J-1 Visa Program Specialist Jobs
Program Specialist roles in the United States are typically available to exchange visitors under the J-1 visa Specialist category, which covers professionals with specialized skills not widely available domestically. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and handles sponsorship, while the hiring organization serves as your host employer.
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INTRODUCTION
This is an entry level position as a part of a development rotational program, targeted for recent graduates. Individuals rotate through at least 2, up to 4 positions in different areas of Procurement.
The Procurement XRP includes numerous training and development aspects.
- Mentorship – Individuals will be assigned a mentor for the duration of the program.
- Plant Tours – Opportunities to visit different YF manufacturing locations.
- Individual Development Plans (IDPs) – Individuals will work collaboratively with the XRP committee and their mentor on goal setting and defining a career map.
- Networking – Individuals are guided and encouraged to network and engage with employees from other functions as well as upper YF management.
- Soft Skill Development & Training – Examples include communication, active listening, presentation practice & leadership skills.
- Broader YF XRP Community – Events & activities cross-functionally with other department XRPs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
Rotations provide opportunities to support activities integral to our automotive launch process: quoting new business, imperative support of our manufacturing sites, actively supporting our business units in cross functional collaboration, assessing, supporting and encouraging improvements in our supply base and their capabilities, and much more.
CORE BUSINESS ROTATIONS MAY INCLUDE:
- Buyer (Direct Material, Indirect Material, Tooling/CapEx)
- Plant Material Analyst
- Supplier Development
- MBBP/CI
Position requires travel, including overnight travel. Please inquire for further information.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Management, Organizational Leadership, or related degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Previous Intern or Co-Op work experience is a plus
- Effective communication skills within a team environment
- Customer focused, self-motivated, driven for results
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Proficient in use of a computer and common office software (i.e. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Thank you for your interest in Yanfeng. As one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, we are creating the future of mobility as a collaborative, global team. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are a company with an established history and a bright future.
In North America, Yanfeng is focused on enhancing the mobility experience through the design, development, and manufacturing of automotive interiors, seating, electronics, and passive safety systems. Founded in Shanghai in 1936, Yanfeng’s history of innovation and craftsmanship have since expanded the business globally. Currently, Yanfeng has more than 240 locations and approximately 55,000 employees worldwide.
Become a part of something more. Join our team as we grow and create the future of mobility, together.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Yanfeng is committed to developing our employees through opportunities like development programs, continuous learning, mentorship, and volunteerism. Our industry-leading team is looking to recruit highly motivated and engaged talent. Upon joining Yanfeng, new employees will get a detailed introduction through our comprehensive onboarding process. Advance your career with personal and professional growth as a part of our global team!
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Program Specialist
Document your specialized expertise clearly
Designated sponsors approve Specialist category applicants based on skills not widely available in the U.S. Gather evidence of your unique professional background, including certifications, publications, and letters from prior employers confirming the specialized nature of your work.
Verify your host employer qualifies
Not every organization can serve as a J-1 host. Confirm your prospective employer has an existing agreement with a State Department-designated sponsor, or is willing to establish one before extending an offer.
Search targeted roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Program Specialist openings at organizations with J-1 hosting experience, so you're not cold-applying to employers unfamiliar with the Specialist category's training plan and compliance requirements.
Request the training plan before accepting
The DS-7002 training plan is a legal requirement for J-1 Specialist placements. Ask your host employer to draft it before you accept the offer, since a vague or incomplete plan can stall DS-2019 issuance and delay your start date.
Check whether your role triggers the two-year rule
The J-1 Specialist category can carry a two-year home residency requirement if your position is funded by a U.S. government agency or your home country appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Confirm this before signing any agreement.
Align your program duration with project scope
J-1 Specialist status is granted for the time needed to complete the exchange objective, up to the maximum allowed period. Frame your program duration around concrete deliverables so your designated sponsor can justify the requested length when issuing the DS-2019.
Program Specialist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Program Specialist role?
Program Specialist positions typically fall under the J-1 Specialist category, designed for professionals with specialized skills that are not widely available in the United States. This is distinct from the Trainee or Intern categories, which are tied to degree programs or early-career structured training. Your designated sponsor will confirm the appropriate category based on your background and the host employer's program objectives.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Program Specialist?
Your J-1 visa is sponsored by a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, not your hiring employer. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form and is legally responsible for monitoring your program compliance. Your hiring organization is the host employer, which works with the sponsor but does not hold sponsorship authority itself. Organizations like Cultural Vistas and CIEE administer these arrangements for Specialist placements.
How do I find Program Specialist roles where employers already understand J-1 hosting?
Many employers are unfamiliar with the J-1 Specialist category's training plan and compliance obligations, which can slow or derail an offer. Migrate Mate lets you search for Program Specialist positions at organizations with demonstrated J-1 hosting experience, reducing the time you spend educating employers about the process before you can move forward.
What is the DS-7002 and why does it matter for this role?
The DS-7002 is a formal training plan that your host employer must complete for J-1 Specialist placements. It outlines your specific activities, learning objectives, and supervisor responsibilities. Designated sponsors use it to assess whether your program meets exchange visitor standards. A poorly written DS-7002 is one of the most common reasons DS-2019 issuance gets delayed, so push your host to draft it early in the process.
Can the two-year home residency requirement affect Program Specialist exchange visitors?
Yes. J-1 Specialist exchange visitors may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e) if their position is financed by a U.S. or foreign government agency, or if their home country is listed on the State Department's Exchange Visitor Skills List. If this requirement applies, you must return to your home country for two years before you can change to most other nonimmigrant visa categories or apply for a green card.