Agreement, Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct Regarding Sponsorship by Pan Atlantic Consultants DBA Pan Atlantic Exchanges for a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program
Participants are required carefully to review this information and confirm that they have read, understood and agree to these terms as part of their Pan Atlantic application. It is provided here for reference.
Congratulations on your selection for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program! You are coming to the United States on a cultural exchange visa as a goodwill and cultural ambassador from your home country. The purpose of the Exchange Visitor program is to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations”. We look forward to sponsoring your participation in this program and are pleased to work with you as you prepare for your time in the United States.
1. This program is an official program of the U.S. Government. Your designated J-1 sponsor is Pan Atlantic Consultants Inc DBA Pan Atlantic Exchanges (“Pan Atlantic”). We are legally obligated to inform the United States Department of State of your progress, and any difficulties (legal or ethical) that may arise during your stay in the United States.
2. You may contact Pan Atlantic at any time with questions or concerns about your training program. Our phone number is 207-871-8622 or contact us by email at kromei@panatlanticsmsgroup.com or jsjones@panatlanticsmsgroup.com .
In the event of an emergency involving the health or welfare of a program participant in the US, please call 207-871-8622 and choose option 9 to speak with Pan Atlantic staff. This phone number is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. You must comply with all laws of the United States. Pay attention to all laws governing driving, drinking of alcohol and controlled substances (drugs). Any infraction of the U.S. laws will result in immediate revocation of your J-1 status. Pan Atlantic must be notified of any problems you may have with the law or legal authorities while in the United States. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED WHILE IN THE UNITED STATES YOUR PROGRAM WILL BE TERMINATED, YOUR VISA WILL BE ENDED, AND YOU MUST LEAVE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN 7 DAYS.
4. You are required to comply with all U.S. government visa and immigration requirements, including all SEVIS requirements. Notification of your arrival to the location of your host company and a valid email address and phone number where you can be reached during your training is required within 48 hours of your arrival to the U.S. Failure to notify Pan Atlantic of your arrival to the U.S. may result in delays in activating health insurance coverage, difficulties in obtaining a social security number, and/or could result in termination of your visa.
5. You must also keep Pan Atlantic informed of your whereabouts at all times. As your sponsors we are required by the US Department of State to have this information. We must be able to contact you on very short notice. Notification to Pan Atlantic of any change in U.S. address/phone number/email address during your program is required within 10 days of making the change. Failure to notify Pan Atlantic of a change in contact information could endanger your continued participation in your training program.
6. Travel outside the United States requires approval from Pan Atlantic. You may not travel outside of the United States without having your DS-2019 form validated by Pan Atlantic. This includes day trips to Mexico, Canada or anywhere else. Failure to comply with this rule can result in denial of re-entry to the United States by immigration officials or a revocation of your visa. Detailed information is available on our website: http://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/travel-outside-the-us.html. There is a fee associated with validation of your DS-2019 for travel. Please review Pan Atlantic’s fees at: http://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/fees1.html
7. If for any reason you are unable to participate in your training program for a period beyond (30 days), you are considered to have a break in your training and your program will end. This includes, but is not limited to illness, death of a relative or other emergency.
8. As your sponsoring organization, we reserve the right to terminate you from the program for improper conduct, poor or non-performance of duties, or any other conduct deemed detrimental to the program all at our sole discretion. We also reserve the right to end your program at our sole discretion for serious medical conditions including, but not limited to, major surgery, pregnancy, or long-term illness.
9. Business etiquette may be different in the U.S. from that in your home country. Your host company will provide you with a handbook detailing appropriate workplace conduct. Please be aware the many host companies have specific policies regarding the use of social media and posting information and/or photos about the company. Violations of the host company’s social media policy can result in termination of your training program. Review the information provided by the host company carefully. Failure to adhere to any of your host company’s specific policies and procedures may result in dismissal from the program.
10. Maintain the trust of your host company. Do not misrepresent yourself, your host company or your sponsoring company, Pan Atlantic, at any time. Do not misrepresent your visa status.
11. As your sponsoring organization, Pan Atlantic will be making periodic supervisory visits throughout the United States, and you should be available to meet with us as requested.
