Professional Trainee Exchange

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Professional Trainee Exchange

The Trainee Program, a category of the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program, is designed to allow foreign professionals to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive training in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field. Upon completion of their exchange programs, trainees are expected to return to their home countries where they will be able to utilize their newly learned skills and knowledge to advance their careers, and to share their experiences with their communities.

The Department revised its regulations of the trainee program in 2007 in an effort to provide an enhanced experience for international participants looking to gain work-based practical training in the United States. To this effect, the new regulations prohibit sponsor organizations from placing trainees in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve child care or elder care, or in any kind of position that involves patient care or contact. Further, sponsors must not place trainees in positions that require more than 20 per cent clerical or office support work.