fermilab’s j-1 programs

Fermilab’s J-1 Programs

1. Research Scholar

2. Trainee

3. Intern

FRA maintains three J-1 Programs:

Fermilab’s J-1 “Research Scholar” Programs

Research Scholars: May stay in the U.S. for between 6 months and 5 years; and Are individuals who:

are enrolled in, or graduated from, PhD programs in Physics; or Are enrolled in, or graduated from, Master’s programs in Computer

Science or Engineering.

The rules for Research Scholars are unchanged.

Trainees and Interns (the “Students”) May stay in the U.S. for between 3 and 18 months. Must train in Physics, Engineering or Computing. Must:

Hold a foreign degree and at least 1 year of prior related foreign work experience;

Have 5 years of related foreign work experience; Be currently enrolled in a foreign degree-granting post-

secondary academic institution; OR Have graduated no more than 12 months prior to the J-1

Program start date.

Fermilab’s J-1 “Trainees and Interns” Programs

Concerns about national security and fraud resulted in changes to the regulations governing these programs in July 2007. These changes force the Visa Office to change how we run our “Trainee/Intern” J-1 Programs.

Fermilab’s J-1 “Trainees and Interns” Programs

Regulatory changes means we now must: Document our evaluation of the candidates for the programs. Document English language abilities. Document the training plan using required government forms,

and in a more structured manner. Obtain mid-point and final evaluations from Students and

Mentors prior to the Program’s end, and/or departure of the Student.

And we should: Obtain copies of transcripts and CVs from students during

selection, to ensure more efficient J-1 paperwork processing.

Fermilab’s J-1 Training and Internship Programs

1. Evaluation

Regulations require that we have a “system” for selection of candidates. Our current system is:

1. Application

2. Evaluation

3. Selection

4. Determination of Anticipated Activities / Focus Therefore, we need:

A copy of preliminary documents Application, References, Essay (for IPM) Transcripts and CV

An explanation of who is chosen and (briefly) why


2. English Language Skills

Regulations require us to have in our file, during selection: Evidence of a passing grade on a TOEFL or similar

“recognizable” exam, A signed document from an academic institution or English

language school confirming sufficient English Language abilities, or

Evidence of an interview conducted by an FNAL employee, via an in-person, videoconference or web camera interview, and documented by attestation.


3. Training Plan:

The new regulations mean we must: Use the Form DS-7002 on which to create the Training Plan, Articulate a specific focus or goal of the Training Plan (i.e. avoid

generic or non-specific lists of activities), Include differentiated phases in the Training Plan, which build on the

identifiable skills or abilities being developed (by copying Page 2 as many times as needed), and

Justify any “on-the-job” training.

The DS-7002 Training Plan: Must be signed (“certified”) by the Student, Mentor and then by

Borys/Melissa/Amanda to represent the Sponsor, False certification can subject the Sponsor to prosecution, and Is submitted to the Consulate and reviewed by a DOS officer.


4. Mid-Point and Final Evaluations

Regulations require that we obtain, prior to the Program’s end: A final report from student and Mentor for programs of fewer

than 6 months, and Mid-point and final evaluations for programs of 6 months or

more.

Evaluations must mirror the Training Plan.


5. Transcripts and CVs

Not mandatory, but a really good idea….We should have copies of Transcripts and CVs as early as

possible To document our “selection system,” and To speed the processing of the visa paperwork.

If we get these during the application process, then we do not have wait on successful candidates to obtain these from their schools and then send to Melissa before starting the paperwork.


If we do not change, FRA will be in violation of regulations:

Program designation would be at risk, if audited by Department of State. Sanctions for violations include: Probation, pending implementation of a “corrective action

plan,” and/or Reduction in number of permitted participants, or Temporary suspension of program participation, or Immediate revocation of Designation

Consulates likely would be slow to process, and more likely to deny, J-1 visa applications.

Responsible and Alternate Responsible Officers’ appointments could be suspended or revoked.


Change is necessary.

Help us make the changes that: Facilitate our paperwork, Do not interfere too much in your work, Aid the student in the visa processing, and Comply with the regulations….


Topics for Discussion

Selection. English language abilities. Training Plan. Mid- and End-point Evaluations. Transcripts and CVs.

fermilab’s j-1 programs

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