Your Comprehensive Guide to the J1 Visa
Internships in the USA offer invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing both professional skills and cultural understanding. For international students, securing these opportunities is crucial for career growth but often challenging due to the rigorous J-1 visa process.
The J-1 Visa Program aims to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural exchange programs and return home upon completion of the program. Despite the hurdles, the benefits of gaining practical experience in a diverse work environment make the effort worthwhile for many international students.
Eligibility Requirements
Traineeship
Degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of related work experience in their occupational field outside the U.S. –OR
Five years of work experience outside the U.S. in the occupational field in which they are seeking training
Must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language
No age limit
Duration of Stay: 3 weeks to 18 months (hospitality and tourism max 12 months)
Internship
Degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of related work experience in their occupational field outside the U.S. –OR
Graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date
Must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language
No age limit
Duration of stay:
3 weeks to 12 months
Type of Companies / Industries that will be approved
Arts & Culture Construction and Building Trades
Education, Social Sciences
Library Sciences
Counseling & Social Services
Information Media & Communications
Management, Business, Commerce & Finance
Public Administration & Law Sciences, Engineering
Architecture, Math & Industrial Occupations
Can I go Back to the USA and do an Internship program again?
– YES!!! But….
- Foreign national can participate in additional program if new program addresses development of more advanced skills or different field of expertise
- Interns can apply if currently enrolled or graduated no more than 12 months ago
- Trainees can apply after 2 years residency outside the U.S.
Internship Global reviews:
The Happy Stories
Hello ! I am from Lithuania and did a marketing internship at a real estate agency. Super cool! Thank you guys for helping me to go to Barcelona
Lena
Marketing Internship
I did a data analysis internship at a start-up in Barcelona. I learned a lot and even found a Spanish girlfriend. Great experience!
Thomas
Data science internship
Thank you for the amazing opportunity to intern in London! Your support in finding the perfect internship, navigating visa procedures, and arranging accommodation was invaluable. My time here has been unforgettable, enhancing both my professional skills and personal perspective. I'm grateful for the chance to have lived and worked in this incredible city.
Anna
Summer Internship London
Internship at a new fashion brand in Barcelona. Loved it ! thank you
Maria
Fashion & Design internship
I am from The Netherlands and did an internship at an online marketing agency. Learned a lot about SEO and run google ads campaigns
Luuk
Marketing Internship
Internship Finder made my New York internship unforgettable. The account manager who contacted me after applying at their website, found me an internship position as a developer at a top company, handled my visa process smoothly, and secured ideal accommodation. I'm grateful for their support and this transformative experience.
Andy
Graduation internship
Conducted my graduation research thesis at a consultancy firm in the city centre of Barcelona. Thank you for also arranging my student accommodation!
Anika
Graduation internship
Process Overview and Important Documents
Form DS-7002
TRAINING/INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT PLAN
- Individualized training plan that outlines a structured and guided work-based learning program
- Shows the site(s) of activity for the exchange visitor and their activities throughout the program
- Contains one or more phases of training, each outlining role, objective, cultural activities, etc
- Form is executed by foreign national, each phase Primary Phase Supervisor and J1X
- No deviations from DS-7002 are permitted without approval from J1X
Form DS-2019
CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
- U.S. Department of State controlled form that J1X issues to potential exchange visitor
- Form identifies foreign national, their designated sponsor J1X and brief description of proposed program
- Form DS-2019 permits the foreign national to schedule an interview at U.S. consulate and to apply for J-1 visa
- Form DS-2019 must be presented together with Form DS-7002
- Issuance of the J-1 visa is at the discretion of the Consular Officer
J-1 passport visa Form
J-1 Visa Stamp
- Purpose is to (re)enter the U.S.
- Visa may be issued for Single or Multiple entries
- It is permissible for visa to expire during program as long as Program End date on Form DS-2019 has not been reached
I-94
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD
- Purpose is to (re)enter the U.S.
- Visa may be issued for Single or Multiple entries
- It is permissible for visa to expire during program as long as Program End date on Form DS-2019 has not been reached
Key Steps in Initial Case Processing
Double check on Student, host organization and proposed program
Review of documents & Interview foreign national
Draft, review and e-signing of Form DS-7002
Foreign national Orientation and providing pre-arrival information
Issuance of Form DS-2019
Student applies for J-1 visa at U.S. consulate in their home country
Documents Checklist
From the Student
Passport
Resume
Biographical page
Employment verification/ letter of reference (Trainee)
Diploma/ enrollment letter / copies of transcripts
E-signature on Form DS-7002
From the Internship Company
Business information, including FEIN, number of employees, revenue, worker’s compensation
Electronic acceptance of Terms and Conditions
E-signature on Form DS-7002
Pricing Option 1
J-1 Intenship | |
|---|---|
Initial case premium processing fee | $1,495 |
Sevis fee | $220 |
Program and insurance fee | $120/month |
J-2 Dependents | |
Processing fee | $695/dependent |
Program and insurance fee | $180/month per dependent |
Extra Services | |
Amendment of Program | $295 |
Extension or transfer of program | $695 |
Site visit to get host company approved | $200 |
Travel validation (expedited) | $75 ($150) |
Pricing Option 2*
J-1 Intenship | |
|---|---|
Initial case premium processing fee | $2,140 |
Sevis fee | included for free |
Program and insurance fee | $330 |
Extra Services | |
Extension or transfer of program
| $1000 |
Site visit to get host company approved
| $500 |
*Please note: This option is more expensive due to you will be connected to a USA student community. You have a 24/7 emergency line and will be connected to students. You could attend to cool events and excursions for you not to feel lonely.
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