WISE® Training Program – Participant Program Information

Program Availability and Duration
The WISE® Training Program is available throughout the year. There are no pre-set intakes or starting dates. The Training program is available for a maximum duration of 18 months, for programs in Business Administration, and a maximum of 12 months for programs in Hospitality & Tourism.

Participant Eligibility
WISE® has outlined minimum eligibility requirements for applicants for the training program. All applicants must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Have proficient English skills to perform in both social and training activities. The goal to improve English in the course of the program is not a permissible basis upon which to participate.
3. Must demonstrate at the very minimum a degree plus one year of relevant experience or five years of relevant experience within their occupational field. This experience must be within the recent past so that they may have a sufficient point of reference to best benefit from this opportunity. The training program being offered to the participant must provide significant enhancement of skills and knowledge and is not intended to serve as a means of gaining experience in areas already familiar to the trainee.
4. Be outside the United States for a minimum of 90 consecutive days prior to application, if currently in the United States or in the country during the recent past. This rule does not apply to individuals who have entered the US under visa category B-1 or B-2. No other exceptions will be made.
5. Be in good health to perform in the program outlined.

• Application procedures
• Candidates should begin the WISE® application only after receiving a formal offer letter from the training site. The WISE® application can be downloaded here.
  
  Within 4-6 weeks of receiving the completed application, if approved, WISE® will issue a DS-2019 form and send it to the applicant.
  
  When the applicant has received the DS-2019 form, they should schedule and attend a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.
  
  During the application process, WISE® will coordinate a training program outline (DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan) with the training site. When the training outline is complete WISE® will send a copy to both the host site and applicant for review and signature to indicate agreement with the program outlined.
  
  Once the J-1 Visa has been issued, the trainee may enter the US up to one week prior to beginning their training.

Please see our Common Questions page for more information.