In Park City, the J-1 visa program is a vital piece of the staffing strategy for ski resorts, restaurants and other local businesses, but recent changes in visa requirements have created new challenges for applicants and employers.
Created in 1961 under the Fulbright-Hays Act, the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program was designed to promote cultural understanding through temporary educational and professional exchanges. The J-1 visa, which falls under this program, has since become a primary avenue for international students, scholars and seasonal workers to come to the United States, including those who find themselves working in Park City’s resorts and businesses.
Per the program, U.S. businesses cannot directly hire J-1 visa holders; instead, they are required to partner with designated sponsor organizations approved by the Department of State. These sponsors serve as the legal gateway for bringing international workers into the country, issuing the DS-2019 form that applicants need to obtain their visas, according to the American Immigration Council.
Ski resorts like Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, as well as other major employers, particularly those focused on hospitality, rely on these agencies to fill seasonal roles, with each resort working through a combination of sponsors depending on the type of position, whether it’s work and travel or a more specialized internship.
According to Deer Valley Director of Communications Emily Summers, recent changes in requirements for applicants to the J-1 program have made it more difficult for people to get visa appointments in some South American countries, particularly Chile, which has created challenges for certain applicants in that region.
“We have worked closely with our sponsoring partners to diversify the countries we hire from and to slightly increase the number of J-1 participants to help offset potential impacts, she said.”
Deer Valley has also advocated with Utah’s congressional delegation about increasing appointment availability for visa seekers and broadening the overall support for the program, Summers said.
“We expect to continue seeing the effects of these changes over the coming months. Visa appointments are underway, but outcomes remain uncertain,” Summers explained. “At this stage, it’s difficult to predict how the new requirements will play out, and we’ll be monitoring the process closely.”
Despite the obstacles, Summers emphasized Deer Valley’s ongoing dedication to the program.
“While the process has become more complex, we remain committed to welcoming J-1 participants and ensuring they can share in the Deer Valley experience.”