Why are recruitment efforts a part of any J-1 visa waiver request?
Most state and federal J-1 Visa Waiver Programs utilize the DOLs Alien Employment Certification procedure. The procedure requires that employers demonstrate that efforts to recruit American physicians were made but were unsuccessful. Employers are not allowed to displace qualified U.S. workers by hiring a foreign national. Documentation of the unsuccessful efforts ensures that the available positions were offered to all qualified interested candidates. If recruitment efforts cannot meet the DOLs certification, the BCIS may reject the request. If a request is rejected, the J-1 visa waiver slot is lost to the State. For more information regarding Alien Employment, contact the Louisiana DOL at www.laworks.net or 1-800-375-5283 or the BCIS at www.bcis.gov .
