Program Quick Summary
Program Length
- 1~2 years [More]
Processing Time
- About 3 months [More]
Partner Organizations
- U.S. think-tanks or policy organizations
- U.S. businesses or non-profit organizations
- International Organizations
Eligible Cities
- Los Angeles Area (California)
- New York City Area (New York)
- Dallas or Houston Areas (Texas)
- Seattle Area (Washington)
- Washington, D.C.
- Raleigh Area (North Carolina)
- Atlanta Area (Georgia)
Overview
Unique & Rare Intergovernmental Collaborations
Research, Networking, Collaboration & Culture Exchange
The Government Fellow Program offers for research, networking, collaboration, and cultural exchange opportunities to government officials looking to make improvements to their own governmental systems.
Research American Policies
Stanley Prep's Government Fellow Program is an exclusive program for current overseas government officials interested in learning and researching American policies at government or business entities in the U.S.
Facts
2014
Program Founded
Total Partner Organizations
Total Participants
Highlights
Streamlined Placement Process
Dedicated placement services according to your professional discipline, department or ministry
U.S. Think-tanks & Policy Centers
Proud to present newly added policy research center and association partnerships every month
Visa Sponsorship
Visa Sponsorship provided to our participants and families in as little as one month
Streamlined Placement Process
Dedicated placement services according to your professional discipline, department or ministry
U.S. Think-tanks & Policy Centers
Proud to present newly added policy research center and association partnerships every month
Visa Sponsorship
Visa Sponsorship provided to our participants and families in as little as one month
Our Services
Guaranteed Placement
It eliminates the arduous task of government officials trying to establish a connection with a U.S. organization from overseas through cold-calling, emailing, or other traditional means.
Professional Network
We will provide you with opportunities to expand your professional networks within U.S. governments and industries while cultivating exclusive engagements that can not be found elsewhere.
Reputable Host Organizations
Our host organizations are U.S. policy research centers and reputable business or non profit organizations that are pre-screened and passed our meticulous vetting process to live up to the expectation level of our high-profile government officials. Stanley Prep pays particular attention to the industry reputation and professional working place that is aligned with your career goal.
Streamlined Process
We made the placement process fast and easy. The entire process takes about 3 months, between the application to getting a visa. We even replaced the official English test result requirement with our 10 to 15 minute English interview, saving you time and a headache.
Local Assistance
Stanley Prep is a U.S. based company that can assist you with any local issues in the U.S. We are familiar with local regulations and cultures, so you are always safe and compliant while you are in the U.S.
Visa Interview Prep
You will be provided with a special guide on visa interviews for researchers. Stanley Prep's long history and experience in this visa category will help you be better prepared.
Guaranteed Placement
It eliminates the arduous task of government officials trying to establish a connection with a U.S. organization from overseas through cold-calling, emailing, or other traditional means.
Professional Network
We will provide you with opportunities to expand your professional networks within U.S. governments and industries while cultivating exclusive engagements that can not be found elsewhere.
Reputable Host Organizations
Our host organizations are U.S. policy research centers and reputable business or non profit organizations that are pre-screened and passed our meticulous vetting process to live up to the expectation level of our high-profile government officials. Stanley Prep pays particular attention to the industry reputation and professional working place that is aligned with your career goal.
Streamlined Process
We made the placement process fast and easy. The entire process takes about 3 months, between the application to getting a visa. We even replaced the official English test result requirement with our 10 to 15 minute English interview, saving you time and a headache.
Local Assistance
Stanley Prep is a U.S. based company that can assist you with any local issues in the U.S. We are familiar with local regulations and cultures, so you are always safe and compliant while you are in the U.S.
Visa Interview Prep
You will be provided with a special guide on visa interviews for researchers. Stanley Prep's long history and experience in this visa category will help you be better prepared.
How to Apply
Non-U.S. citizen
Minimum 30 years old
Must be selected from their own government entities
Must possess expertise or extensive professional experience in the intended research
Must intend to enter the United States solely for the objective of this program; not to abandon non-immigrant status.
Must not intend to change status while in the United States.
Must be able to function in an English-speaking environment, during work and non-working hours. This must be verifiable via documentation from an educational institution, an English language test, or an interview with Stanley Prep staff.
Not restricted from traveling to the U.S.
