J-1 as a Talent Strategy: Beyond the H-1B

Overview

As the business immigration landscape becomes more complex, employers are looking beyond traditional visa pathways to recruit and support international talent.

The J-1 exchange visitor program can be a valuable and flexible option for interns, trainees, researchers, physicians, and other international talent. But it is also frequently overlooked and misunderstood. J-1 is not simply an alternative work visa. Employers need to understand which categories fit, how sponsorship works, and the compliance obligations that come with the program.

Join Alma and a panel of J-1 sponsors, employers, and immigration professionals for a practical discussion of how organizations are using J-1 programs today and where they can fit into a broader talent strategy.

What You'll Learn

• J-1 101: The major J-1 categories and which ones matter most for employers
• J-1 as a talent strategy: When J-1 can provide an alternative or complement to H-1B and other immigration options
• Interns and trainees: Eligibility, training plans, timelines, and how programs work in practice
• Sponsorship: Direct sponsorship vs. working with a designated third-party sponsor
• The process: What happens from identifying a candidate through DS-2019 issuance, visa processing, and arrival
• Employer compliance: Training plans, supervision, evaluations, incident reporting, and changes to duties, supervisors, or worksites
• Planning beyond J-1: The two-year home-country requirement, the updated Skills List, and considerations when circumstances change and an employer wants to retain a J-1 participant
• What’s changing: New immigration rules affecting J-1 admission, extensions, and employer tracking

Who Should Attend

HR, Global Mobility, Talent Acquisition, People Operations, and immigration professionals involved in recruiting, sponsoring, or supporting international talent.