12. The U.S. government requires all program participants to provide periodic evaluations of their training experience in the United States. Pan Atlantic will send these evaluations to you via email and your response is required within five days. Failure to complete required program evaluations can endanger your continued participation in your training program.
13. Pan Atlantic is not an insurance company but provides all program participants with health insurance from a third party. Pan Atlantic does not pay or adjudicate health insurance claims and is not provided with information about any claims that are filed by program participants. All health insurance policies in the U.S. have exclusions and limitations. Pan Atlantic provides all participants with health insurance policy information. It is your responsibility to review the policy information and understand the terms of the insurance coverage provided. You will be provided with the contact information of the health insurance company to ask questions about the insurance coverage.
14. Health insurance coverage provided by Pan Atlantic is for the program dates on your DS-2019. Coverage outside of those dates is not guaranteed and requires advance notification to Pan Atlantic. Any coverage provided outside of the program dates on the DS-2019 will result in additional fees for the program participant.
15. Any J-1 visa holder and any J-2 accompanying spouse may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requirements may exceed the U.S. Department of State insurance requirements.
16. Pan Atlantic limits inquiries about participants and our program to program participants. We will not release any program or participant information to third parties including, but not limited to, family members and attorneys.
17. In the event of a major dispute with your host company, Pan Atlantic will do everything possible to help resolve the problem. One of our roles as your J-1 visa sponsor is to act as liaison and informal mediator between you and your host company should serious difficulties arise. Any problem which leads to the host company demanding your termination, which cannot be remedied, will result in your return to your home country.
18. If you are terminated with cause by your host company, your training program will end, and you must return to your home country. Please be aware that the 30-day grace period granted to Intern/Trainees who complete their full program is not available to terminated Intern/Trainees.
19. Pan Atlantic does not allow transfers to a new host company except in cases of extreme extenuating circumstances. As your visa sponsor, Pan Atlantic has final approval of any transfer to a new host company. Failure to obtain this permission from Pan Atlantic may result in termination from the program. There is a fee associated with a change in host property if it is approved. Fees can be viewed here: http://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/fees1.html
20. If the internship/training program changes significantly from the terms detailed in the DS-7002, or if the internship/training environment, for whatever reason, proves untenable, you should contact Pan Atlantic. If necessary, Pan Atlantic will attempt to assist you in finding another position. However, Pan Atlantic makes no guarantee that it will be able to find an alternate position anywhere and makes no representation that it will be able to find an internship/training program in the same geographical area or at the same compensation level.
21. If you plan to leave your position DO NOT RESIGN WITHOUT FIRST SPEAKING TO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM PAN ATLANTIC. Your J1 visa cannot continue if you are not participating in an approved training program. Leaving your training without authorization will bring an end to your visa. The 30-day grace period granted to Intern/Trainees who complete their full program is not applicable to terminated Intern/Trainees.
22. Your J-1 status is valid only for training with the host company designated on the DS-2019. You may not have a second job during your training program.
23. The benefits of your J-1 visa, including payment of a stipend, are only valid for the dates printed on your DS-2019. Training outside of the dates on your DS-2019 is not allowed.
24. The stipend you receive as part of your work-based training may not cover all your expenses during your time on the program. As such, you must have the personal finances to ensure your living, healthcare, and other expenses can be met while you are in the U.S.
25. Approval for a J-1 Intern/Trainee visa may result in future restrictions on obtaining a U.S. visa including a two- year home country physical presence requirement (Rule 212E). For additional information on the two-year home country physical presence requirement please visit this website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html Pan Atlantic is not responsible for any restrictions placed on future visas nor is Pan Atlantic obligated to assist with the removal of any restriction placed on your future entry to the U.S.
26. Pan Atlantic may issue a DS-2019 to applicants meeting the J-1 program requirements but has no control over the decision of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of resident to issue a J-1 visa. Pan Atlantic is not responsible for any costs incurred (flights, US government fees, etc...) due to delays at the US Embassy/Consulate or visa denial.
27. You are coming to the United States to participate in an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our nations. You agree to return to your home country upon completion of your training program and not attempt to stay in the United States and/or pursue employment in the U.S. under another type of visa. By agreeing to the Pan Atlantic Code of Conduct, you have given both the U.S. Department of State and your visa sponsor affidavits guaranteeing your intention to leave the United States at the conclusion of this program and return to your home country.
