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Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process & Participant Qualifications
Information for Current Participants
General Program Information
Q. What is InterExchange Career Training USA?
A. InterExchange Career Training USA is available to students and young professionals from countries outside of the USA. The program provides participants temporary opportunities to gain international experience and advance their careers in their home countries. InterExchange is designated by the US Department of State to provide J-1 Visa sponsorship for international interns and trainees who find their own internships as well as to individuals who are placed in an internship through our Placement Program.
Q. What are the eligibility requirements for the program?
A. To find out if you are eligible for the program, review the participant requirements.
Q. What is the difference between an Intern and a Trainee?
A. The main difference between interns and trainees has to do with the education and experience required of each.
Interns must be current students or recent graduates of a post-secondary academic institution outside the US that grants degrees or certificates. If you’ve completed your studies, you must start the internship program within one year of graduating. Interns are permitted to work in the USA for up to 12 months, and your field of training must be related to your field of study.
Trainees must have earned a degree or professional certificate from an overseas post-secondary academic institution and have at least one year of related professional experience acquired outside the US. Alternatively, if you do not have a degree or certificate, you must have at least five years of related professional experience acquired outside the US. As a trainee you are permitted to work in the USA for up to 18 months, unless you are participating in a Hospitality/Tourism program, which cannot exceed 12 months. Your field of training must be related to your professional experience.
Q. What is the difference between the J-1 Visa Sponsorship Program and the Placement Program?
A. The J-1 Visa Sponsorship Program is designed for applicants who have already arranged an internship and simply need a J-1 Visa sponsor.
With the Placement Program, applicants can apply to one of our available placement positions. If placed, we will also provide J-1 Visa sponsorship.
Q. How long can I stay in the USA?
A. The maximum duration of the J-1 Intern Visa is 12 months. The maximum duration of the J-1 Trainee Visa is 18 months. Hospitality/Tourism training programs are limited to 12 months, per the program regulations.
Q. I am starting university next month. Can I apply as an intern?
A. Not yet. You must be a full-time student currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a university outside the US. You will be eligible to apply once you start your degree program.
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Visas & Documentation
Q. What is a J-1 Visa?
A. The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued through the Exchange Visitor Program. Recipients of the visa must complete the objectives of their specific exchange program. The program categories offered through InterExchange Career Training USA are "Intern" and "Trainee.”
Q. Can InterExchange issue a J-1 Visa?
A. No. Upon approving an application, InterExchange will issue a DS-2019 form. You will then take the DS-2019 form to the US Embassy/Consulate in your home country to apply for the J-1 Visa. We can sponsor the visa, but we cannot issue it.
Q. I have already had a J-1 Visa. Can I get another J-1 Visa through InterExchange Career Training USA?
A. Applicants who have previously had J-1 Visas in other categories (Au Pair, Student, Work and Travel, etc.) can apply for both the J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee Visa at a later date.
Q. What is a DS-2019?
A. In order to apply for a J-1 Intern/Trainee visa, an applicant must first be approved for sponsorship and be issued a DS-2019, which is a US government document certifying that we have agreed to sponsor your J-1 Intern/Trainee visa.
Q. What is an I-94 card?
A. The I-94 card is used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to track the arrival and departure of foreign nationals. You will receive an I-94 card upon entering the US, and you will be asked to give the card back when you leave. Please note the date indicated on your card-this is the date by which you must leave the US. If it is marked "D/S", that means you may remain in the US for the duration of your program status. That is the end date of your program, plus your 30-day grace period.
Q. What is SEVIS?
A. SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. All Interns/Trainees must be registered in the SEVIS database, and InterExchange will enter you into the SEVIS database if you are approved for sponsorship.
Q. What is the SEVIS fee?
A. You must pay the $180 SEVIS fee prior to your visa appointment at the US Embassy. InterExchange will give you instructions for making your SEVIS payment after your application has been approved. This fee goes to the Department of Homeland Security-not to InterExchange.
Q. I am already in the US. Can I apply?
A. No. Applicants should return to their home country to apply to the Intern/Trainee program.
Q. I am currently participating in the J-1 Visa Work & Travel program. Can I apply to be an Intern or Trainee?
A. You may apply to the Intern or Trainee program, but you must first return to your home country. The Intern/Trainee program may not function as an extension of the Work & Travel program.
