The H-3 nonimmigrant visa category facilitates temporary entry to the United States for two main purposes:
Trainee Program: Individuals can receive training in various fields, excluding graduate medical education, not available in their home country. The program is designed to provide job-related training for work to be performed outside the United States. The U.S. employer or organization must demonstrate that the training is unavailable in the trainee’s home country, and it must not lead to regular U.S. employment.
Special Education Exchange Visitor: This category is for participants in special education exchange visitor training programs, offering practical experience in educating children with disabilities. There is a cap of 50 approvals per fiscal year. The petition must be filed by a facility with trained staff, a structured program, and the participant must be nearing completion of or have a degree in special education, or have extensive prior training and experience.
Period of Stay: Approved trainees may stay for up to 2 years, and special education exchange visitors for up to 18 months.
Family Members: Spouses and children (under 21) of H-3 visa holders can accompany them as H-4 nonimmigrants but are not allowed to work in the United States.