28. Pan Atlantic has a privacy policy. Your signature on this Code of Conduct indicates that you have read and consent to Pan Atlantic’s privacy policy found here: https://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/privacy-policy.html
29. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE. Pan Atlantic, its owners, directors, officers, employees and affiliates, (collectively “Pan Atlantic”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services during your J-1 program including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, providers or organizers of sightseeing or recreational activities, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Pan Atlantic is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Pan Atlantic is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation, sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Pan Atlantic. I understand and agree that Pan Atlantic is not my employer. I understand and agree that Pan Atlantic bears no obligation or responsibility related to my transportation to or from my program or training. In addition, I release Pan Atlantic from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.
30. The U.S. government also provides information on your rights as a temporary worker in the US. Pan Atlantic is your first point of contact in the event of a concern about your host company. You can find the U.S. government information here: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/LegalRightsandProtections/Wilberforce/Wilberforce-ENG-100116.pdf
The US Department of State has a division of compliance. The email address is jvisas@state.gov and the fax number is 202-632-2900. The phone number is 844-300-1824. The address is U.S. Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Compliance, ECA/EC/ECC – SA4E, Rm E-101, 2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20520. The website is https://j1visa.state.gov/contacts/ .
31. Any dispute or claim which refers or relates to this Agreement, any literature related to the Program, or the Program itself, shall be litigated solely and exclusively in and for courts in Portland, Maine, subject to substantive and procedural Maine law, and for this limited purpose, the parties agree to exclusive venue and personal jurisdiction therein. At the Participant’s option, however, in lieu of litigation, Pan Atlantic will agree to binding arbitration in Portland, Maine, subject to substantive but not procedural Maine law, pursuant to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. In any such arbitration, the arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this Agreement, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this Agreement is void or voidable.
I have read and fully understand the rules relating to program regulations under the sponsorship of Pan Atlantic. I hereby declare that I agree with these rules and regulations and will abide by them. I am signing this document of my own free will.
Participants are required carefully to review this information and confirm that they have read, understood and agree to these terms as part of their Pan Atlantic application. It is provided here for reference.
Congratulations on your selection for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program! You are coming to the United States on a cultural exchange visa as a goodwill and cultural ambassador from your home country. The purpose of the Exchange Visitor program is to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations”. We look forward to sponsoring your participation in this program and are pleased to work with you as you prepare for your time in the United States.
1. This program is an official program of the U.S. Government. Your designated J-1 sponsor is Pan Atlantic Consultants Inc DBA Pan Atlantic Exchanges (“Pan Atlantic”). We are legally obligated to inform the United States Department of State of your progress, and any difficulties (legal or ethical) that may arise during your stay in the United States.
2. You may contact Pan Atlantic at any time with questions or concerns about your training program. Our phone number is 207-871-8622 or contact us by email at kromei@panatlanticsmsgroup.com or jsjones@panatlanticsmsgroup.com .
In the event of an emergency involving the health or welfare of a program participant in the US, please call 207-871-8622 and choose option 9 to speak with Pan Atlantic staff. This phone number is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. You must comply with all laws of the United States. Pay attention to all laws governing driving, drinking of alcohol and controlled substances (drugs). Any infraction of the U.S. laws will result in immediate revocation of your J-1 status. Pan Atlantic must be notified of any problems you may have with the law or legal authorities while in the United States. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED WHILE IN THE UNITED STATES YOUR PROGRAM WILL BE TERMINATED, YOUR VISA WILL BE ENDED, AND YOU MUST LEAVE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN 7 DAYS.
4. You are required to comply with all U.S. government visa and immigration requirements, including all SEVIS requirements. Notification of your arrival to the location of your host company and a valid email address and phone number where you can be reached during your training is required within 48 hours of your arrival to the U.S. Failure to notify Pan Atlantic of your arrival to the U.S. may result in delays in activating health insurance coverage, difficulties in obtaining a social security number, and/or could result in termination of your visa.
