Application Process

How do I apply?

Review the steps below to be one step closer to interning or training in the U.S.!

To intern or train in the United States, you will need to be sponsored for a J-1 Intern/Trainee Visa. If you are approved for J-1 Intern/Trainee Visa sponsorship through InterExchange, you will then need to obtain a J-1 Visa from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country so that you may enter the United States.

Step 1: Find an Internship

Attain your ideal position using our resources for finding a U.S. internship.

NOTE: InterExchange does not provide placement services for internships or training programs.

Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility

Step 3: Start Your Application

Step 4: Complete Your Application and Upload Required Supporting Documents

  • Use our applicant checklist to ensure you submit a complete application.
  • Click on the Invite Host Employer button to invite your host employer.
    • IMPORTANT: Invite your supervisor early on to allow him/her plenty of time to apply.
  • Upload all of the required supporting documents.
  • Check the Host Employer Application section of your dashboard. Once your employer’s application is complete, it will say “Submitted.”
  • Submit the full program fees within your application.
    • If your host employer is paying the program fees on your behalf, they can make the payment here.
    • Full payment must be submitted in order to submit your application for review.

IMPORTANT: Your application and your host employer’s application (including the signed Training Plan and submission of program fees) must be completed before you can submit your application for review.

Step 5: Submit Your Application into "Initial Review"

  • Click “Submit Application” to send your application to InterExchange for “Initial Review.”
  • Incomplete applications will moved back into “Participant Review” for the required additions/revisions.
    • You and/or your employer must complete the required updates to your application.
    • Submit your application back into “Initial Review” once all updates have been made (this must be done in order for your reviewer to see your changes).

NOTE: You may need to repeat this process until your application is complete and ready to be reviewed. Initial Review is NOT a detailed review. It is to collect the documents/information needed to conduct a formal review.

Step 6: Your Application is Moved to "In Queue"

  • Once your application is complete, it will be placed “In Queue” for formal review.
  • The review process will take 10 days from the day that your application has been marked complete and moved into the queue.

NOTE: The best way to check the status of your application is by logging into your online application. Once your application goes into formal review, the reviewer will contact you with any questions or to schedule your interview.

Step 7: Formal Application Review

  • After approximately 5-6 days, a Career Training team member will change your status to “Under Review.”
  • The formal review will take 1-2 business days to complete.
  • For 3-day review, expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Step 8: Schedule Your Interview with InterExchange

  • Once the formal review has been completed, your application status will be changed to “Pending Interview.”
  • The reviewer will then contact you via email to schedule a video interview (Interviews can often be done within 1-2 days, depending on your scheduling flexibility).

Step 9: Final Decision for your Application

  • If your interview is successful, but your host employer requires a site visit, your status will be changed to “Pending Site Visit.”
    • We will contact your employer to conduct a site visit.
    • The site visit can occur within approximately 1-2 weeks, but may take longer if your employer cannot meet with us sooner.
  • After the interview and site visit (if applicable), you will receive our final decision via email within 1-2 business days.

Step 10: Schedule Your Visa Appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate

  • Complete your DS-160 form and schedule your visa appointment at the embassy or consulate on the embassy website.
    • If approved, you will receive a confirmation email with important pre-departure information, your SEVIS ID number, and instructions on accessing and printing your DS-2019 and DS-7002.
    • Be sure to check for visa appointment and processing wait times.

Step 11: Attend Your Visa Interview & Prepare for Departure!

If you have any questions, check our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at [email protected].