
  • The host organization is no longer able to provide training in an area outlined in the T/IPP

• Interns and Trainees are prohibited from engaging in the following activities (other restrictions may apply depending on individual program):
  • Casual, manual, and unskilled labor
  • Unauthorized employment (including second jobs) at an organization not listed on the DS-2019 form
  • All activities outlined in 22 C.F.R. § 62 Appendix E
  • Roles that fill a labor or employment need for the host organization
  • Roles that should be filled by a regular employee
  • Programs that do not meet FLSA requirements
  • Roles that receive commission based compensation
  • Activities that endanger the health, safety, or well-being of the Intern or Trainee
  • Activities that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program under notoriety or disrepute
  • Roles that involve child care, elder care, patient contact (including animals), or clinical activities
  • Roles that require more than 20% clerical work
  • For Trainees, roles that duplicate previous professional experience

• Check your Greenheart Exchange Partner Handbook. This provides an overview of all program expectations, rules, and regulations
• Look for our quarterly Partner Newsletter. Important program updates and new resources will be shared with you via this monthly email
• Review your Partner Online Account. Numerous resources are available to help you, host organizations, and Interns and Trainees
• Schedule a training with one of our experienced staff members. We provide training opportunities on a variety of topics
• Can’t find an answer to your question? Contact Greenheart Exchange’s Career Advancement Program at 855-668-5536 or cap@greenheart.org

Exchange Visitor Program Regulations: Regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program are publicly available in the Code of Federal Register (22 C.F.R § 62). Specific Intern and Trainee program regulations can be found at 22 C.F.R § 62.22.

Interns, Trainees, and host organizations are required to notify Greenheart Exchange of the following situations (other requirements may apply depending on individual program):

• The Intern or Trainee will arrive in the U.S. more than 1 week past the DS-2019 start date
• There is any concern for the Intern or Trainee’s health, safety, or well-being
• The Intern or Trainee is unable to actively train with the host organization on the DS-2019 form for any reason
• Any changes are made to your DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), including:
  • The host organization changes location
  • A supervisor change
  • The Intern or Trainee is training in an area not listed in the T/IPP or the T/IPP is not being followed
  • The Intern or Trainee’s housing address, and/or phone number change
  • The Intern or Trainee is training less than 32 hours per week
• The Intern or Trainee is the victim of a crime or is accused of/arrested for the commission of a crime
• The Intern or Trainee leaves, quits, or is fired from the host organization for any reason
• The Intern or Trainee intends to travel internationally
• The Intern or Trainee has issues processing a Social Security card application
• The Intern or Trainee has issues with wages or taxes
• The Intern or Trainee processes a change of status or adjustment of status
• The Intern or Trainee fails to leave the U.S. by the end of the 30 day grace period

Interns and Trainees are prohibited from engaging in the following activities (other restrictions may apply depending on individual program):

• Including but not limited to, bussing/foodrunning, cleaning, valet, fast casual and counter services roles, and stocking/packing
• Including but not limited to bartending (including barback), housekeepers and hotel cleaners, drivers, cashiers, service attendants, guards, stockroom/warehouse workers, and clerks
• Casual, manual, and unskilled labor
• Unauthorized employment (including second jobs) at an organization not listed on the DS-2019 form
• All activities outlined in 22 C.F.R. § 62 Appendix E
• Roles that fill a labor or employment need for the host organization
• Roles that should be filled by a regular employee
• Programs that do not meet FLSA requirements
• Roles that receive commission based compensation
• Activities that endanger the Intern or Trainee’s health, safety, or well-being
• Activities that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program under notoriety or disrepute
• Roles that involve child care, elder care, patient contact (including animals), or clinical activities
• Roles that require more than 20% clerical work
• For Trainees, roles that duplicate previous professional experience

All Exchange Visitors, including Interns and Trainees, are entitled to the same legal protections as U.S. residents and citizens. Please review the following resources regarding rights and protections of Interns and Trainees: Know Your Rights Pamphlet: This Department of State pamphlet provides an overview of basic workers rights in the U.S. This pamphlet can also be found in a variety of languages.

Fair Labor Standards Act (Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division): All Interns and Trainees are protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Host Organizations are required to adhere to all FLSA regulations. Please see the FLSA Compliance Assistance website for more information. Additional resources can be found online:

• Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wage
• Wage and Hour Division: Overtime Pay
• Wage and Hour Division: Overtime Exemption Requirements (Fact Sheet #17A)

I-9 Form – Employment Eligibility Verification: All host organizations are required to ensure proper completion and retention of the I-9 Form on the first day of training any Intern or Trainee. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides a variety of resources for host organizations on their website.

Social Security Number: Interns and Trainees will need to apply for a Social Security card. Host organizations should be aware that the Social Security card application can take up to 6 weeks to process, and that Interns and Trainees are allowed to begin their programs during this time. Additional resources can be found online:

• Social Security Administration: Social Security Number and Card
• Social Security Administration: Employer Responsibilities when Hiring Foreign Workers
• Social Security Administration: Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens

U.S. Tax Withholdings: For tax purposes, Interns and Trainees are required to be on regular payroll, must be paid as regular employees, and must complete Form W-4 at the start of their program. Interns and Trainees receiving a stipend are required to pay federal, state, and local (if applicable) income taxes. However, Interns and Trainees are exempt from paying FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) and FUTA taxes (Unemployment). Additional resources can be found online:

• Internal Revenue Service: Supplemental Form W-4 Instructions
• Internal Revenue Service: Withholding Calculator
• Internal Revenue Service: FICA (Social Security and Medicare)
• Internal Revenue Service: FUTA (Unemployment)

Annual U.S. Tax Returns: Host organizations must provide W-2 forms to Interns and Trainees in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Interns and Trainees receiving a stipend are required to file an individual tax return in-line with Internal Revenue Service requirements. Additional resources can be found online:

• Social Security Administration: Employer W-2 Filing Instructions & Information
• Internal Revenue Service: Filing for Individuals

Need more information?: Contact Greenheart Exchange’s Career Advancement Program at 855-668-5536 or cap@greenheart.org