5. You must also keep Pan Atlantic informed of your whereabouts at all times. As your sponsors we are required by the US Department of State to have this information. We must be able to contact you on very short notice. Notification to Pan Atlantic of any change in U.S. address/phone number/email address during your program is required within 10 days of making the change. Failure to notify Pan Atlantic of a change in contact information could endanger your continued participation in your training program.
6. Travel outside the United States requires approval from Pan Atlantic. You may not travel outside of the United States without having your DS-2019 form validated by Pan Atlantic. This includes day trips to Mexico, Canada or anywhere else. Failure to comply with this rule can result in denial of re-entry to the United States by immigration officials or a revocation of your visa. Detailed information is available on our website: http://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/travel-outside-the-us.html. There is a fee associated with validation of your DS-2019 for travel. Please review Pan Atlantic’s fees at: http://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/fees1.html
7. If for any reason you are unable to participate in your training program for a period beyond (30 days), you are considered to have a break in your training and your program will end. This includes, but is not limited to illness, death of a relative or other emergency.
8. As your sponsoring organization, we reserve the right to terminate you from the program for improper conduct, poor or non-performance of duties, or any other conduct deemed detrimental to the program all at our sole discretion. We also reserve the right to end your program at our sole discretion for serious medical conditions including, but not limited to, major surgery, pregnancy, or long-term illness.
9. Business etiquette may be different in the U.S. from that in your home country. Your host company will provide you with a handbook detailing appropriate workplace conduct. Please be aware the many host companies have specific policies regarding the use of social media and posting information and/or photos about the company. Violations of the host company’s social media policy can result in termination of your training program. Review the information provided by the host company carefully. Failure to adhere to any of your host company’s specific policies and procedures may result in dismissal from the program.
10. Maintain the trust of your host company. Do not misrepresent yourself, your host company or your sponsoring company, Pan Atlantic, at any time. Do not misrepresent your visa status.
11. As your sponsoring organization, Pan Atlantic will be making periodic supervisory visits throughout the United States, and you should be available to meet with us as requested.
12. The U.S. government requires all program participants to provide periodic evaluations of their training experience in the United States. Pan Atlantic will send these evaluations to you via email and your response is required within five days. Failure to complete required program evaluations can endanger your continued participation in your training program.
13. Pan Atlantic is not an insurance company but provides all program participants with health insurance from a third party. Pan Atlantic does not pay or adjudicate health insurance claims and is not provided with information about any claims that are filed by program participants. All health insurance policies in the U.S. have exclusions and limitations. Pan Atlantic provides all participants with health insurance policy information. It is your responsibility to review the policy information and understand the terms of the insurance coverage provided. You will be provided with the contact information of the health insurance company to ask questions about the insurance coverage.
14. Health insurance coverage provided by Pan Atlantic is for the program dates on your DS-2019. Coverage outside of those dates is not guaranteed and requires advance notification to Pan Atlantic. Any coverage provided outside of the program dates on the DS-2019 will result in additional fees for the program participant.
15. Any J-1 visa holder and any J-2 accompanying spouse may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requirements may exceed the U.S. Department of State insurance requirements.
16. Pan Atlantic limits inquiries about participants and our program to program participants. We will not release any program or participant information to third parties including, but not limited to, family members and attorneys.
17. In the event of a major dispute with your host company, Pan Atlantic will do everything possible to help resolve the problem. One of our roles as your J-1 visa sponsor is to act as liaison and informal mediator between you and your host company should serious difficulties arise. Any problem which leads to the host company demanding your termination, which cannot be remedied, will result in your return to your home country.
18. If you are terminated with cause by your host company, your training program will end, and you must return to your home country. Please be aware that the 30-day grace period granted to Intern/Trainees who complete their full program is not available to terminated Intern/Trainees.
19. Pan Atlantic does not allow transfers to a new host company except in cases of extreme extenuating circumstances. As your visa sponsor, Pan Atlantic has final approval of any transfer to a new host company. Failure to obtain this permission from Pan Atlantic may result in termination from the program. There is a fee associated with a change in host property if it is approved. Fees can be viewed here: http://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/fees1.html
20. If the internship/training program changes significantly from the terms detailed in the DS-7002, or if the internship/training environment, for whatever reason, proves untenable, you should contact Pan Atlantic. If necessary, Pan Atlantic will attempt to assist you in finding another position. However, Pan Atlantic makes no guarantee that it will be able to find an alternate position anywhere and makes no representation that it will be able to find an internship/training program in the same geographical area or at the same compensation level.