Q. I have already done an Intern/Trainee program. Can I do the program again?
A. Yes. To qualify for a new J-1 Intern Visa, you must show that you are learning new or more advanced skills. InterExchange cannot sponsor back-to-back J-1 Intern Visas. You must return to school for at least one more semester before applying to another J-1 Intern program in order to demonstrate that you are actively pursuing a degree.
Interns/Trainees who have previously completed a J-1 Intern or Trainee Visa must wait at least two years before being eligible for another J-1 Trainee Visa. This is required for all participants who have previously done a J-1 Intern or Trainee Visa and is not related to rule 212(e), also known as the 2-year home residency requirement.
Q. Do I need insurance?
A. Participants are required to have accident and sickness insurance for the entirety of their stay in the US. InterExchange offers insurance at an affordable rate. Alternatively, you can arrange insurance through our cooperator in your home country or independently, as long the insurance requirements listed in the program application.
Q. Can I bring my dependents (spouse and children) to the US?
A. Yes. Your spouse and/or dependent children may accompany you for the duration of your program. However, they must apply for the J-2 Visa (also sponsored through InterExchange Career Training USA). Please indicate on your application that you will be bringing your spouse and/or children with you and provide the dependent information requested in the application.
Q. Do my dependents need insurance?
A. Yes. But Career Training USA cannot provide insurance for dependents. Please submit a Confirmation of Existing Coverage Form for each dependent that will be accompanying you. The Confirmation of Existing Insurance form in the application must be completed/signed/stamped by the insurance provider confirming coverage beyond all stated limits for the duration of the program.
Q. I lost my I-94 card. What do I do?
A. If you have lost your I-94 card, you can apply for a new one from the State Department. Please note that you will have to pay for a new I-94 card, so it is a good idea to staple it to one of your passport pages.
Q. Is my employer required to pay me?
A. Programs may be paid or unpaid. Any pay or benefits should be arranged between you and your host company. However, you may only work at the location of your internship/training program, per the program regulations. If your position will be unpaid, please ensure you will have sufficient funds to support yourself while in the US, as you will not be able to work anywhere else.
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Application Process & Participant Qualifications
Q. How do I apply?
A. InterExchange strives to make the application process as simple as possible, while adhering to US government requirements. Please review our application process.
Q. How long does the application process take?
A. Once we receive a complete application, the processing time for J-1 Visa Sponsorship is approximately 2 weeks. For the Internship Placement Program, the process can take up to 2-3 months, depending on your qualifications and the availability of jobs.
Q. Can you expedite the review of my application?
A. No. InterExchange Career Training USA does not have a "rush" option and cannot expedite applications. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit your complete application to InterExchange at least eight weeks prior to the date on which you intend to begin your training in order to allow sufficient time for application processing, your visa appointment and travel.
Q. What are the reasons an application might be rejected?
A. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis and we may reject any application that we feel does not meet our interpretation of the program rules and regulations. The most common reasons for rejecting an application include the following:
- The applicant does not have the required education or experience in order to satisfy the eligibility requirements.
- The proposed internship/training program is for unskilled labor. If you are intending to perform unskilled or manual labor (waiting tables, housekeeping, etc.) our H-2B or Work and Travel programs may be better suited for you.
- The host employer does not meet the program requirements.
- The proposed internship/training program is not related to the applicant's field of study or occupational experience. Interns' programs must be related to their academic field of study and Trainees' programs must be related to their occupational background.
- The proposed program is in a field InterExchange is not able to sponsor. Our general categories for sponsorship are as follows: Hospitality and Tourism; Information Media & Communications; Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance; Public Administration & Law; and the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations. We encourage you to inquire before submitting an application as to whether your program is in a field we are able to sponsor.
Q. I want to find my own internship. Where should I start?
A. We encourage you to look for an internship independently. Please review our tips about finding an international internship.
Q. I found my internship. Are there any requirements my employer must meet?
A. Yes. Please review our summary of employer requirements.
Q. I am applying to the Internship Placement Program. Which format should I use for my resume?
A. All resumes/CV's should be in a US format. For guidance, please refer to our tips and resources on writing your resume.
Q. I can't submit all of my documents right now. Can you still approve my application?
A. In order to process an application, all information must be included. We cannot begin reviewing your application without all required documentation, so it is best to wait until your application is complete and submit all the materials at the same time.
Q. If my application is approved, am I guaranteed to get a visa?
A. The decision to grant a visa is the US Embassy/Consulate's alone. While visa denials are rare, they do occur. InterExchange has no control over the US Embassy/Consulate's decision to grant or deny a visa application, but we will discuss alternative options with you if you are denied a visa.
