Required Materials
- Questionnaires and Attestations
- Trainee/Intern Program and Host Organization Information
- Exchange Visitor Information
The following items must be submitted to SHRM as part of each application for new J-1 sponsorship:
Questionnaires and Attestations
- Completed participant and host organization questionnaires. Participant and host organization questionnaires must be completed and submitted via SHRM's online system. Go online to initiate a sponsorship case and gain access to the questionnaires. Word document versions of the participant and host organization questionnaires are available to help attorneys or in-house immmigration or HR staff collect the information necessary to complete the online questionnaires.
- Completed and signed SHRM Compensation and Insurance Form*. This form must be completed in full and signed by the J-1 candidate and a representative of the U.S. host organization.
- Signed participant attestations* and host organization master services agreement*.
- Completed payment form*.
Trainee/Intern Program and Host Organization Information
- Completed and signed DS-7002 form* (Training/Internship Placement Plan). SHRM requires both a signed copy of the form with actual signatures of the participant and host organization supervisor(s) and a copy of the fillable-PDF version of the final Form DS-7002.
- Detailed training syllabus or training plan that provides additional details on the proposed J-1 program. This is required in addition to the completed Form DS-7002.
- Detailed description of the local/logistical orientation that the employer will provide to the participant upon his or her arrival in the United States.
- Detailed overview of the cross-cultural activities that will be made available to the participant during his or her period of training in the United States.
- Documentation (annual report copy, marketing brochure, etc.) that can confirm the U.S. host organization as a legitimate legal entity.
* Form provided by SHRM upon completion of initiation request. Depending on the company size, annual revenue level or years of existence, additional vetting documentation may be requested by SHRM as part of the sponsorship process.
Exchange Visitor Information
- Comprehensive, up-to-date copy of the participant's CV/resume in English.
- Letters from current and past employers verifying past employment history (for trainee candidates)**.
- Copy of the participant's academic degree(s), complete official academic transcript, or official documentation showing full-time enrollment or graduation status and certified English translation, as appropriate.
- Documentation confirming adequate English-language skills as evidenced by one of the following:
- English-language test (TOEFL, TOEIC, etc.).
- Signed documentation (in English) from an academic institution or English language school.
- Completed and signed SHRM English verification form completed by a representative from the U.S. host organization who has interviewed the candidate in person, via videoconference or via teleconference.
- Documentation confirming medical insurance coverage and levels.
- Copy of key biographical pages of the participant's passport (and those of all accompanying dependents, if applicable). Copies of any previous U.S. visa stamps and notations should also be provided.
**Employment verification letters are required for trainees in order to confirm that they have either a foreign academic degree/diploma and a minimum of 1 year of full-time relevant professional experience OR 5 or more years of relevant, full-time professional experience.
Current Clients and Participants
If you already have exchange visitor application or are already sponsored by SHRM or by the former Council for Global Immigration (CFGI), please visit our current clients and participants page to learn more about exchange visitor requirements and compliance items related to your sponsored program. You will also find information about cultural activities and international travel.