With the J-1 intern visa, currently enrolled students and recent graduates may do an internship for up to 12 months. The start date of the internship must not be later than one year from the date of graduation. The duration, payment, and internship tasks and responsibilities are coordinated by us together with your host company. Your internship must be clearly related to your academic studies making this program ideal to gain international experience and skills, and further your professional career.
Get Your J-1 Visa for Your U.S. Internship!
If you have secured on your own host company in the USA for your internship, you simply need a J-1 visa sponsor like us to prepare your DS-2019 and manage your J-1 program.
ARE YOU A J-1 INTERN OR J-1 TRAINEE?
To determine your right category is easy with the overview below!
INTERN
- You must be 18 years or older
- The internship must correspond to your field of study
- Minimum number of finished semesters is 2 semesters
- If not currently enrolled, you must have graduated within the last 12 months
- You must be able to cover the monthly living expenses (minimum $ 1,300 per month)
- Good English language skills are required
- Exchange visitors must leave the U.S. at least 30 days after completion of internship
- The internship duration is a maximum of 12 months
TRAINEE
With the J-1 trainee visa, young professionals can complete an internship for up to 18 months as part of a training program. The duration, monthly stipend and responsibilities of your training are coordinated by us together with your host company. There must be a clear connection to your professional field and your previous professional experience. The J-1 training program is an ideal way of deepening your existing skills in an international environment.
- J-1 trainees must have completed a recognized academic program outside of the US and possess at least 12 months of full-time work experience (also outside the US)
- J-1 trainee applicants without a university degree need at least 5 years of work experience outside the USA in the field of the intended training
- The host company must be confirmed before the start of the J-1 application process
- You must earn at least minimum wage
- Participants are required to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of the training at the host company
- Sufficient English language skills are required
- The duration of the J-1 training program is a maximum of 18 months
THE STEPS TO YOUR J-1 VISA
Follow these 3 steps in order to apply for and join our J-1 program:
You have already found a host company in the USA? If YES, check out if you meet the basic requirements for a J-1 internship or trainee visa.
- IF NOT, you have to first find your host company. If you need help doing so, please see our Internship Placement Service.
- If you require more information, check out our J-1 Visa FAQ.
- If you meet the basic minimum requirements for a J-1 visa, you can – submit free of charge – your documents through our online portal.
- Create your free account by registering online and providing all necessary information.
- Once you complete your online account and submit your application, our role as sponsor begins. We will check all your documents and uploads. We contact your host company and take care of all necessary documentation such as your official State Department training plan form (DS-7002).
- Your DS-2019 form will be issued if your application complies with all requirements of our program as well as the U.S. Department of State.
- We assist you in scheduling a visit to a U.S. consulate in Seoul that will issue you a J-1 Visa in your passport.
- During your internship or training in the USA, we will serve as your primary contact partner and are available if you encounter problems or questions.
- We also help you organize fun cultural activities and events.
Why Do I Need a J-1 Sponsor?
Because you need someone to look over you, and second, it’s required by law. Moving to a foreign country, no matter how informed and confident you are, is a challenge.
In order to conduct an internship or training opportunity in the USA, you will need a suitable host company and a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa is granted to individuals by the U.S. State Department through a form called the DS-2019. These forms may only be obtained through designated sponsors such as IIEEX. IIEEX* is an official J-1 visa sponsor for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and is entitled by the U.S. State Department to sponsor interns and trainees.
As a sponsor, we support participants in our program throughout their entire stay in the US and are therefore the primary contact for the duration of their internship or training. We ensure that the internship or training follows all current rules and regulations. Throughout the internship, we conduct evaluations on the progress and the quality of the training.
What is the J-1 Visa?
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for the purpose of cultural exchange. The aim of this program is to provide participants with further education in their field of study combined with new cultural experiences and English language immersion.
What Does IIEEX Do As My J-1 Sponsor?
We are by your side before, during and after your J-1 program in order to ensure the best possible experience.
Pre-Departure
- We ensure that your application meets all current eligibility requirements.
- The IIEEX team works directly with your host company to complete all necessary documents (for example DS-7002).
- We provide you with detailed information relating to the USA and your internship such as with our well-structuredand easy to handle participant manual.
- Our team will prepare you for your appointment at the US embassy or consulate, and provide you with the DS-2019 form.
During Your Stay
- After your arrival in the USA, you may officially start your internship.
- You will get important information about what to do in the first few weeks.
- During your internship, you must participate regularly in online evaluations.
- Once a month, you must update us on your status, and let us know of their are problems or questions.
- We assist you in getting exposure to events and cultural activities in major U.S. cities.
- IIEEX serves as your primary contact partner in all situations including access to an emergency hotline.
Leaving the USA
- You will participate in a final evaluation.
- Your company will also participate in a final evaluation.
- You will confirm with us once you arrive back in your home country.
- Our team will provide you with information on receiving a tax refund.
- Many participants share their experiences with pictures and a short summary of their time.
- You will have access to our extensive alumni network.
Trouble Finding a Host Company in the USA?
Learn abut our internship placement program!
For those who have yet to secure an internship with a suitable company in the USA, we offer our individual placement program. You can specify your career goals and interests here, for example, location and field of expertise. The processing time to find a placement plus secure the J-1 visa is between 3 and 6 months.
The SIM Card for Your Internship in the U.S.
Phone Number and Full Access to the Internet Instantly!
Being connected through phone and Internet while staying in the U.S. is most important to many J-1 exchange visitors. We can help connect you and provide you with a SIM Card and a U.S. phone number long before you’ll be arriving in the U.S. Plus, share your new U.S. phone number with your family and friends at home and stay connected.