Copy of Passport(s) (Including All Dependents)
University Transcripts and Copy of Diploma
Resume & Cover Letter
Research/Activities Plan
Proof of Employment (or Career Certificate)
Financial Statement
- For a 1-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $50,000 (With more than 4 dependents, the financial statement must reflect more than $60,000)
- For a 2-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $100,000
Proof of Health Insurance
Government-Issued Certificate of Participant and Dependent(s)
Submit online application and a non-refundable application fee
- Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.
Conduct a video interview to demonstrate English proficiency
- English proficiency is a requirement for this program. The video interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. If the result of this assessment is not satisfactory, another assessment can be arranged after one month with a nominal fee.
Application Evaluation
- Stanley Prep evaluates your complete application and issues a pre-acceptance decision within approximately 2 weeks. During this step, a Stanley Prep staff member may reach out with additional questions.
Receive a pre-acceptance letter, a program agreement, and a program fee invoice
- Expect to receive the pre-acceptance package in an email. Please let us know if you don’t receive it within two weeks after the English assessment, and we will make sure to resolve the issues.
Submit an electronically signed program agreement, consent & waiver forms, and evidence of program fee payment
- Follow the instructions in the pre-acceptance email to upload those electronically signed documents. Uploading the payment receipt you get from your bank would allow us to track your payment and expedite the process. Currently, we only accept a wire transfer of funds.
Submit all other required documents
- We collect only minimal necessary information to determine our pre-acceptance at the beginning stage. At this stage, we need to collect all required documents and evidence for Stanley Prep to issue the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) required for your J-1 visa.
Receive the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 forms
- Your application and required documents are reviewed and processed. Please allow 2 months for document processing after the program fee is paid. Sometimes, a host Organization may request additional documents or take more processing time during the peak seasons or staff vacations.
Make an appointment for your visa at nearby U.S. Embassy / Consulate
- After making an appointment online, you need to attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance are at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
Non-U.S. citizen
Minimum 30 years old
Must be selected from their own government entities
Must possess expertise or extensive professional experience in the intended research
Must intend to enter the United States solely for the objective of this program; not to abandon non-immigrant status.
Must not intend to change status while in the United States.
Must be able to function in an English-speaking environment, during work and non-working hours. This must be verifiable via documentation from an educational institution, an English language test, or an interview with Stanley Prep staff.
Not restricted from traveling to the U.S.
Copy of Passport(s) (Including All Dependents)
University Transcripts and Copy of Diploma
Resume & Cover Letter
Research/Activities Plan
Proof of Employment (or Career Certificate)
Financial Statement
- For a 1-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $50,000 (With more than 4 dependents, the financial statement must reflect more than $60,000)
- For a 2-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $100,000
Proof of Health Insurance
Government-Issued Certificate of Participant and Dependent(s)
Submit online application and a non-refundable application fee
- Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.
Conduct a video interview to demonstrate English proficiency
- English proficiency is a requirement for this program. The video interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. If the result of this assessment is not satisfactory, another assessment can be arranged after one month with a nominal fee.
Application Evaluation
- Stanley Prep evaluates your complete application and issues a pre-acceptance decision within approximately 2 weeks. During this step, a Stanley Prep staff member may reach out with additional questions.
Receive a pre-acceptance letter, a program agreement, and a program fee invoice
- Expect to receive the pre-acceptance package in an email. Please let us know if you don’t receive it within two weeks after the English assessment, and we will make sure to resolve the issues.
Submit an electronically signed program agreement, consent & waiver forms, and evidence of program fee payment
- Follow the instructions in the pre-acceptance email to upload those electronically signed documents. Uploading the payment receipt you get from your bank would allow us to track your payment and expedite the process. Currently, we only accept a wire transfer of funds.
Submit all other required documents
- We collect only minimal necessary information to determine our pre-acceptance at the beginning stage. At this stage, we need to collect all required documents and evidence for Stanley Prep to issue the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) required for your J-1 visa.
Receive the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 forms
- Your application and required documents are reviewed and processed. Please allow 2 months for document processing after the program fee is paid. Sometimes, a host Organization may request additional documents or take more processing time during the peak seasons or staff vacations.
Make an appointment for your visa at nearby U.S. Embassy / Consulate
- After making an appointment online, you need to attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance are at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
Non-U.S. citizen
Minimum 30 years old
Must be selected from their own government entities
Must possess expertise or extensive professional experience in the intended research
Must intend to enter the United States solely for the objective of this program; not to abandon non-immigrant status.
