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Privacy Notice
Greenheart International
Effective Date: 1/9/2019
This privacy notice describes how Greenheart International collects, uses, and discloses Personally Identifying Information (also known as “PII”) or Personal Data (collectively “Personal Information”) from and about users of Greenheart International websites. This privacy notice also applies to any associated paper forms. Please read this privacy notice before using Greenheart International websites or submitting any personal information.
These practices may be changed at any time. Changes will be posted along with the date of the change. You should review this privacy notice when you visit Greenheart International websites to make sure that you understand how Personal Information is collected, used, and disclosed.
The Personal Information you provide to us is only used to:
We may use non-Personal Information for additional reasons described in the remainder of this privacy notice.
If you identify yourself to us by sending us an email with questions or comments, we may retain your comments for future reference.
Greenheart collects Personal Information, which is information that on its own or in combination with other information may be used to identify, contact, or locate an individual. Examples include:
Greenheart International collects other information that relates to you but does not identify you. Examples include clickstream data and web-browsing information (such as the date and time you visit a website, whether you click on various advertisements or links and the search terms you enter when using a website), and information about your computer, device and internet connection, and geographic location.
We collect Personal Information from you in the following ways:
We may share information gathered by us from Greenheart International websites with governmental agencies or other companies assisting us in providing services to you. We may do so when:
Information provided under one of the four preceding bullet points will not be used by those receiving it for marketing purposes, unless specifically authorized by the user.
Third parties who provide webhosting services or other services that make possible the operation of Greenheart International websites and the services you request through the websites may have access to information that you provide us to the extent that those third parties require access to our databases to service the websites.
In connection with the sale or transfer of all or part of our assets, we reserve the right to transfer information we have obtained from or about you.
We are not responsible for any breach of security or for any actions of any third parties that receive information from us.
Greenheart International websites are hosted and maintained in the United States of America. Your Personal Information may be transmitted to countries outside of the European Economic Area, including the United States of America. You can obtain details of the mechanism under which your personal data is transferred outside the EU by contacting us. If your Personal Information is transferred outside the European Economic Area to third party service providers, we will take steps to ensure that your Personal Information receives the same level of protection as if it remained within the European Economic Area, including by entering into data transfer agreements using the European Commission approved Standard Contractual Clauses, or by relying on certification schemes such as the EU–US Privacy Shield.
Greenheart International websites use cookie and tracking technology to collect non-Personal Information. Our system also automatically gathers information about areas you visit on our websites, and about the links you select from within one of our websites to the other areas of the World Wide Web or elsewhere online. We use such information in the aggregate to understand how our users as a group use the services and resources provided on our websites. This way we know which areas of our websites are preferred by our users, which areas need improvement, and what technologies are being used so that we may continually improve our websites. Personal Information cannot be collected via cookies and other tracking technology, however, if you previously provided us with your Personal Information, cookies may be tied to such information. Aggregate cookie and tracking information may be shared with third parties but that aggregate information does not identify individual website users. Our web servers do not record visitor email addresses unless that information is submitted by the visitor. We may determine what technology is available through your browser to provide you with the most appropriate version of a web page. Greenheart International uses Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Gravity Forms, Yoast, Formstack, Calendly, GoOverseas, and other web traffic tracking tools.
Greenheart International websites contain links to other websites. These links are for your convenience. We do not control, endorse or review the privacy notices of other websites, which may be different than this privacy notice. You should review the privacy notice of other websites before choosing to disclose Personal Information.
Greenheart takes steps to secure your Personal Information. We exercise care in providing secure transmissions when we need to transfer your Personal Information from our servers. Our websites use secure server software encryption, which is indicated by https in the url of the website. Encryption is a common method of ensuring that information remains private. Greenheart International cannot guarantee or warrant that the information that you transmit to us, or any communications is completely secure.
Greenheart International only retains data for as long as necessary for the purposes indicated in this privacy notice or for such other period as may be permitted or required by law.
