Employer Requirements

The InterExchange Career Training USA program is overseen by the U.S. Department of State.  Under the program regulations, employers in our program must:

  • Have a Federal Identification Number and a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) Number. If you do not have a DUNS number, you may provide a copy of your business license or registration.
  • Submit proof of an active Worker's Compensation Insurance Policy (certificate or information letter). You can find our Workers’ Compensation Guidelines and sample certificates here.
  • Be able to provide full-time (min. 32 hours/week), professional level positions for interns and trainees (not to involve more than 20% clerical or basic work)
  • Be able to provide continuous on-site supervision of interns and trainees
  • Sign a Host Employer Agreement form
  • Create and sign a Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002)
  • Provide structured and guided training, and do not use this program for regular work purposes
  • Have an English-language website that provides a description and verification of your company's business activities.  If you do not have a website, you must submit professional marketing materials describing your business activities and a copy of your business registration, and consent to a site visit by InterExchange.
  • Supervisor must have a business or company email address (cannot be hotmail, gmail, etc.).

If your company has fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in revenue, then we’re required by the State Department to perform a site visit prior to approving you for the program. Further, InterExchange requires that any employer who does not have an active English-language website must consent to a one-time site visit. We charge a one-time $250 fee for a site visit, but once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll never have a repeat charge from InterExchange.

To further ensure appropriate placement of interns and trainees, we also require that employers in our program:  

  • Maintain a full-time employee to intern/trainee ratio of at least 5:1.  You must have sufficient staff in place to run your business while also providing continuous on-site supervision and training for your interns and trainees.
  • Not be a home-based business
  • Consent to be visited during your intern/trainee's program by InterExchange staff upon request

Prohibited Employer Types and Training Locations

Not all employers are permitted to host interns/trainees through InterExchange Career Training USA.  We cannot approve participants for sponsorship at the following locations:

  • Arcades
  • Bridal companies
  • Candy stores/mall kiosks/boardwalk booths and stands
  • Convenience/grocery stores or superettes/mini-markets
  • Customer service/phone operators
  • Fast food restaurants
  • Fitness studios/personal training/coaching
  • Gas stations or toll plazas
  • Pool management companies
  • Schools and other instructional facilities
  • Spas/salons/dog grooming companies
  • Staffing agencies

Further, we cannot approve any positions that require or involve child care or elder care, or in clinical or any other kind of work that involves patient care or contact, including any work that would require trainees or interns to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical care (e.g., sports or physical therapy, psychological counseling, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, social work, speech therapy, or early childhood education).

Hospitality Guidelines

InterExchange also does not permit business-related programs in hotels, resorts, inns, or restaurants.  Anyone wishing to work in hospitality or restaurant management positions must have education and/or experience in the field.  In addition, all programs in hospitality or restaurant management are limited to 12 months, regardless of whether you are an intern or trainee. Please see our Hospitality Guidelines for more details.

All other employers and training plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  If you are uncertain as to whether your place of business is appropriate for a J-1 Intern or Trainee program, please contact us.  Further, please note that programs may not consist of more than 20% of basic or clerical tasks nor may interns or trainees perform unskilled labor.  To see a list of unskilled occupations prohibited by the U.S. Department of State, click here.

If you require staff at one of the locations mentioned above or would like seasonal staff to assist with tasks that are not appropriate for Career Training USA participants, our Work & Travel USA program may be able to help meet your needs.

Once you register with us, we’ll evaluate your business and the job tasks and responsibilities you have in mind for your international internships and training programs. If you have any specific questions about the program requirements, just call 1-888-621-1202 or contact us.

If you don’t meet the requirements for InterExchange Career Training USA, you may be interested in our Work & Travel USA work exchange program.

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