J-1 Exchange Visitor Program · 22 CFR Part 62
Expertise and technology for compliant J-1 exchange.
Orbis Global brings deep program experience, legal and regulatory expertise, and purpose-built compliance technology to the organizations and people involved in professional and research exchanges.
- Host site review completedSite visit notes attachedDone
- Program plan signed by all partiesVisitor · supervisor · sponsorDone
- Arrival validated, orientation heldSponsor staffDone
- Monthly check-inVisitor respondedDone
- Monthly check-inReminder sentDue
- Cultural activity: community dayHost and visitorPlanned
What we stand for
Exchange first, documented throughout.
Exchange comes first
J-1 programs exist for cultural and professional exchange. They are not a substitute for an employment visa, and we do not support arrangements that treat them as one.
Legal and regulatory depth
Decades in international exchange combined with legal training and close knowledge of 22 CFR Part 62, so compliance questions are answered with rigor.
Records shared in real time
Program documentation stays complete and current, and each stakeholder sees what they are responsible for.
What we do
Advice, design and technology for J-1 programs
Program advisory
Help organizations decide whether a J-1 program fits their goals, and which category is appropriate.
Program design
Research and training plans with clear objectives, real mentoring and cultural exchange built in.
Compliance frameworks
Policies, procedures and checklists that reflect both the letter and the spirit of the regulations.
Technology
A platform for compliance documentation and real-time information sharing among stakeholders.
Education for employers
Clear guidance on where J-1 categories fit, and where they do not, with attention to research and specialized fields.
Resources for scholars
Step-by-step guidance for international scholars and researchers, and a collection of participant stories.
Where we focus
Research and specialized fields beyond hospitality
We help organizations consider export-control and technology-transfer requirements early when planning research and specialized exchanges.
Planning a research or professional exchange?
Talk with us about whether a J-1 program fits, and how to run it well from the first day to the last.
Get in touchOur work
The J-1 categories we work with
Our work centers on the professional and research categories of the Exchange Visitor Program. Durations shown are the regulatory maximums.
| Category | Maximum | Regulation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Scholar | 5 years | 22 CFR 62.20 | Research, observation or consultation at research institutions and similar settings. Not for tenure-track positions. |
| Short-Term Scholar | 6 months | 22 CFR 62.21 | Lecturing, observing, consulting or demonstrating skills for a short period. |
| Specialist | 1 year | 22 CFR 62.26 | Experts in a field of specialized knowledge who observe, consult or demonstrate their expertise. Not for permanent positions. |
| Intern | 12 months | 22 CFR 62.22 | Structured training for current students and recent graduates. Requires a Form DS-7002 training plan. |
| Trainee | 18 months | 22 CFR 62.22 | Structured training for experienced professionals. Requires a Form DS-7002 training plan. |
Before you begin
Important considerations
Every J-1 program is administered by a sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State. These rules shape what a program can be.
- Some exchange visitors are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under INA 212(e).
- Research Scholars and Professors face limits on repeat participation after a program ends.
- J-1 programs cannot be used to fill a staffing need or a permanent position.
Technology
Compliance you can see
Our platform keeps the full program record in one place and shares it, in real time, with the people responsible for each part of it.
Capabilities
One record, every stakeholder
Exchange visitors, host supervisors and sponsor staff each work from the same live record, so nothing is reconstructed after the fact.
One record per program
From host vetting to program end, every document, signature and contact is time-stamped and attributed.
Digital program plans
Signed electronically by the visitor, the supervisor and the sponsor. Every revision is versioned.
Scheduled monitoring
Check-ins, site visits and evaluations are scheduled automatically, and anything overdue is flagged.
SEVIS deadlines tracked
Arrival validation, address and site changes, and program end dates tracked against their reporting windows.
Direct line for concerns
Exchange visitors can raise a concern privately at any time. Each one is logged and followed to resolution.
Ready for review
Complete program files and reports produced quickly for internal audits or regulatory review.