For children age 14-16, Greenheart International takes additional steps to protect their Personal Information. We do not intend to collect Personal Information from children aged 13 or younger. These additional steps include:
The marks Greenheart, Greenheart Heart Logo, and Sobresmesa are either registered or unregistered trademarks of Greenheart International. All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized use is prohibited.
Certain jurisdictions provide their residents or citizens with certain rights about their Personal Information. These may include the right to request access to the data we hold about you, to obtain a copy of your Personal Information, to request that your Personal Information be erased, to correct inaccurate information, to ask us to restrict how we process your Personal Information, or to withdraw your consent to our processing of your Personal Information. Your individual rights will depend on your residency and citizenship.
Please contact us using the following information for more information about this privacy notice, to notify us of a concern or complaint, or to exercise any of the individual rights you may have.
Data Protection Officer
By mail: 742 N LaSalle Dr. Chicago, IL 60654 Suite 300, USA
By email: click here
By phone: +1 312-944-2544
Additionally, all marketing emails and newsletters from Greenheart International allow you to opt out of further correspondence. You can do so by clicking the link within the emails, which will guide you on how to opt-out.
The Career Advancement Program offers international university students, recent graduates and young professionals the opportunity to become an Intern or Trainee with a U.S. business. These structured and guided training programs offer the chance for cultural immersion in the U.S. and professional development in the Intern’s or Trainee’s specific academic or occupational field.
Greenheart Exchange works with like minded organizations around the world to ensure the continued success of Intern and Trainee programs. Thank you for your interest in becoming a Greenheart Exchange international sending partner.
Greenheart Exchange is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 visas for Interns and Trainees in the following occupational fields:
Self-Placement (SP) program: Applicants arrange their own Intern or Trainee placement with a U.S. host organization. Once you have secured a training or internship opportunity, you are ready to get started.
Full-Placement (FP) program: Greenheart Exchange assists in identifying placements for the Intern and Trainee candidates.
Responsibilities of Our Sending Partners
Greenheart Exchange carefully reviews each prospective Intern and Trainee for the Exchange Visitor Program on a case-by-case basis.
Intern Eligibility:
Trainee Eligibility:
Greenheart Exchange will work with you to ensure that your proposed T/IPP is in-line with Exchange Visitor Program requirements. However, consider these basic requirements as you develop the T/IPP:
Greenheart Exchange carefully reviews each prospective host organization interested in hosting an international Intern or Trainee. As the visa sponsor, Greenheart Exchange is responsible for ensuring each host organization meets the qualifications necessary to participate in the program. Please keep in mind these basic requirements:
Greenheart Exchange accepts Intern and Trainee applications on a rolling basis. While the length of the application process can vary depending on program type and preparedness of the applicant, Greenheart Exchange works closely with our stakeholders to ensure timely and efficient application processing.
We recommend applicants begin the process at least 2 months in advance of their desired start date. Greenheart Exchange’s application process includes the following steps:
Greenheart Exchange reviews the applicant for eligibility once the following required documents are submitted:
When the applicant is approved for sponsorship, he/she will be granted access to a personal Greenheart Exchange Online account. The applicant will be asked to complete:
While the applicant is working on their Greenheart Exchange Online application, Greenheart Exchange will simultaneously verify the proposed host organization. The host organization verification process includes:
Once the following required steps are completed, the Intern or Trainee applicant’s DS-2019 form will be issued.
Once the applicant receives the DS-2019 Form, he/she will be able to schedule their visa interview with the local U.S. Embassy. Don’t forget to let Greenheart Exchange know the date and the results of the visa interview!
Upon successful receipt of a J-1 visa, the applicant will be able to schedule travel arrangements to the U.S. Be sure to let Greenheart know once a flight to the U.S. has been booked.
What is included in Greenheart Exchange’s program fee:
What is not included?
