J-1 Internship Visa Program
The J-1 Intern program allows post-secondary students and recent graduates to participate in a structured learning program in their field of study in the United States.
Paid Internship
We only offer paid Internship opportunities. As an exchange visitor, you will receive compensation from your Host Organization during your Internship program. Placement hours and compensation will vary depending on the Host Organization and the seasonality of the business but will be at a minimum of 32 hours a week. The average compensation is $8.00-$20.00 USD/hour. The duration of the program is 4-12 months.
Host Organizations
Host Organization are organizations that have been approved to host exchange visitors and have agreed to provide adequate training in the exchange visitor’s career path. Intern opportunities for exchange visitors are approved based on the available training offered by the Host Organization and the exchange visitor’s educational and professional background.
We offer Internship program throughout the United States. The most popular states are California, Colorado, Utah, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
The Host Organizations; hotels, resorts and restaurants are highly rated (usually 4*-5*) organizations, therefore you will be gaining valuable experience while training in a professional team. Your international experience and knowledge will be a rewarding addition to your resume and future career.
During your Internship program, you will be rotating within your department and try yourself in different positions and areas. By the end of your program, you will understand the operation of your department and gain comprehensive and competitive experience.
We are looking for motivated, open minded, hospitality driven professionals for the following areas:
• Front Office
• Culinary
• Food & Beverage
Our partner – The J-1 visa sponsor
Our partner agency is designated by the United States Department of State as a J-1 Visa sponsor. J-1 visa sponsors are authorized to issue the documents that you will need for your J-1 visa interview. You will receive these required forms from us after your placement is secured.
The J-1 visa sponsor and our team will be monitoring your Internship program and we will be in contact with you to ensure that you are having a great time and rewarding experience. We are here to support you, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns during your program.
You will be asked to submit essays and evaluations throughout your program, and we will provide you further, detailed information before your departure to the United States.
Visa
Our team will be assisting and supporting you with your J-1 visa application and interview. After securing a placement for you, you will receive all the necessary documents from us and we will help you prepare for your J-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
Program Fee
The program fee is based on the program length and type (Internship or Traineeship). Please contact us for a detailed program fee list. The program fee is due only after your placement/Host Organization is secured and you received and signed your offer letter as well.
In the case of a visa denial, you must return the unused original DS-2019 form and the 50% of the program fees will be returned.
How to apply
Application requirements
If you would like to participate in a structured and guided work-based Internship program in your academic field, build international relationships, improve your English skills, explore the American culture and receive compensation for it, apply now! To qualify for the Internship program you have to currently be enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. OR graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to your program begin date and enter the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based Internship program in your specific academic field.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to participate in the program, please feel free to contact us!
Step by step
1. Submit your application and send us your resume. We will contact you for a suitable time when we can conduct a skype interview. We would like to get to know you, evaluate your English skills and answer all your questions during the first skype interview.
2. If you qualify for the program and successfully pass the first interview, we submit your application to Host Organizations. Your second interview will be with a representative from the Host Organization.
3. If you successfully pass the interview with the Host Organization, you will receive your job offer. We can now start completing your paperwork for the visa application;
• University diploma or letter of attendance in English – any translations
must be by an official translator
• Copy of passport (your passport must be valid 6 months beyond your
program end date)
• Reference letter
• Copy of previous visas
• One page essay as to why you feel an Internship program in the United
States will benefit your career
• Color photo
• Application forms – the forms will be provided by our team
4. Visa interview at the American Embassy. Our American visa sponsor partner will be registering you in the SEVIS system and you will receive all the documents from us that you need for the visa interview;
• DS-7002 form/Training Plan
• DS-2019 form
Additional documents needed for your interview:
• DS-160 form
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment
• Proof of visa processing fee payment
Our team will be assisting you in filling out the necessary forms and scheduling the interview at the Embassy.
While in the United States
Entry and length of stay
As a holder of an exchange visitor J-1 visa, you may enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on the DS-2019. You may remain in the United States for up to 30 days after the completion date on the DS-2019. You can use this 30-day grace period for vacation or traveling.
Housing
Most of our Host Organizations provide housing for the duration of your program. If housing is not available, your Host Organization will be assisting you in finding one. Most likely you will have to share a room with one or more room mates. You will either be asked to pay for your housing in advance or it will be deducted from your paychecks.
Insurance
Our team will secure health and accident insurance that meets the Department of State rules and regulations for J-1 visitors prior to your travel to the United States. The insurance fee is included in your program fee.
Taxes
The State and Federal tax will be deduced from your pay checks, however as a J-1 participant, you are eligible to apply for your tax return after your program. We will be assisting you with your tax return.
Social Security Card
Prior to beginning your Intern program, you will need to apply for your social security number. This number is unique and will be assigned to you for the US government to receive information regarding your earnings. You will need to give this number to your host employer so they can report your income and tax withholding to the government. You will also need this number to file for your tax returns at the end of the year. If you have never received a social security card in the past, you will need to apply in person. Your host employer will assist you in getting to the social security office to apply. You may find other helpful information on the social security website.
Second Job
You are not allowed to take a second job with the J-1 Intern visa. You are accepted to the program to train at the Host Organization listed on your DS-2019 form. If you have any issues with your program or Host Organization, please contact us, we are here to help!
Ongoing support
Our team will be in contact with your throughout your program and provide you ongoing support. We are committed to ensure that this program will be one of your most memorable and rewarding experiences in your career. We are here to support you and ensure your program experience is beneficial. There may be times during your program that you may feel overwhelmed by the experience. Please feel free to contact us any time you may have a concern. You will be also given a phone number that you can call 24 hours in case of emergency while in the United States.
FAQ
At what level of English do I need to speak to apply for the program?
You should be able to easily communicate in English. During the skype interview, we will evaluate your level of English and answer all your questions.
What happens if I don’t get along with the Host Organization?
Our team will be in contact with you throughout your program and provide ongoing support. We are committed to making this program one of your most memorable and rewarding experiences in your career. You will also be given a phone number that you can call 24 hours in case of emergency while in the United States.
When can I apply?
You can submit your application any time of the year. The Host Organizations are looking for Interns all year round.
Can I apply with my boyfriend/girlfriend?
Yes, of course. We will try to place you near each other, however, since the most important thing is to find you the most suitable program, we cannot guarantee to place you together.
Why do I need a visa when there is a visa-free program to enter the United States?
The visa-free or visa waiver program is only for tourists traveling in the United States for no more than 90 days. You are required to obtain a J-1 visa to participate in the Internship program. Our team will assist you in the paperwork and applying for your J-1 visa.
Can I take a second job?
Unfortunately, you are not able to take a second job while participating in the J-1 Internship program.
For how long can I stay in the United States with the J-1 Intern visa?
The Internship program length is 4-12 months. You are allowed to remain in the United States for a 30-day grace period after your program end date.