21. If you plan to leave your position DO NOT RESIGN WITHOUT FIRST SPEAKING TO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM PAN ATLANTIC. Your J1 visa cannot continue if you are not participating in an approved training program. Leaving your training without authorization will bring an end to your visa. The 30-day grace period granted to Intern/Trainees who complete their full program is not applicable to terminated Intern/Trainees.
22. Your J-1 status is valid only for training with the host company designated on the DS-2019. You may not have a second job during your training program.
23. The benefits of your J-1 visa, including payment of a stipend, are only valid for the dates printed on your DS-2019. Training outside of the dates on your DS-2019 is not allowed.
24. The stipend you receive as part of your work-based training may not cover all your expenses during your time on the program. As such, you must have the personal finances to ensure your living, healthcare, and other expenses can be met while you are in the U.S.
25. Approval for a J-1 Intern/Trainee visa may result in future restrictions on obtaining a U.S. visa including a two- year home country physical presence requirement (Rule 212E). For additional information on the two-year home country physical presence requirement please visit this website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html Pan Atlantic is not responsible for any restrictions placed on future visas nor is Pan Atlantic obligated to assist with the removal of any restriction placed on your future entry to the U.S.
26. Pan Atlantic may issue a DS-2019 to applicants meeting the J-1 program requirements but has no control over the decision of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of resident to issue a J-1 visa. Pan Atlantic is not responsible for any costs incurred (flights, US government fees, etc...) due to delays at the US Embassy/Consulate or visa denial.
27. You are coming to the United States to participate in an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our nations. You agree to return to your home country upon completion of your training program and not attempt to stay in the United States and/or pursue employment in the U.S. under another type of visa. By agreeing to the Pan Atlantic Code of Conduct, you have given both the U.S. Department of State and your visa sponsor affidavits guaranteeing your intention to leave the United States at the conclusion of this program and return to your home country.
28. Pan Atlantic has a privacy policy. Your signature on this Code of Conduct indicates that you have read and consent to Pan Atlantic’s privacy policy found here: https://www.panatlanticexchanges.org/privacy-policy.html
29. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE. Pan Atlantic, its owners, directors, officers, employees and affiliates, (collectively “Pan Atlantic”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services during your J-1 program including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, providers or organizers of sightseeing or recreational activities, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Pan Atlantic is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Pan Atlantic is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation, sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Pan Atlantic. I understand and agree that Pan Atlantic is not my employer. I understand and agree that Pan Atlantic bears no obligation or responsibility related to my transportation to or from my program or training. In addition, I release Pan Atlantic from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.
30. The U.S. government also provides information on your rights as a temporary worker in the US. Pan Atlantic is your first point of contact in the event of a concern about your host company. You can find the U.S. government information here: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/LegalRightsandProtections/Wilberforce/Wilberforce-ENG-100116.pdf
The US Department of State has a division of compliance. The email address is jvisas@state.gov and the fax number is 202-632-2900. The phone number is 844-300-1824. The address is U.S. Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Compliance, ECA/EC/ECC – SA4E, Rm E-101, 2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20520. The website is https://j1visa.state.gov/contacts/ .
31. Any dispute or claim which refers or relates to this Agreement, any literature related to the Program, or the Program itself, shall be litigated solely and exclusively in and for courts in Portland, Maine, subject to substantive and procedural Maine law, and for this limited purpose, the parties agree to exclusive venue and personal jurisdiction therein. At the Participant’s option, however, in lieu of litigation, Pan Atlantic will agree to binding arbitration in Portland, Maine, subject to substantive but not procedural Maine law, pursuant to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. In any such arbitration, the arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this Agreement, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this Agreement is void or voidable.
I have read and fully understand the rules relating to program regulations under the sponsorship of Pan Atlantic. I hereby declare that I agree with these rules and regulations and will abide by them. I am signing this document of my own free will.