Greenheart Exchange is able to sponsor J-2 dependents for Interns and Trainees approved for J-1 visa sponsorship by Greenheart. A “dependent” includes the legal spouse and/or unmarried minor children (under age 21) of the approved Intern or Trainee. Sponsorship of a J-2 dependent with Greenheart Exchange includes the following documentation:
Intern and Trainee applicants should disclose any interest in applying for a J-2 dependent as early in the Intern or Trainee application process as possible.
Once an applicant receives their J-1 visa from their local Embassy, they are ready to start their journey to the U.S. As the J-1 visa sponsor, Greenheart Exchange is the primary point of contact for you, the host organization, and the Intern or Trainee.
We are here to assist in answering any questions and addressing any concerns. We are also here to help the host organization and the Interns and Trainees have a fulfilling cultural exchange experience.
This page contains important information regarding the rules and expectations of the Intern and Trainee programs. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
Make sure that you:
Entering the U.S.: To pass through customs at the airport, Interns and Trainees need the following documents:
SEVIS Validation: Every Intern and Trainee is required to validate their program with Greenheart Exchange once they arrive in the U.S. Once received, Greenheart Exchange submits the validation to SEVIS.
Social Security Number: If you would like to assist your Intern or Trainee in applying for a Social Security Card, please keep in mind the following:
Final Evaluation: All Interns and Trainees, and the host organization supervisor are required to complete final evaluations.
30 day grace period: If the Intern or Trainee’s I-94 card does not have any limitations, they are allowed to stay in the U.S. 30 days after the end date indicated on the DS-2019 form for purposes of travel
U.S. Tax Return: Interns and Trainees are required to file a tax return for any wages received in the previous year. The host organization is required to provide them a W-2 form in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Greenheart Exchange can direct you to relevant resources to help you through this process.
Greenheart Exchange is the main point of contact for Interns, Trainees, the host organization, and the sending partner. As the J-1 visa sponsor, we are responsible for the safety and well-being of each Intern and Trainee.
As a sending partner, you are required to notify Greenheart Exchange promptly of any situation that impacts an Intern or Trainee’s ability to participate in the Career Advancement Program including, but not limited to:
At Greenheart Exchange, we strive to strengthen the quality and consistency of our program administration. The information on this page will provide you with up-to-date program regulations and rules that govern Greenheart Exchange’s Career Advancement Program. Please contact us directly with any questions as we are happy to assist in any way we can.
Interns, Trainees, and host organizations are required to notify Greenheart Exchange of the following situations (other requirements may apply depending on individual program):
Interns and Trainees are prohibited from engaging in the following activities (other restrictions may apply depending on individual program):
All Exchange Visitors, including Interns and Trainees, are entitled to the same legal protections as U.S. residents and citizens. Please review the following resources regarding rights and protections of Interns and Trainees: Know Your Rights Pamphlet: This Department of State pamphlet provides an overview of basic workers rights in the U.S. This pamphlet can also be found in a variety of languages.
Fair Labor Standards Act (Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division): All Interns and Trainees are protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Host Organizations are required to adhere to all FLSA regulations. Please see the FLSA Compliance Assistance website for more information. Additional resources can be found online:
I-9 Form – Employment Eligibility Verification: All host organizations are required to ensure proper completion and retention of the I-9 Form on the first day of training any Intern or Trainee. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides a variety of resources for host organizations on their website.
Social Security Number: Interns and Trainees will need to apply for a Social Security card. Host organizations should be aware that the Social Security card application can take up to 6 weeks to process, and that Interns and Trainees are allowed to begin their programs during this time. Additional resources can be found online:
U.S. Tax Withholdings: For tax purposes, Interns and Trainees are required to be on regular payroll, must be paid as regular employees, and must complete Form W-4 at the start of their program. Interns and Trainees receiving a stipend are required to pay federal, state, and local (if applicable) income taxes. However, Interns and Trainees are exempt from paying FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) and FUTA taxes (Unemployment). Additional resources can be found online:
Annual U.S. Tax Returns: Host organizations must provide W-2 forms to Interns and Trainees in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Interns and Trainees receiving a stipend are required to file an individual tax return in-line with Internal Revenue Service requirements. Additional resources can be found online:
Need more information?: Contact Greenheart Exchange’s Career Advancement Program at 855-668-5536 or cap@greenheart.org
The Exchange Visitor Program promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by educational and cultural exchanges. This Non-Immigrant Visa program is overseen by the U.S. Department of State and gives foreign nationals the opportunity to come to the U.S. on short-term immersion programs to learn U.S. customs and culture.
