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United States · Work visa

J-1 Intern/Trainee Visa

Processing
2-4 weeks
Cost
From $405
Validity
Up to 12 or 18 months

For interns (students/recent grads) and trainees (professionals) in structured training programs.

Requirements

  • Sponsorship by designated J-1 sponsor organization
  • Intern: Currently enrolled or graduated within 12 months
  • Trainee: Degree + 1 year experience, or 5 years experience
  • Training in your field of study or your occupational field
  • Training plan (DS-7002) from host company
  • English proficiency for the program

Restrictions

  • Must work only for designated host company
  • Cannot change to certain visa types without returning home (if 212(e) applies)
  • Intern limited to 12 months, Trainee to 18 months
  • Must follow a genuine training program instead of filling a regular job

Time and cost

Processing time
2-4 weeks for visa after DS-2019 issued
Validity
Interns may stay up to 12 months and trainees up to 18 months. Admission covers the DS-2019 dates plus 30 days to depart
Cost

From $405

Required

  • $185 visa application fee
  • $220 SEVIS fee

Optional

  • $250 visa-integrity fee at issuance, if your post already charges it, as DHS is still rolling it out post by post ($250 is the statutory floor before annual inflation adjustments)
  • Sponsor fees also apply.

Documents

  • Form DS-2019

    Certificate of Eligibility from sponsor

  • SEVIS fee receipt

    I-901 SEVIS fee ($220)

  • DS-160 confirmation

    Visa application

  • Training plan (DS-7002)

    Structured training objectives

  • Resume/CV

    Work and education history

  • Degree certificate

    For educational qualifications

  • Sponsor acceptance letter

    From J-1 sponsor organization

Your family

Status your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can hold alongside this route. Children can study on it too.

J-2 DependentSpouse can work with a permit

Your spouse can work once a J-2 EAD is granted, but the income cannot be used to support the J-1.

  • A two-year home-residency requirement on the J-1 also binds the J-2
  • J-2 visa applicants must set all social-media profiles to public or open for State Department online-presence review

Tips

  • Use the State Department’s designated-sponsor list. Only a designated sponsor may issue Form DS-2019
  • Must find host company willing to provide training program
  • Training must be in your field of study/work