In the current economic environment, international companies are concerned with visa and mobility issues more than ever. To hear the latest news on the FACC’s intern and trainee program, as well as other work-based visas, over sixty members and guests gathered on March 11 at the New York Athletic Club for the Chamber’s annual J-1 Visa & Immigration Update, sponsored by Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP.

Christopher Gallagher, Deputy Managing Director, FACC, briefed attendees on the State Department’s exchange visitor program, stating that “with a new administration in Washington, there is a renewed emphasis on public diplomacy, and the J-1 visa is an essential tool in achieving this foreign policy goal.” Indeed, Secretary of State Clinton recently stated that student exchanges would be at the top of her list in her new functions. Mr. Gallagher also highlighted the advantages of the FACC’s J-1 visa program such as its flexible format, competitive pricing, and fast and personalized service. He introduced the new document resource center on the FACC website, where host companies and participants can find useful forms and information on such topics as travel validation, taxes, and evaluations. In closing, Mr. Gallagher noted that the “J-1 visa program is a great way to launch the careers of the next generation of young talent – we are building the global management teams of the future.”

Karin Lestelle, Counsel, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP, followed with a timely overview of news in the work-based visa categories. Ms. Lestelle noted that “we are seeing two trends reemerging: added security measures and more restrictive visa policies.” New technologies are enhancing border security with such programs as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and US-VISIT. In addition to these measures, Ms. Lestelle discussed developments in the E-1 and E-2 visa categories at the American embassy in France. The consulate in Paris instituted a pilot program to expedite E visa applications for some applicants. She explained that “this effort by the U.S. embassy will facilitate transfers for large French companies” and benefit many FACC members.

The seminar was held just a few weeks before the H-1B visa application deadline. Ms. Lestelle explained the challenge of the H-1B quota for many companies, and how some foreign students in the U.S. can receive extended work authorization if they are in the science, technology, engineering or math fields. In closing, Ms. Lestelle discussed how the current recession could further affect visa availability for foreign professionals – companies receiving funds from the government’s TARP program might be restricted in their ability to hire H-1B employees.

Explaining how her company benefits from the J-1 visa program, Allison Braithwaite, Vice President & Graduate Recruitment Manager, BNP Paribas, stated “our managers love the J-1 visa format – the time frame, the flexibility and the caliber of the students.” BNP Paribas pairs each intern with a senior-level manager to enhance their education through mentoring and coaching. “They have a great experience,” Ms. Braithwaite said, “they learn as much as they can, and the managers even end up learning differences in French-American business practices from the trainees.”

Please click here to download the complete 2009 J-1 Visa & Immigration Update presentation.

The French-American Chamber of Commerce would like to express its thanks to Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP for their premiere sponsorship of this event.