One of the things that im handling while in Thailand for 2 months is checking the possibility of getting a J1 visa for my wife's best friend. She has a 2 year old thai resturant in the Kansas City area and is periodicalky understaffed.  As she is the only cook, she works 6-7 day work weeks.  Teaching the friend the ends and outs of the resturant business would be beneficial to both. Im going to meet with the best friend tomorrow and periodically until i leave October 31. Im pretty sure that it is a 4-6 month process, so a local agency in Chiang Mai would be extremely helpful.  If anyone had dealings with any of them, any advise would be much appreciated. 

English Language Proficiency

Participants must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in their programs. [22 CFR 62.10(a)(2)]

Insurance

Participants and any J-2 dependents (spouses and minor unmarried children under the age 21) accompanying them are required to carry medical insurance at the minimum benefit levels stated in the program regulations. Program sponsors are required to ensure that all participants have the appropriate medical insurance. Sponsors will verify that the participant's medical insurance meets the regulatory requirements, and will facilitate the purchase of coverage for participants who do not have their own insurance, or whose coverage does not meet the requirements. Participants interested in obtaining appropriate medical insurance should contact the responsible officer of their sponsor organization sponsoring their program. Willful failure on the part of the participant and/or any J-2 dependents to maintain active insurance coverage is grounds for termination from the program. Please refer to the regulations for details. [22 CFR 62.14]

 

Eligibility and Fees - BridgeUSAParticipants | BridgeUSA (state.gov)

 

How to Apply to the J-1 VISA Exchange

 

How to Apply to the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program.pdf | Powered by Box

My wife’s friend speaks a little English. However, she will be working in a Thai restaurant with other Thais.  The requirement shouldn’t be a problem. A friend of mine in the States that brings in cooks for Hilton told me language isn’t an impediment when they all speak the same language. 
Insurance is a concern but can be complied with, depending on how bad my wife wants her friend here, as an employee that she can trust. 

The scenario you describe sounds like it could be fraught with future problems and heavy expense for everybody involved.

Getting restaurant help is a no-brainer when it is so easy to find a hard working Thai pee-noi in the States these days.

6 hours ago, AnnaBanana said:

The scenario you describe sounds like it could be fraught with future problems and heavy expense for everybody involved.

Getting restaurant help is a no-brainer when it is so easy to find a hard working Thai pee-noi in the States these days.

That is probably due to the dysfunctional nature of US law enforcement vis-a-vis illegal immigrants.

The labor market is wide open nowadays... and maybe that’s not such a bad thing.