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With roots in Northern California and decades of exchange experience, Worldwide Farmers Exchange (WFE) has become a leader in J-1 visa sponsorship for international viticulture and enology training programs.
Offering either seasonal or year-long program options, these competitive placements match experienced international candidates with respected U.S. wineries and vineyards, with both hosts and participants sharing new techniques, traditional practices, cultural insights, and industry connections.
Please note this process can take two weeks or months from application to travel.
To see the full process go here.
The candidate receives an offer from a wine business host and submits it to WFE along with application documents. The Host submits a separate hosting application.
WFE and Host develop an Intern/Training Placement Plan (DS-7002) for all parties to agree to and sign.
WFE then sends the candidate the visa forms. Candidate works with their country's embassy or consulate to complete the J-1 visa application process. Timing can vary by country.
If the visa is approved, the candidate arranges travel and must notify WFE of the travel plan and arrival date. Once in the U.S. the participant takes steps to maintain their visa status.
Having the opportunity to work with a lot of different winemakers and wine varietals and getting to know other cultures has made me grow as a person. It’s gonna be very helpful in my future career. The experience has been above my expectations!
I highly recommend utilizing WFE for your J-1 visa needs. Hiring international interns can feel like a risk, but it’s hard to match the depth of experience, passion, enthusiasm, and motivation we find in those candidates. WFE creates a very streamlined and efficient process for employers, and unlike other programs, there are no fees charged to the winery! They are wonderful partners for this process.
Our international interns are INTO the industry and focused. With WFE interns, we can blend different cultures and celebrate wine, and it’s solid team building. International brand building is important, which makes this a marketing strategy too!
