I have been in communication with a Russian lady for 3 years. I have traveled and spent a month with her and her family and last year she came and visited me and my family for 3 weeks. We would like to continue relations here, with to see if we would make a good couple and possibly marry. I checked the US Dept of State website 'Skills List' for J1 visa programs and Russia does not show on that list; so no required 2-year return after the program. Would there be any problems if she did a J1 program near me; if we later married would it cause problems getting a green card for her?

She would like to do one of these work/travel programs to get a feel for real life here and we would like to spend more real time together before we make any huge decisions.

Thank you for your help!

Circumventing your true intentions is not a wise idea. Have her apply for a B2, visitor visa where she can request a 6 month extension, approval is almost automatic. A year is more than adequate for someone to determine if they can live here, or not.