Processing visas for companies bringing trainees to the United States to participate in an established training program not available in the trainees home country. The H-3 nonimmigrant visa category allows foreign nationals coming temporarily to the United States as either a Trainee to receive training in any field of endeavor, other than graduate medical education or training, that is not available in the foreign national’s home country. Or Special Education Exchange Visitor to participate in a special education exchange visitor training program that provides for practical training and experience in the education of children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.
Trainees
An H-3 “trainee” must be invited by an individual or organization for the purpose of receiving training, in any field including but not limited to:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Communications
- Finance
- Government
- Transportation
- Other Professions
Special Education Exchange Visitor
There is a numerical limit (or “cap”) on the number of H-3 special education exchange visitors. No more than 50 may be approved in a fiscal year.
A petition requesting an H-3 “special education exchange visitor” must be filed by a facility which has professionally trained staff and a structured program for providing education to children with disabilities, and for providing training and hands-on experience to participants in the special education exchange visitor program. It should include a description of:
- The training the foreign national will receive;
- The facility’s professional staff; and
- The foreign national’s participation in the training program.
In addition, the petition must show that the special education exchange visitor is:
- Nearing the completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree program in special education; or
- Has already earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in special education; or
- Has extensive prior training and experience teaching children with physical, mental or emotional disabilities.