Which J-1 visa category is for you?
Intern
Full-time student enrolled in an in-person program, who has completed at least one semester of studies.
OR
Apprentice (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) in a recognized dual vocational training program.
OR
Any recent graduate who will start the J-1 program within 12 months after graduation.
Trainee
Graduate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution, OR a recognized dual vocational training program, who has at least 12 months of full-time related work experience after graduation in the applicant's occupational field outside the United States.
If no degree: Five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which the applicant is seeking training.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for multiple J-1 visas, provided you still qualify for it.
If you complete a second internship at the same host company, the training plan for your application must clearly show that you will be undertaking different responsibilities from your first internship, and that you will learn new skills.
Please note that a minimum of two years of physical presence outside the United States is generally required between completing a J-1 intern program and beginning a J-1 trainee program.
It is also possible to be granted a J-1 visa for intern/trainee after having had a J-1 visa in a different category (e.g., au pair, student).
Unfortunately, J-1 visa holders are not allowed to travel to Cuba while on an active program or during the 30-day grace period following the program.
A J-2 visa is a visa for the spouse or child of a J-1 visa holder. The J-2 visa is dependent on the J-1 visa stay. It is possible to receive permission to work while on a J-2 visa, but not if the salary from that work is needed to support the J-1 visa holder while on an active program. For more information on the J-2 visa please contact us.
We require host companies to pay their J-1 visa holders at least minimum wage for any program longer than 6 months. There is no requirement to pay J-1 visa holders for programs up to 6 months in length, but we strongly encourage host companies to do so.
Additional support, such as subsidizing transportation costs or reimbursing the cost of insurance, is also strongly preferred but there is no requirement for host companies to provide it.
Your J-1 visa is valid for the exact timeframe of your internship/training (start/end date). You may enter the US up to 30 days before the start of your internship/training and may leave the US up to 30 days after your internship/training has ended. This so-called "grace period" does not appear on your visa. You are not allowed to continue your internship/training during your grace period.
You can participate in courses and seminars and volunteer work, as long as the J-1 training is continued on a full-time basis and won't be negatively impacted. You are not allowed to take on a side job while on a J-1 visa.
Still have questions?
Travel Health Insurance Made Easy
It is required by the US Department of State that you have sufficient insurance coverage throughout your stay in the US from the day you enter the country and until 30 days after the end date of your program. The following coverage amounts must be met:
- Health and Accident Coverage $100,000
- Medical Evacuation Benefit $50,000
- Repatriation of Remains Benefit $25,000
- Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
You may take out special health insurance with providers in your country.
As an alternative, you may purchase health insurance through one of the following providers:
Global Secutive, LLC: https://www.esecutive.com/ebs/gacc10
IMG: https://www.imglobal.com/travel-medical-insurance/patriot-exchange-program
Please be aware that all exchange visitors and any accompanying spouse and dependent(s) may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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Register to get started, or contact us if you have questions.
