The VIE & Exchange Visitor Programs

Are you a French company or a U.S. company doing business with France? Let the VIE Program + J-1 visa package facilitate your HR needs.

What is the VIE Program?

Volunteer for International Experience The VIE is a hassle-free HR package offered by the French government (and facilitated by the FACC) that allows your company to easily recruit high-profile young professional trainees and interns from Europe. It is entirely flexible and provides several financial advantages, aimed at making your cross-border HR needs more manageable. Since its inception in 2001, 66,000 VIEs have been hosted by more than 6,600 companies worldwide.

Benefits of the VIE Program

  • TURNKEY SOLUTION TO YOUR HR NEEDS

    Business France handles administrative procedures (payroll administration, contract, insurance and, upon request, travel and recruitment processes); The FACC works with the host company in the U.S. to approve and process J-1 visa applications for VIE candidates.

  • FISCAL INCENTIVES & SUBSIDIES

    The full cost of the VIE is charged to the French company, not the host company. In addition, the VIE Program is exempt from taxation in France. The company in France is also entitled to certain fiscal advantages (tax deductible for subsidies, tax credit for SMEs, etc.) as well as regional subsidies.

  • FLEXIBILITY

    A variety of private sector assignments are possible, with durations ranging from 6 to 18 months in the U.S. (can be extended to a maximum of 24 months in other countries). Candidates can be trained in France and transferred to a subsidiary of the same company in the U.S. or elsewhere.

  • HIGH-PROFILE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

    Pool of 35,000 qualified, young professionals waiting to learn from and contribute to your business. Companies can choose their trainee or intern candidates through their own recruitment methods, or BUSINESS FRANCE can assist in the recruitment process.

VIE Candidates’ Profile & Global Presence

Graduates of Europe’s best schools and universities

Citizens of the European Economic Area

60% of candidates are between 25 and 29 years old

95% of candidates graduated with at least a Master’s Degree

130

Countries

10300

VIEs on Assignment

2000

Host Companies

What is the Exchange Visitor Program?

The Exchange Visitor Program encourages cultural exchange by allowing exchange visitors to come to the United States for up to 12 months as Interns or up to 18 months as Trainees to participate in full-time, paid, practical training programs at eligible FACC member companies. These programs are extremely beneficial for both candidates and host companies and serve to further understanding and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the world. Our candidates gain valuable experience in fields as diverse as finance, engineering, law, communications and tech, while our host companies get the benefit of top international talent while helping to train the leaders of tomorrow. In addition to professional experience, the FACC coordinates year-round American cultural events for our J-1 Exchange Visitors, promoting American cultural exposure and networking opportunities nationwide.

In order to host an Exchange Visitor, companies must adhere to certain structural requirements in order to ensure that the intern or trainee is adequately supervised, in accordance with the mission of the Exchange Visitor Program. Additionally, the host company must maintain a minimum of an Active Level Membership in their local FACC Chapter. Consult additional details on eligibility and fees or contact the FACC New York Chapter to discuss.

The FACC as Your Visa Sponsor

The FACC New York Chapter facilitates the application process and provides assistance throughout the program for all FACC chapters. After carefully reviewing a candidate’s qualifications, experience and motivations, they determine whether the candidate is eligible for the program and, if so, issue the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) to allow the application to proceed to the next step: visa issuance at the American Embassy.

Their International Career Development Programs (ICDP) team’s industry-leading processing times ensures the visa process is fast and seamless. Each application receives a dedicated, bilingual (English and French) Account Manager who follows the process from start to finish. The FACC-NY is the only sponsor dedicated to the French-American business community and maintains strong relationships with U.S. and French government officials. They facilitate the connections between our member companies and qualified candidates.

For more information about the FACC J-1 visa program, please contact us at [email protected]

Join the FACC as a corporate member to be eligible to host exchange visitors & VIEs in Michigan!

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