Because most of the international trainees at U.S. Marriott properties are sponsored by AIPT, this section will describe the AIPT application procedures. Other J-1 Visa sponsorship organizations have similar procedures. Supervisory and management programs can be sponsored by Marriott International's J-1 Visa Sponsorship Program.

• Finding a Training Position
• Applying to AIPT for sponsorship of the J-1 Visa
• AIPT application processing
• Obtaining the visa
• Beginning the program at the U.S. Hotel

Finding a Training Position
You can search for a training position at a U.S. Marriott hotel and apply for positions that interest you by going to the Posting Center of this web site. You may also contact any U.S. Marriott hotel directly to inquire about training opportunities. Inquiries should be directed to the Human Resources department. When a hotel has decided to offer you a training position, they should forward an offer letter to you. It is important that you have written confirmation of the offer before beginning the AIPT application process. The offer letter should state the position title, salary/wages, training being offered and any benefits provided, such as assistance with fees, housing, etc.

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Applying to AIPT for Sponsorship of the J-1 Visa
Once you have been offered a trainee position by a U.S. Marriott hotel, and you have accepted the offer, you are ready to begin your application to AIPT for sponsorship of the J-1 Visa. The application consists of three parts:

• The Offer of Training form, to be completed by the property (the host employer).
• The Trainee Biographic Data form, to be completed by you, the international trainee candidate.
• The Program Fee, charged by AIPT of $1,000 (U.S.) for non-student applicants and $800 for student applicants. For more information about program fees, please see Expenses.

The AIPT application materials may be obtained by contacting AIPT directly. Please see Contacts for contact information for AIPT. You may also download the AIPT application forms from their website at http://www.aipt.org/prog_application-forms.htm.

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AIPT Application Processing

AIPT must have your application and the employer's (hotel's) application, along with the program fee, before they will begin processing the application. Once all materials have arrived, AIPT will review the complete application to determine whether or not it meets the requirements for its sponsorship of the J-1 Visa. (Please see Trainee Qualifications and Trainee Positions for more information about the requirements.) Upon approval of the application, AIPT will forward a copy of the hotel's application to you, along with documents that will allow you to apply for the J-1 Visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. AIPT's processing time for an application is approximately 8 to 10 weeks.

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Obtaining the Visa

You must present the Form IAP-66 or Certificate of Eligibility, which is issued by the visa sponsorship organization (AIPT), to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to receive the J-1 Visa. Canadian or Mexican trainee candidates apply for admission to the U.S. in J-1 status at the port of entry. Once you have obtained your visa, you should then make flight arrangements and notify the U.S. hotel of your arrival date, time and location.

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Beginning the Program at the U.S. Hotel

Once you begin your position at the hotel, you will be considered a full-time associate. AIPT provides information about obtaining a social security number, which you will need in order to be able to work in the U.S., as well as tax guide booklets for you and your employer to assist you in completing tax documents. If you have any questions or concerns once you have arrived in the U.S., you are welcome to contact your visa sponsorship organization (AIPT) or Marriott's International Human Resources department. Please see Contacts for contact information.

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