J-1 EXCHANGE VISA - USA

The Intern visa, J-1 allows foreign college and university students to travel and work in the US, as an Intern (Trainee), and gain exposure and understanding of US work culture and learn new skills and practical experience, in their selected occupation field.

The eligibility requirements for the J-1 visa are:

1. The foreign national must be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree or certificate granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or

2. The foreign national has just graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.

The Program Sponsors of the Internship must visit host organizations, and collect verification evidence from the organization, and do quality assurance in the form of regular evaluations from students to maintain high standards of quality and credibility.

Employer hosts are required to:

1. Sign a completed Form DS–7002 – Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) to verify that all placements are appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the interns as outlined in their program applications and as set forth in their T/IPPs. All placements must be customized to the skills and experience level of the individual intern.

2. Notify sponsors promptly of any concerns about, changes in or deviations from T/IPPs during training and internship programs and contact sponsors immediately in the event of any emergency involving trainees or interns.

3. Abide by all federal, state and local occupational health and safety laws.

4. Abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the sponsors, including the completion of all mandatory program evaluations.

5. Have sufficient resources, plant, equipment and trained personnel available.

6. Provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring by experienced and knowledgeable staff.

7. Ensure that interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities such as classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences and similar learning activities, as appropriate in specific circumstances.

What can the student Intern do on a Program?

They can come to the US to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.

The following are types of Internship Programs available on the J-1 visa:

Au Pair
Camp Counselor
College and University Student
Government Visitor
Intern
International Visitor
Physician
Professor and Research Scholar
Secondary School Student
Short-Term Scholar
Specialist
Summer Work Travel
Teacher
Trainee

What are the eligibility requirements for participants on the J-1 Program?

A. English Language Proficiency

B. Insurance

C. Pre-Arrival Information and Agreements - provided by Program Sponsors

D. Orientation - provided by Program Sponsors

E. Monitoring - progress and welfare of participants must be done by program Sponsors.

For advice and assistance with your J-1 Intern visa application, contact VisaConnect's qualified US Attorney's:

J-1 Visa USA | Exchange Visitor Program - VisaConnect