Must not intend to change status while in the United States.
Must be able to function in an English-speaking environment, during work and non-working hours. This must be verifiable via documentation from an educational institution, an English language test, or an interview with Stanley Prep staff.
Not restricted from traveling to the U.S.
Copy of Passport(s) (Including All Dependents)
University Transcripts and Copy of Diploma
Resume & Cover Letter
Research/Activities Plan
Proof of Employment (or Career Certificate)
Financial Statement
- For a 1-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $50,000 (With more than 4 dependents, the financial statement must reflect more than $60,000)
- For a 2-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $100,000
Proof of Health Insurance
Government-Issued Certificate of Participant and Dependent(s)
Submit online application and a non-refundable application fee
- Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.
Conduct a video interview to demonstrate English proficiency
- English proficiency is a requirement for this program. The video interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. If the result of this assessment is not satisfactory, another assessment can be arranged after one month with a nominal fee.
Application Evaluation
- Stanley Prep evaluates your complete application and issues a pre-acceptance decision within approximately 2 weeks. During this step, a Stanley Prep staff member may reach out with additional questions.
Receive a pre-acceptance letter, a program agreement, and a program fee invoice
- Expect to receive the pre-acceptance package in an email. Please let us know if you don’t receive it within two weeks after the English assessment, and we will make sure to resolve the issues.
Submit an electronically signed program agreement, consent & waiver forms, and evidence of program fee payment
- Follow the instructions in the pre-acceptance email to upload those electronically signed documents. Uploading the payment receipt you get from your bank would allow us to track your payment and expedite the process. Currently, we only accept a wire transfer of funds.
Submit all other required documents
- We collect only minimal necessary information to determine our pre-acceptance at the beginning stage. At this stage, we need to collect all required documents and evidence for Stanley Prep to issue the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) required for your J-1 visa.
Receive the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 forms
- Your application and required documents are reviewed and processed. Please allow 2 months for document processing after the program fee is paid. Sometimes, a host Organization may request additional documents or take more processing time during the peak seasons or staff vacations.
Make an appointment for your visa at nearby U.S. Embassy / Consulate
- After making an appointment online, you need to attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance are at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
Cost and Fees
Program and insurance fees are mandatory for all programs.
Program Fee | $4,900 |
What is included: | • Guaranteed placement • Host organization matching • Online interviews • Proofreading of resume and cover letter • Site checks |
What’s NOT included: | • Transportation to and from program location • Housing & Meals • Personal allowance |
Participants are required to have insurance through Stanley Prep. We offer three options for individual health insurance: Standard Lite for $60/month, Enhanced for $100/month, and Family Lite for $120/month. Accompanying family members on an F-2 may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.
Companies working with Cultural Vistas for the first time (or after a hosting gap of 3 years) must pay a one-time orientation fee. This fee covers vetting for eligibility and suitability and ensuring that your company meets the standards that are outlined by the U.S. Department of State for all J-1 Visa host companies. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be paid by the J-1 candidate. This is to guarantee that companies understand their responsibilities as a U.S. host company to a J-1 Visa holder (this includes training, supervision, evaluations to be completed by trainee and supervisor, etc). Once a company has hosted a successful training program, its registration is considered complete, and it can host subsequent programs. (A successful program is defined as a program during which both the mid-term and final evaluations were completed as required).
All complete applications are processed in 4 – 6 weeks. Application evaluations can be completed in five or ten business days by choosing “expedited service” on the individual or host company application form.
5 business days – $1,500
10 business days – $1,350
All exchange visitors traveling anywhere, excluding within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, during their program must have their DS-2019 approved for travel.
This fee applies to amendments and replacement of the DS-2019 form.
This fee applies if you request to extend the length of an active program.
Program Extension Length | Fee |
---|---|
Up to 3 additional months | $550 |
3 to 6 additional months | $650 |
over 6 additional months | $750 |
This is the application fee for issuance of the DS-2019 Form for dependents of J-1 applicants. Extensions are available on a case-by-case basis.
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Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know
The following is the minimum standard applicable to a J-1 visa:
Medical Benefit ($100,00), Repatriation of Remains ($25,000), Medical Evacuation ($50,000), Deductible per Accident or Illness ($500).
Insurance must be purchased through Stanley Prep before entering the U.S.
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