FAQ FOR POTENTIAL TRAINEES

BASICS:

I want to work in the United States. Can I apply for a J-1 visa through Pan Atlantic?

NO. The J-1 visa is a practical training visa only, not a work visa.

Am I automatically guaranteed a visa when I apply through Pan Atlantic?

NO. Pan Atlantic will process your paperwork and issue the DS-2019 form, which you will submit to the US Embassy in your home country to apply for the visa. The US embassy in your home country will make the final decision about whether you will be granted the visa or not.

Can I get a second job while I am training on a J-1 visa?

NO. You may not seek employment while you are training on a J-1 visa.

Can I bring my spouse and/or children with me to the US while I train?

Possibly. For the procedures for J-2 applicants (Spouse/Dependent) please refer to our J-2 Dependent Visa section.

What are your requirements for a J-1 trainee?

Please see Requirements Section.

How long is a placement?

Pan Atlantic sponsors a number of different programs of varying lengths. Pleas contact Pan Atlantic for more information specific to your situation.

What will my salary be?

You will agree to these terms with your host company prior to your departure for the US. The rates of pay vary by type of training, level of experience, and geographic location in the United States.

Is my host company required to give me paid vacation time?

NO. The Fair Labor Standards Act does not require payment for time not worked, such as vacations, sick leave, or federal or other holidays. These benefits are matters of agreement between a trainee and the trainee's host property representative. US Department of Labor Most host properties DO provide vacation time for their trainees. Please discuss this with your human resources representative at your host company in order to determine how much time you can expect.

HOW TO GET STARTED:

I do not have a position in the United States. Can Pan Atlantic help me find a company at which to train?

Perhaps, depending on the field in which you want to train. If you are interested in having us secure a placement for you, please use the Apply Now link and follow the directions for submitting the required documents

I have already accepted a training position. How do I begin applying for my J-1 visa through Pan Atlantic?

To apply for visa sponsorship through Pan Atlantic please use the Apply Now link and follow the directions. You will be asked to upload your resume (or Curriculum Vitae) and an offer letter from your host property (if you do not have a place to train, you will not be required to upload an offer letter). Pan Atlantic will review your documents and determine if you are qualified. Once you have been approved, Pan Atlantic will email you with additional details and directions about the process.

How long does it take to get a J-1 visa from the day that I send you my application materials?

Processing time varies depending on how quickly we receive all of the application materials. From the date that the completed application arrives in our offices, we are usually able to send you the required documents in 6-8 weeks. The Visa Appointment Wait Times vary from country to country, and can range from several days to six weeks.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

I have sent you my CV and Placement fee. How soon can I expect Pan Atlantic to contact me with a prospective training company?

The amount of time varies according to availability of appropriate positions in the area of the country where you want to train. We have relationships with over 350 premiere hotels, restaurants, and businesses all over the United States, but it can take time to find the perfect fit and training program for your skill set and preferences. Your Pan Atlantic placement coordinator will give you weekly updates to let you know where we are in the process. If no placement has been found within 12 weeks, and you prefer to withdraw from the placement search all but an administrative fee of $100 will be refunded to you.

I have sent you my CV and Offer Letter. What are the next steps in the process?

Pan Atlantic will review the CV and Offer letter and get back to you within one week to let you know whether we will be able to sponsor your J-1 visa.
Upon approval by Pan Atlantic we will send you an email giving you information about the next few steps in the process. You will receive an email from a Pan Atlantic consultant in charge of your application, with whom you will be working throughout the visa application process. You will go online and complete the online application, the link for which will be provided by Pan Atlantic. After Pan Atlantic has received your application we will process the documents you will need to take with you to the US Embassy in your home country.

Must I have Insurance during my training?

YES. The US Department of State requires that all trainees have insurance for the duration of their training. It must meet with their Minimum Insurance Requirements.

Can I get insurance through Pan Atlantic?

YES. Pan Atlantic offers insurance coverage that meets the US State Department Minimum Requirements.

Can I use my own insurance?

NO. All trainees must procure insurance coverage through Pan Atlantic, unless you are part of a program that has pre-approved insurance. Minimum Insurance Requirements.

I have sent you my full application. What happens now?

We will generate your DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) based on the information you provided to us in your application. We will generate a training plan to be reviewed and signed by the host company (you will receive a copy as well). Once these documents are generated and signed and payment has been received we will call you on the telephone. During this call we will review the paperwork we will send to you, and give you tips on what to expect on the day of your interview at the US Embassy.

Must I apply for the visa in my home country?

In most circumstances it is best to apply in your home country, because the official interviewing you at the embassy will want to know about your strong connections to the country in which you are applying. If you want to apply in a country where you have no particular connections (no family, no job or academics to go back to, no temporary residency) the official will likely deny your visa and instruct you to reapply in your home country. The decision on where you apply is up to you, but we recommend applying in the country in which your ties are the strongest!

I am currently going to school in a country other than my home country. Can I apply for my visa at the US embassy in the country where I am in school?

If you plan to return to that country to continue with school, or if you have family in the country where you are going to school, or a job to return to you may try to apply in that country. Remember- it is important to be able to prove that you have strong ties to the country where you are applying for the visa!

What happens if I am denied my visa?

If you are denied the visa please contact Pan Atlantic and we will discuss the circumstances with you. It is possible for a candidate to reapply after a denial, and in most cases Pan Atlantic will write a letter of support for your reapplication. Some trainees who are denied the first time are approved the second time, so it is often worth a try, particularly if relevant additional supporting information can be shown.

FEES AND REFUND POLICY

What are the costs associated with the Placement and Application Process through Pan Atlantic?

Please see the Fees section of this website

What is the refund policy?

Please see our refund policy