J1 Visa information
J-1 Exhange Visitor program Introduction
Program enables foreign nationals to visit the U.S. to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training
The purpose of the J-1 Visa Program is to provide Foreign Nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural exchange programs and return home upon completion of the program
Trainee/Intern - 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
Internship:
- Currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificategranting post-secondary academic institution 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
- Trainees: 3 weeks to 18 months (hospitality and tourism max 12 months)
- Interns: 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
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information Media & Communications
- Management, Business, Commerce & Finance
- Public Administration & Law Sciences, Engineering,
- Architecture, Math & Industrial Occupations
Internship USA reviews
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Thomas
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Maria
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Luuk
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Conducted my graduation research thesis at a consultancy firm in the city centre. Thank you for also arranging my student accommodation!
Anika
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Internship at a Tourism car rental company. Super practical and hands-on experience. Thank you for also get me student accommodation .
Charlotte
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Duration of Stay
- Trainees: 3 weeks to 18 months (hospitality and tourism max 12 months)
- Interns: 3 weeks to 12 months
Can I go Back to the USA and do an Internship program again?..?
- 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.
Type of companies / Industries that will be approved
- Arts & Culture Construction and Building Trades
- Education, Social Sciences,
- Library Sciences,
- Counseling & Social Services
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information Media & Communications
- Management, Business, Commerce & Finance
- Public Administration & Law Sciences, Engineering,
- Architecture, Math & Industrial Occupations
Process Overview – Important Documents
- Form DS-7002 (Training/Internship Placement Plan)
- Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)
- J-1 passport visa Form
- I-94 (Arrival/ Departure record)
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
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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 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 Record
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD
- Kept by CBP to track arrivals/departures to the US
- Usually electronic, but older ones may be paper form
- Exchange Visitor should check their records for accuracy and report issues to CBP
- Can get a copy at cbp.gov/I94
Process Overview
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 / information needed
From the Student:
- Resume Passport
- 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:
J-1 Internship
- Initial case premium processing fee: $1,495
- Sevis fee: $220
- Program and insurance fee: $120 per month
J-2 Dependents: - Processing fee: $695 per dependent
- Program and insurance fee: $180 per 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)