Application Process
We keep the application process for InterExchange Career Training USA as simple as possible for you. If you have any questions regarding the process, feel free to contact us or the international cooperator in your home country.
There are two application options*:
J-1 Visa Sponsorship Only: if you have already found an internship/training position
Internship Placement + J-1 Visa Sponsorship: if you are applying for one of our available placement positions
* Note: Unfortunately, we are not able to search for an internship for you. If you have not found your own position or if you are not qualified for an available placement position, you will not be eligible for the program at this time.
Before beginning the application process, please first ensure you are eligible for a J-1 Visa.
J-1 Visa Sponsorship Only
Step 1: Fill out our Info Request Form. Within one business day, you will receive an email from training@interexchange.org with information regarding the next steps you must take in order to apply for an available position. Please add this email address to your address book to ensure delivery. If there is an international cooperator in your home country, they will send you a full application and details about the program. If you prefer to work with InterExchange Career Training USA directly or if there is no cooperator in your country, we will send you an application and additional program information.
Step 2: Complete the application and gather all the required supplemental documents and your employer’s documents. Send everything to our cooperator or to InterExchange, if working with us directly. Be sure to include the full program fees (the cooperator or InterExchange will inform you of the specific amounts), as we will not be able to begin reviewing your application until it is complete and full payment has been received.
Step 3: Once we receive your complete application and fees, we will verify whether you are eligible for J-1 Visa sponsorship and that your employer and internship meet all of the program requirements. Our review process takes approximately 2 weeks. If your application is incomplete, if we require additional information, or if we must perform a site visit for your host employer, the review process will require additional time.
Step 4: If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your SEVIS ID number and instructions for paying the fee for SEVIS, the U.S. Government database in which all program participants are entered. You will also receive an acceptance packet via UPS with additional program information, including the DS-2019 Form, which is required in order to apply for a visa.
Step 5: After paying the SEVIS fee, you must apply for a visa at your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate. When you attend your interview, you must take proof of the SEVIS payment, the DS-2019 Form, the DS-7002 Form, and any other materials indicated on your Embassy/Consulate website.
Step 6: After receiving a visa, you can make final arrangements to travel to the USA. If you are denied a visa, contact us immediately to review your situation.
Internship Placement + J-1 Visa Sponsorship
* Note: Unfortunately, we are not able to search for an internship for you. If you have not found your own position or if you are not qualified for an available placement position, you will not be eligible for the program at this time.
Step 1: Review descriptions of our available positions. Determine if you are interested in any of the positions and whether you meet the requirements listed in the position description.
Step 2: Complete and submit our Info Request Form. Within one business day, you will receive an email from training@interexchange.org with information regarding the next steps you must take in order to apply for an available position. Please add this email address to your address book to ensure delivery.
Step 3: If you qualify for the program, we will contact you for an interview via webcam. The interview will be conducted in English and will address your past experiences, English language ability, qualifications and interest in the position.
Step 4: If the interview is successful, you will be asked to send us a complete J-1 Visa program application and a $100 non-refundable application-processing fee. Once the application is received and reviewed, we will notify you whether your application is accepted or rejected.
Step 5: If you are accepted, your resume will be sent to the employer for review, and we will update you about your status once the employer gives us feedback.
Step 6: If the employer wishes to interview you, we will provide the employer's details and schedule an interview.
Step 7: We will inform you whether the employer wishes to extend a job offer, schedule another interview or offer the position to another candidate. If an employer hires another candidate, you can be considered for other positions that become available through the Placement Program.
Step 8: If you are offered an internship, you will sign the employment contract and final Training Plan (DS-7002) and pay the remainder of your program fees so that we can issue your DS-2019 Form.
Step 9: You will then go to the Embassy in your home country with all necessary documents to apply for your J-1 Visa.
Step 10: After receiving a visa, you can make final arrangements to travel to the USA. If you are denied a visa, contact us immediately to review your situation.
Still have questions about the application process?
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section on applying or send us an email at training@interexchange.org.
What is an International Cooperator?
International cooperators are independent agencies based in countries outside the USA that work with InterExchange to assist participants. If InterExchange works with an international cooperator in your home country, they will pre-screen you and assist you with completing and submitting your application to us. Although you are not required to apply through a cooperator, they can offer you additional assistance in your native language throughout the application process.
What is SEVIS?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a U.S. Government database that maintains address information for all international students and exchange visitors. The government requires that you pay a $180 fee before receiving a visa. Once your J-1 Visa application is approved by InterExchange, you will be sent instructions for paying the SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security. You must do this before your appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. After you pay your fee, remember to print your SEVIS receipt and bring this to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate as proof of payment.
