United States•North America

Open

H-3 — Trainee / Special Education

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 months

Estimated Cost

USD $1,015–$1,820

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Training program not primarily for employment, or practical training in education of children with disabilities.

The H-3 is a US nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals invited by a US employer or organization to receive training not available in their home country. It covers fields like agriculture, commerce, and finance, with professional development — not filling a US labor need — as the required primary purpose.

Trainees may stay up to 2 years; special education exchange visitors are capped at 18 months (50 placements per year). Productive employment is allowed only when incidental to the training and must not displace US workers. The visa is not renewable, carries no PR pathway, and spouses on H-4 cannot work.

This visa is ideal for foreign nationals sponsored by a multinational company or training organization to develop skills at a US facility for use in their career abroad.

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Cost Breakdown

MRV Visa Application FeeUSD $205

I-129 base filing fee (Standard)USD $1,015

I-129 base filing fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit)USD $510

Asylum Program Fee (Standard)USD $600

Asylum Program Fee (Small)USD $300

TotalUSD $1,015–$1,820

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	2 years
Extension increments	2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Proposed training must not be available in the foreign national's home country.

The beneficiary will not be placed in a position that is in the normal operation of the business and in which U.S. citizens and resident workers are regularly employed.

The beneficiary will not engage in productive employment unless such employment is incidental and necessary to the training.

The training will benefit the beneficiary in pursuing a career outside the United States.

For special education exchange visitors, the facility must have professionally trained staff and a structured program.

Special education exchange visitors must be nearing completion of a degree in special education, have earned one, or have extensive experience.

The number of special education exchange visitors is limited to 50 per fiscal year.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

Detailed description of the structured training program

Evidence regarding the unavailability of training in the home country

Evidence of the beneficiary's qualifications (for special education exchange visitors)

Documentation of the facility's professional staff and training capabilities

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for specialized training not available in the home country.
Facilitates international exchange of knowledge and skills.
Spouses and children under 21 can accompany the principal holder as H-4 nonimmigrants.

Worth Knowing

Not intended for gainful employment in the U.S.
Strict prohibitions on productive employment unless incidental to training.
H-4 dependents are not permitted to work.
Limited to 50 slots per year for special education exchange visitors.

Application Process

The U.S. employer or organization must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

Wait for USCIS approval of the petition.

Once approved, apply for the H-3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate if required.

Complete Form DS-160, pay visa application fees, and attend an interview if applicable.

Application Forms

Go to application portal

I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker	Fill online
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application	Fill online

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