At the end of the program, Interns and Trainees return to their home countries to share what they learned and experienced with their peers, thereby supporting the development of peaceful international relations.
The visa sponsor is a private-sector organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to administer the program. As the J-1 visa sponsor, Greenheart Exchange is responsible for ensuring that the Intern and Trainee program is compliant with all federal regulations, that the prospective applicant is eligible and will have ample opportunity for cultural immersion, and that the host organization will provide a quality training environment.
While the Intern or Trainee is in the U.S., Greenheart Exchange is in monthly contact with him/her to ensure his/her health, safety, and welfare.
The host organization is the company that hosts and trains the Intern or Trainee. An Intern or Trainee is the foreign national temporarily interning or training full time at the host organization.
Greenheart Exchange’s dedicated staff have a deep understanding of Exchange Visitor Program regulations, a commitment to customer service, and a passion for cultural exchange.
Greenheart Exchange promotes an array of enriching cultural opportunities for Interns and Trainees on the Exchange Visitor Program to ensure that their program goes beyond professional development alone. We provide researched lists of cultural and volunteer opportunities for more than 200 cities in the U.S., opportunities to earn rewards for community service through the Greenheart Club, and monthly correspondence to keep Interns and Trainees in the loop on current events, holidays, and opportunities.
The Department of State regulations defines exchange Intern and exchange Trainee as the following:
A foreign national who is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. – OR – graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his/her program start date.
Maximum program duration: 12 months
A foreign national who has a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his/her occupational field acquired outside the U.S. – OR – five years of work experience outside the U.S. in his/her occupational field.
Maximum program duration: 18 months, except Hospitality and Agriculture training programs are limited to a maximum duration of 12 months.
To obtain sponsorship for the Intern and Trainee programs, participants will need:
Greenheart Exchange can sponsor Intern and Trainee visas in the following occupational categories:
The maximum duration for Interns is 12 months.
The maximum duration for Trainees is 18 months; however Hospitality & Tourism and Agriculture, Forestry, & Fishing programs must not exceed 12 months per U.S. Department of State regulations.
Programs cannot be extended beyond these durations outlined by the Department of State.
Fill out our online inquiry form and our team will get in touch with you regarding next steps to begin your application.
Yes. Greenheart Exchange utilizes a user-friendly online application system. Once the application is complete, you can share the login credentials with your client, so they will have access to a mandatory virtual orientation. They will also have access to important program resources, including information about social security, taxes, health insurance, and cultural opportunities in their area.
No. The Exchange Visitor Program is intended to be used for temporary cultural exchange. Interns and Trainees are expected to depart the U.S. at the end of the program. In-country change of status is not condoned by the U.S. Department of State.
An applicant who is currently in the U.S. and is eligible as an Intern or Trainee must apply from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the U.S. J-1 visa holders in-country must leave the U.S. when their program ends and may apply for other visa types from the U.S. Embassy in their home country or country of residence.
Yes. Greenheart Exchange offers expedited processing service. Please inquire directly for more details.
Yes. Greenheart Exchange is able to sponsor J-2 spouse and child dependents. We also offer medical insurance for J-2 dependents. Please inquire directly for more details.
Greenheart Exchange can release pricing information upon confirming eligibility of the applicant. Please note that all program fees are charged to the participant, and there is no fee requested of the host organization.
Regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program are publicly available in the Code of Federal Register (22 C.F.R § 62). Specific Intern and Trainee program regulations can be found at 22 C.F.R § 62.22. More information about the Exchange Visitor Program can be found on the Department of State’s official Exchange Visitor website.
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