Q. Do my dependents need to complete an application for the program?
A. No. There is a section in the application where you can add your dependent's biographical information. If you are bringing more than one dependent, please submit an additional attached document with the biographical information requested in the application. Dependents must also submit a copy of their passport, copies of all previous visas, and a Confirmation of Existing Insurance form confirming coverage beyond all required limits is in place for the duration of the program. Please note that dependents are not eligible for InterExchange's insurance.
Q. I received my degree from inside the US. Do I qualify for the program?
A. To be eligible for the program, the regulations state that your degree must be earned in a post-secondary institution outside of the US. Therefore, your US degree does not qualify you for the program. If you are currently attending a US institution, you may be able to pursue practical training after graduation as part of your current academic visa. Visit an international student advisor at your school to learn more about your options.
Q. My work experience was in the US. Do I qualify for the program?
A. Per the regulations for the program, only experience earned outside the US is counted towards your eligibility. Therefore, you must first earn sufficient work experience outside the US in order to be eligible.
Q. Can I submit recommendations from US employers/professors?
A. You should submit two letters of recommendation from employers/professors from outside the US who can comment on the education and work experience you have gained outside the US. You may submit additional letters from US employers/professors to supplement your application if you would like.
Q. How do I prove I have the requisite work experience for the Trainee visa?
A. If you are trying to show eligibility based on your degree plus one year related professional work experience or based on your five years related professional work experience earned outside the US, your recommendations must show that you have earned the appropriate number of years of related professional work experience. If you cannot document the required number of years of experience through letters of recommendation, you may provide verification of employment by submitting a letter from your other past employers simply stating your dates of employment.
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Housing Information
Q. What is an estimated cost of renting an apartment?
A. Housing costs vary greatly throughout the US Generally, it is more expensive to live in large populated urban areas, like New York or San Francisco and less expensive to reside in rural regions. Ask your employer what the average cost of housing might be in the area, and check out online listings in the area to get a sense of the average costs.
Q. How long does it take to secure housing?
A. This, too, will depend on where you are living and when you start looking. In large cities, there are usually more options and it can be easier to find something quickly. It is recommended that you arrange short-term housing before your program so that you can look for something more long-term after you arrive.
Q. Do I have to start searching while still in my home country?
A. No, depending on where you will be living, you might want to find a hostel for a few days or weeks initially, then conduct a more thorough search while here. However, it is helpful to do initial research on the area and begin to identify some housing options you want to check out once you arrive.
Q. Does it matter that I will only be in the US temporarily?
A. No. As long as you make this clear to your landlord. Do not sign a 12 month lease on an apartment if you only plan on being here 9 months. You will be required to pay for the entire year even if you don’t stay the whole time.
Q. What safety precautions should I take when searching for housing?
A. Use the same caution you would when searching for housing in your home country. Be sure you know what the neighborhood is like at night and the nearby transportation options. Also ensure you carefully investigate any housing options you find online and try to secure prior to arrival—if you wire money to a person you have never met, it could be a housing scam.
Q. Which documents will be required when I sign a lease or contract?
A. This will vary depending on what type of housing you have but can include identification, proof of income, and the signature of a guarantor.
Q. Do I have to live with a roommate?
A. No. For both personal and financial reasons, many participants find it beneficial, but the choice is yours.
Q. Are apartments furnished?
A. Generally apartments are not furnished. However, there are ways to find furnished housing. Often sublets are furnished and if you’re living on a university campus, rooms will be furnished. This will always be specified within the details of the listing. If it is not, be sure to ask.
Q. Is Internet/cable provided?
A. Unless you are staying in university housing, Internet and cable is generally not provided. If you sublet an apartment, these amenities may already be in place, but be sure you know if this will be an additional monthly cost for you.
Q. Will my employer help me find housing?
A. It depends on the employer. Most will be able to make suggestions and answer questions but probably cannot actually find or offer you a place to live. Don’t hesitate to ask your employer questions about housing in the area, the general costs, resources they can recommend, etc.
Q. What if I don’t like my housing?
A. You can change your living situation at will, but depending on what kind of lease or contract you signed, you may have to pay for the unoccupied apartment for the time you were supposed to be living there. This is one reason we suggest finding short-term housing (e.g. a hostel) at the beginning of your program and then conducting a thorough search while here.