Who sees what
Role-based access
Each person sees what they need for their part of the program, and every view and change is logged.
| Information | Exchange visitor | Host supervisor | Sponsor staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program plan and objectives | View, sign | View, sign | Full |
| Upcoming check-ins and evaluations | Own | Their visitors | All |
| Site visit and monitoring notes | No | Summary | Full |
| Concerns raised by the visitor | Own | No | Full |
| SEVIS reporting status | Own | No | Full |
| Audit log | No | No | Full |
For organizations
Considering a J-1 program
Hosting an exchange visitor is a commitment to mentoring and exchange. We help organizations understand the obligations before they start, and build programs that meet them.
A good fit
- The role has a defined research or training objective.
- A qualified supervisor has time to mentor the visitor.
- Your team will take part in cultural exchange, in both directions.
- Your site meets safety and supervision standards.
Not a fit
- Filling a vacancy, staffing need or permanent position.
- Roles that are mostly clerical or unskilled.
- Arrangements where the visitor works for a third party not named in the plan.
- Programs designed as a bridge to an employment visa.
How we help
From first question to final evaluation
Assessment
An honest review of whether J-1 is the right fit, and which category applies.
Program design
Research and training plans, supervisor guidance and cultural exchange activities.
Compliance
Policies, procedures and training grounded in the regulations and informed by our legal and regulatory expertise.
Technology
Real-time visibility into plans, check-ins and deadlines.
Talk with us about hosting
Get in touchFor exchange visitors
What to expect from a J-1 program
Every J-1 exchange visitor has a sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State that is responsible for the program and for the visitor's wellbeing in the United States.
A clear plan
A written plan with your objectives, signed before you arrive, which you can see at any time.
Regular contact
Scheduled check-ins with your sponsor, and a way to reach them whenever you need to.
Cultural exchange
Activities that connect you with American life, and opportunities to share your own culture.
Know your rights
- Your activities must match your program plan.
- You can raise a concern with your sponsor without being penalized for doing so.
- You can contact the U.S. Department of State directly.
U.S. Department of State
About Orbis Global
Setting a higher standard for J-1 exchange
Our story
Cultural Exchange and Professional Growth, together
Our Vision: We envision a world where international exchange advances research, strengthens the U.S. workforce, and builds lasting cooperation between American organizations and their global partners – creating opportunities for people, institutions, and communities to learn from one another and grow together.
Our Mission: Orbis Global promotes international understanding through research collaboration, professional exchange, and cross-border partnership. We help U.S. employers, research institutions, and international professionals connect through thoughtfully designed J-1 exchange programs that advance scientific and technical research, strengthen organizational capacity, and foster meaningful knowledge exchange between the United States and the global community. Our goal is to make international exchange accessible and practical for U.S. organizations seeking global talent and collaboration, and valuable for the professionals and researchers who bring their expertise to American institutions.
Leadership
Our team
President, Operations and Compliance
Gennady Babankov
More than 25 years in international educational and cultural exchange, including Open World, the Fulbright Teacher Exchange and the Language Flagship program. J.D., George Mason University. Former Responsible Officer and Alternate Responsible Officer at SHRM, J1X (now Vanteo) and the American Immigration Council.
Founder and CEO
Nafees Chowdhury
International entrepreneur who has built technology companies and led investments in infrastructure and renewable energy. Leads strategy, finance and international partnerships.
Outreach and Cultural Programs
Zaira Chowdhury
Graduate of New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, with study in the UK and an internship at the Embassy of Jordan. Leads outreach and the design of cultural activities.
Governance
Board of Directors
President of the Board
Jayme K. Hansen
Vice President of Government Relations, Knowledge Management Inc.
Director
Bikram Sangha
Founder & President, Sangha CPA, P.C.
Director
Maitland Allen
Associate Attorney, Vestara
Ex-Officio
Nafees Chowdhury
CEO and Owner, Orbis Global Inc.
Contact
Get in touch
Organizations, prospective exchange visitors and partners are welcome to contact us.
Office
Orbis Global Inc.10220 River Road, Suite 250
Potomac, MD 20854
- Tell us whether you represent an organization, are a prospective exchange visitor or a partner.
- Let us know which J-1 category interests you.
- Share your field and expected timeline.