H-3 Trainee Visa
Structured U.S. training programs — up to two years — for skills unavailable in the trainee's home country.
Overview
The H-3 allows foreign nationals to receive training in the U.S. unavailable at home, for up to two years. The training must be a genuine structured program — not a cover for productive employment.
Who May Qualify
- A structured training program with a defined curriculum
- Training unavailable in the trainee's home country
- Only incidental productive employment (no substitution for U.S. workers)
How We Help
- Training program design and curriculum documentation
- I-129 petitions with schedules and evaluation frameworks
- RFE defense on productive-employment and availability-abroad issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can training be on-the-job?
Only if truly incidental. If the trainee performs work a U.S. worker would otherwise do, the petition will be denied.
Is there a cap?
No general cap, though the special education subcategory is limited to 50 per year.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific — please consult a qualified immigration attorney about your individual situation.