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Information for Current Participants
Q. I just arrived in the US. Is there anything I need to do?
A. Please contact us within 10 days of arrival with the following information:
- Your exact arrival date into the United States
- Your residential address in the United States
- Your mobile and residential phone number (if you have secured one) in the United States
- Your Date of Birth
- Copy of your J-1 Visa if you have not submitted it yet
- Exact arrival date of your dependents (if applicable)
We prefer to be notified by email, but you may contact us by phone (1-212-924-0446) or fax (212-924-0575) if you do not have access to the Internet. Upon receipt, we will activate your program in SEVIS. This is very important. If you do not contact us, you will go into 'No Show' status, and your program will be cancelled.
Q. I am moving to a new address. Is there anything I need to do?
A. You must notify InterExchange within 10 days of any change of address so that your record can be updated in SEVIS.
Q. How do I get a Social Security Number?
A. The instructions for getting a Social Security Number can be found in the Intern/Trainee Handbook that was sent to you with your acceptance packet.
Q. What do I do if I lose my DS-2019 form?
A. Please notify InterExchange immediately, and we will reprint your DS-2019 for a fee of $40.
Q. What do I need to do if I want to travel outside the US during my program?
A. Please submit your DS-2019 form to InterExchange Career Training USA for a travel authorization signature. You can come into the office in New York or mail the form to us (registered mail is advised). Please submit a cover letter with your DS form that includes the dates of travel, the destination, and a return address where we can send the DS form. If you would like us to overnight the DS back to you, please include the $20 shipping fee.
Q. Can I use my employer's health insurance?
A. Unfortunately, we cannot accept your potential employer's insurance, as in most cases it does not cover what is required for the program. In addition, coverage must be in place prior to accepting your application and must prove the coverage is valid for the duration of your program. In the event you quit or are fired, insurance coverage offered by your employer would end and you would not be in compliance with the program rules and regulations.
Q. What do I do if I'm not feeling well?
A. If you need to see a doctor and are covered by insurance purchased through Career Training USA, you should contact the insurance company prior to your doctor's visit. The number for the insurance company is on the card that was sent to you with your acceptance packet.
Q. What do I do if I'm arrested, detained by immigration officials, seriously injured, or have any other emergency?
A. Please contact InterExchange Career Training USA immediately. The toll free number during business hours is 1-888-621-1202. During non-business hours or the weekend, you can contact our emergency line at 917-373-0994. All other non-emergency inquiries should be made during normal business hours.
Q. I'm not making enough money. Can I get another job to earn some extra money?
A. No. The J-1 Intern/Trainee regulations prohibit you from holding a second job. You may only work at the place of employment indicated on the Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002).
Q. I would like to return home before completing my program. Is there anything I need to do?
A. If you decide that you are going to end your program and leave the country, you must contact InterExchange Career Training USA by phone or email. You must also submit the following information:
- Intern/Trainee Final Evaluations from both you and your employer.
- Your original DS-2019 form.
- A cover letter or email stating that you are ending your program and returning home. This should include your last day of training at the company and your intended date of departure.
Q. I am not happy with my current host employer. Can I switch to another company?
A. First, we recommend that you discuss the situation with your supervisor and/or InterExchange. Problems are often resolved this way. If there is an extraordinary circumstance, you may be able to change your host company. You must first notify InterExchange Career Training USA by email explaining why such a change if necessary. If we agree that a change of host is reasonable, we will send you the Change of Host Application, which should be completed with your new host employer and submitted to us for review. If approved, you may begin training with your new host employer. Please note, you are not permitted to begin training at the new host employer until approved by Career Training USA. If you do so, you will be working at the company illegally and could be subject to program termination.
Q. I was fired, but I do not want to return home. Can I stay in the US?
A. If you were fired, you must contact Career Training USA immediately. Depending on the circumstances of the termination of employment, you may be eligible to apply for a Change of Host Employer. If you do not switch host companies, though, you will not be able to remain in the US.
Q. My program has ended. How long can I remain in the US?
A. Although you are not permitted to work past the end date on your DS-2019, Interns/Trainees are permitted to stay a maximum of 30 days past the end date to travel within the US and gather their belongings. This is referred to as the "grace period".
Q. I really like my Internship/Training program, but it is ending soon. Is there any way that I can stay in the US and work at my internship a little longer?
A. The maximum duration of the Internship program is 12 months and the maximum duration of the Trainee program is 18 months (12 months for Hospitality/Tourism). If your program is shorter than the maximum durations listed above, you may be able to extend your program. Please contact us for additional information and an application. All extension applications must be submitted at least one month prior to your original end date. Please note: You cannot extend your program past the maximum duration listed above.
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