H-3 Trainee Visa

The H-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States for the purpose of receiving training in a specific field. Here are key aspects of the H-3 Trainee Visa:

• Training Program: The H-3 visa is designed for individuals seeking training that is not available in their home country and is essential for their career development.
• Eligibility: To qualify for an H-3 visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer or organization to participate in a structured training program.
• Types of Training: Training provided under the H-3 visa can include instruction in any field of endeavor, including but not limited to agriculture, commerce, communications, finance, government, and transportation.
• Duration: The duration of the training program is limited to the time needed to complete the training, up to a maximum of two years.
• Restrictions: The H-3 visa does not allow for employment outside of the training program, and trainees cannot engage in productive work unless it is incidental and necessary to the training.
• Training Providers: Training programs must be provided by a U.S. employer or organization with the ability and experience to provide the proposed training. Additionally, the training must not be available in the trainee's home country.
• Application Process: Employers or organizations seeking to sponsor H-3 trainees must submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with supporting documentation.
• Dependents: Dependents of H-3 visa holders, such as spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old, may accompany them to the United States under the H-4 visa category, but they are not eligible to work unless they obtain separate work authorization.
• Transition: H-3 visa holders are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of the training program. However, they may pursue other visa options if they wish to remain in the United States for employment or further education.

Employers and organizations sponsoring H-3 trainees should carefully adhere to all requirements and regulations to ensure successful visa approval and compliance with U.S. immigration laws.