Non-immigrant Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visa (H-3)

Non-immigrant Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visa (H-3)

Overview:  The H-3 visa opens doors for foreign nationals to train or gain special education experience in the U.S. It’s not for work, but for learning under structured programs. A rare chance to grow skills while staying within strict legal bounds.

  • A programme that provides for practical training and experience in the education of children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.

Trainees

An H-3 “trainee:” must be invited by an individual or organisation for the purpose of receiving training, in any field including but not limited to:

  • Commerce
  • Communications
  • Finance
  • Government
  • Transportation
  • Agriculture
  • Other professions

This classification is not intended for US employment.  It is designed to provide a foreign national with job-related training for work that will ultimately be performed outside the United States.

Requirements

In order to obtain H-3 classification, a US employer or organization must demonstrate that:

  • the proposed training is not available in the foreign nationals own country;
  • the foreign national will not be placed in a position which is in the normal operation of the business and in which US citizens and resident workers are regularly employed;
  • the foreign national will not engage in productive employment unless such employment is incidental and necessary to the training; and
  • the training will benefit the beneficiary in pursuing a career outside the United States.

Special Education Exchange Visitor

There is a numerical limit (or “cap”) on the number of H’3 special education exchange visitors.  No more than 50 may be approved in a fiscal year.

A petition requesting an H-3 “special education exchange visitor must be filed by a facility which has professionally trained staff and a structured program for providing education to children with disabilities, and for providing training and hands-on experience to participants in the special education exchange visitor program.  It should include a description of:

  • the training the foreign national will receive;
  • the facility’s professional staff and
  • the foreign national’s participation in the training program.  In addition, the petition must show that the special education exchange visitor is:
  • nearing the completion of a baccalaureate
  • or higher degree program in special education or
  • has already earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in special education; or
  • has extensive prior training and experience teaching children with physical mental or emotional disabilities

Sahara the camel – our site mascot

Take Away Points

🌍 Learn in the US – Come for hands-on training you can’t get at home.
📚 Special Education Focus – Support programs for children with special needs.
🕒 Short-Term Stay – Usually valid for up to two years.
🤝 No Job Replacement – You’re here to learn, not take a local’s job.
✈️ Return with Skills – Bring back valuable knowledge to your country.

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