2 USCIS-PM J.3
An H-3 petitioner is required to submit evidence demonstrating that:[1]
Each petition for a trainee must include a statement which:[3]
A training program for a trainee may not be approved if it: [5]
The petitioner files the H-3 petition on the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129). Up to 25 named trainees may be requested on a single petition if the trainees will be receiving the same training for the same period of time and in the same location.[8]
Officers will review each piece of evidence for relevance, probative value, and credibility to determine whether the petitioner submitted sufficient evidence establishing that the petition is approvable.[9] The table below serves as a quick, non-exhaustive reference guide listing the forms and evidence required when filing a petition for an H-3 trainee.
| Trainee (H-3) Petition Forms and Documentation |
|---|
| Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129), Including H supplement |
| If the beneficiary is outside the United States, a copy of his or her passport |
| Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539) for dependents of an H-3 who are also in the U.S. dependents should fill out and sign this form, not the petitioner for the H-3 beneficiary (one Form I-539 and fee covers all dependents) |
| Copies of each dependent’s I-94 or other proof of lawful immigration status and proof of the family relationship with the primary H-3 beneficiary (such as marriage and birth certificates) |
| Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative (Form G-28) (if applicable) |
| All Trainees Except Special Education Exchange Visitors Must Provide: |
| A detailed written statement from the petitioner containing:The overall schedule, including the type of training and supervision;The structure of the training program;The number of hours per week which will involve productive employment, if any;The number of hours per week in classroom study;The number of hours per week in on-the-job training;What skills the beneficiary will acquire (and how these skills relate to pursuing a career abroad); andThe source of any remuneration. |
| Evidence that the beneficiary will not be placed in a position which, in the normal operation of the business, U.S. citizen and resident workers are regularly employed. |
| Proof that the petitioner has the physical facility and sufficiently trained staff to provide the training described in the petition. |
| An explanation from the petitioner regarding benefits it will obtain by providing the training, including why it is willing to incur the cost of the training. |
| An explanation as to why the training must take place in the United States, instead of in the beneficiary’s country along with evidence that similar training is not available in beneficiary’s home country. |
| A summary of the beneficiary’s prior relevant training and experience, such as diplomas and letters from past employers. |
| If the beneficiary is a nonimmigrant student, evidence that the proposed training was not designed to extend the total allowable period of practical training. |
| Petitioners seeking H-3 status for a nurse must also provide proof:That the beneficiary has a full and unrestricted nursing license to work in the country where his or her nursing education was obtained, orThat the education took place in the United States or Canada.In addition, petitioners seeking H-3 status for a nurse must also include a statement certifying:That the beneficiary is qualified under the laws governing the place where the training will be received;That under those laws the petitioner is authorized to provide the training;That there is a genuine need for the nurse to receive the training;That the training is designed to benefit the beneficiary upon returning to his or her country of origin; andThat the training is designed to benefit the beneficiary’s overseas employer. |
| Hospitals petitioning for externs must also:Provide proof that the hospital has been approved by the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for either an internship or residence program, andProvide proof that the extern is currently attending medical school abroad. |
| If Requesting Premium Processing: |
| Request for Premium Processing Service (Form I-907) (see USCIS website for current fees) |
[^ 1] See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(7)(ii)(A).
[^ 2] H-3 beneficiaries must also establish that they intend to return to their foreign residence upon the termination of their H-3 status. See INA 214(b) and INA 101(a)(15)(H)(iii).
[^ 3] See8 CFR 214.2(h)(7)(ii)(B). See 55 FR 2628-29 (PDF) (Jan. 26, 1990).
[^ 4] See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(7)(ii)(B).
[^ 5] See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(7)(iii). Additionally, externs and nurses have further requirements. A hospital petitioning for an H-3 extern must also demonstrate that: It has been approved by either the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for either an internship or residency program; the beneficiary is currently attending medical school abroad; and that the beneficiary will engage in employment as an extern for the petitioner during his or her medical school vacation. See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(7)(i)(A). A petitioner seeking H-3 classification for a nurse must also provide a statement certifying that the beneficiary is fully qualified under the laws governing the place where the training will be received to engage in such training, and that under those laws the petitioner is authorized to give the beneficiary the desired training. See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(7)(i).
[^ 6] A trainee may already be a professional in his or her own right and possess substantial knowledge in a field; however, such person may be using a training to further his or her skills or career through company-specific training that is only available in the United States. As always, the totality of the evidence must be examined and all other requirements must be met.
[^ 7] For additional information about the training program and factors to consider during adjudications, see Chapter 6, Factors to Consider [2 USCIS-PM J.6(B)].
[^ 8] See8 CFR 214.2(h)(2)(ii).
[^ 9] The standard of proof applied in most USCIS adjudications, including H-3 petitions, and administrative immigration proceedings is the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. Therefore, if the petitioner submits relevant, probative, and credible evidence that leads USCIS to believe that the claim is “probably true” or “more likely than not,” the applicant or petitioner has satisfied the standard of proof. See INS v. Cardoza-Fonesca, 480 U.S. 421 (1987) (defining “more likely than not” as a greater than 50 percent probability of something occurring). If the officer can articulate a material doubt, it is appropriate for the officer to either request additional evidence or, if that doubt leads the officer to believe that the claim is probably not true, deny the application or petition. See Matter of Chawathe, 25 I&N Dec. 369, 376 (AAO 2010) (citing Matter of E-M, 20 I&N Dec. 77, 79-80 (Comm. 1989)).