Work and Train, Train and Work: Is J-1 Visa an Alternative to Employment-Based Immigration?
The J-1 visa, a cultural exchange visa administered by the DOS, has been used for years to support talent needs of American employers, such as corporate rotation, early career training, etc. However, this important tool is often not fully understood and, therefore, underused or misused. The session will address questions that help employment and immigration attorney to utilize the full potential of the J-1 visa program, including the J-1 visa advantages and limitations, compliance requirements, application process, and how employment laws apply to J-1 holders. A comparison with other commonly used training and short-term employment visas will be provided.
Learning Objectives:
- Basics of the Exchange Visitor/J-1 intern and trainee programs.
- Common usages of J-1 training and internship programs by U.S. businesses.
- Best practices and pitfalls.
Gennady Babankov, J.D.
Gennady Babankov, J.D. is a Manager of SHRM Exchange Visitor (J-1) Program. Babankov oversees two private sector exchange programs for foreign trainees and interns and helps develop, implement, and promote SHRM benefits portfolio for global mobility and immigration members.
Babankov has more than 20 years of experience building and managing global education and training programs for students and professionals. He has experience in teacher training, study abroad, cross-cultural training, and language acquisition, and has directed field operations in Russia, Central Asia, Middle East, and the Caucasus.
Prior to joining SHRM in 2019, Babankov managed several education and training programs sponsored by the federal government, including the Flagship Overseas Language Program (U.S. Department of Defense), Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program (U.S. Department of State), and the Open World Program (Library of Congress).
Babankov earned his J.D. degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University, and a bachelor’s degree from the Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia.
Babankov has lived in the United States since 1994 and currently resides in Fairfax, VA.
Lindsay Bongi
Ms. Bongi is the Senior Specialist, Exchange Visitor Program, working with SHRM’s intern and trainee program participants and sponsor organizations. Ms. Bongi comes to SHRM with years of experience assisting young professionals and host companies in the J-1 intern and trainee visa sponsorship process. She has been involved with the Exchange Visitor program since 2012 and in her free time, counsels and monitors J-1 high school exchange students and host families as a Local Coordinator. In addition to her work in international exchange, Ms. Bongi previously has also created a Department of Labor registered culinary apprenticeship program and has experience teaching Talent Management Training and Train the Trainer courses. Her background is in financial reporting and accounting and she spent the early part of her career working for companies such as JPMorgan and America Online. Ms. Bongi earned her MS in School Counseling from Long Island University and her BS in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.