FACC J-1 Visa & American Outbound Programs:

NC State GLAM Master’s Webinar

11/04/2019

The French-American Chamber of Commerce

• Founded in 1896 in New York – now more than 20 chapters

• Supporting economic relations between the U.S. and France

• Providing opportunities for exchange programs

FACC Connections within the Luxury Industry

FACC Luxury Sector members include:

• Christian Dior Perfumes, Inc.

• Chanel, Inc.

• Cartier, Inc.

• Hermes of Paris, Inc.

• LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, Inc.)

Luxury Sector Events

• Frequent events organized by FACC’s Luxury, Fashion and Beauty Committee

• Time to Disrupt: Ulysse Nardin & Watches of Switzerland Take on SoHo

• Over 70 guests at the Watches of Switzerland boutique in SoHo

• Panel discussion featuring David Hurley (EVP, Watch of Switzerland Group) and

Francois-Xavier Hotier (President, Ulysse Nardin Americas)

• Dialogue focused on disruption in retail and shifting international markets

International Career Development Programs

1. The J-1 Visa Program

• Students & young professionals coming to the U.S. as Interns and Trainees

2. American Outbound Program

• Sending Americans to train professionally with French companies

3. CareerConnect

• The FACC’s job board for J-1 internship seekers & bilingual work-authorized

job seekers

Getting started: What is the J-1 Visa?

Necessary for an internship or training program in the United States

• J-1 Visa holders = “Exchange

Visitors”

• Cultural and Professional

• Expected to leave the U.S.

afterward

• A diplomatic mission

First things first: make sure you’re eligible

• Internship or training program must be

relevant to your background

• The J-1 Intern Visa (max. duration 12 months)

• Current student or recent graduate (within

past 12 months)

• The J-1 Trainee Visa (max. duration 18 months)

• Post-secondary diploma (ex: Master’s,

licence, etc.)

• At least 52 weeks of full-time relevant

professional experience

…and make sure your company is eligible

• Some Host Company eligibility requirements:

• Must be member of the FACC

• Must pay Intern at least minimum wage

• English must be the main language

• Must provide structured, agreed-upon training program

• The FACC can discuss the process with any

potential Host Companies

Finding internships in the US:Be Proactive

• Update your resume to U.S. standards

• Use your networks!

• Friends, family, classmates…

• Internship websites

• LinkedIn, Indeed.com, Internships.com

• CiviWeb – VIE Program through Business France

• CareerConnect

Applying for a J-1 Intern/Trainee VisaProcedure:

1. Secure internship offer

2. Start application process with the FACC, your J-1 Visa

Sponsor

3. Submit all documents and other materials requested by the

FACC

4. Conduct English-language interview with the FACC

5. Receive approval from the FACC; your DS-2019 Form will be

created

6. Schedule embassy appointment (wait times may vary)

7. Receive J-1 Visa

8. Come to the U.S.!

Applying for a J-1 Visa: Expected Costs

Administrative processing fee, paid by

your Host Company

$1,000 for Non-VIE programs (1-12 months)

$2,000 for all VIE files

SEVIS fee: $220 MRV fee: $160 Costs of flights, luggage, housing, transportation,

travel, etc.

CareerConnect

• The FACC’s free job board – http://www.careerconnectfacc.com/

• For J-1 internship seekers and bilingual, work-authorized job seekers

• Improve your resume, write a cover letter, prepare for an interview

• New internships constantly – “Job Alerts”

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American Outbound Program• Allowing young American professionals to

work abroad in France

• Co-sponsored by the FACC and OFII

• L’Office Français de l’immigration et de

l’intégration

• Work as an employee with a Jeune

Professionel visa

• Open to any field or industry

• Popular: start-ups, restaurants, educational

institutions

American Outbound: Eligibility RequirementsWho can apply?

• Americans ages 18-35

• Currently enrolled at a university and/or possess

a college degree

What are the position requirements?

• Full-time (35 hours/week), 3 to 18 months in

duration

• Paid at least the French minimum wage

(the SMIC, about 1,521€/month)

• Must be a “Contrat à Durée Déterminée”

Finding internships in France:Be Proactive

• Update your resume to French standards

• Use our tips and resources

• Use your contacts, specifically LinkedIn

• Send unsolicited applications

• Mention that you already have a Visa sponsor

Applying for the American Outbound program Procedure:

1. Secure a job offer

2. Contact the FACC for visa sponsorship

application materials

3. Take 6-11 weeks for the approval process

4. Post-approval, visit your local VFS office in the

U.S. to obtain your visa

5. Start your professional experience in France

American Outbound: Expected Costs

No administrative fees:

free for Candidate and Host Company!

French Visa fee:

99€, or about $110

Costs of flights, luggage, housing, transportation, travel,

etc.

Contacting the FACC

• CareerConnect

• www.careerconnectfacc.com

• careerconnect@faccnyc.org

• Questions about the FACC & J-1 Visa

• www.faccnyc.org (New York City chapter)

• https://nationalfacc.org/ (National organization)

• coordinator@faccnyc.org

• Find us on social media!

• Facebook – FACC Exchange Visitor Program (@faccevp)

• LinkedIn – French-American Chamber of Commerce - New York

• Twitter – @faccnyc_evp

• Instagram – @faccnyc_evp

Questions?