The J-1 Visa for Interns and Trainees
The J-1 Visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor visa, is a nonimmigrant visa issued by the U.S. Department of State to promote cultural education exchange between United States and other countries. It allows you as a foreign national to enter the U.S. when you present it with your printed DS-2019 Form.
The Purpose of the J-1 Visa
A J-1 Visa is a sticker placed in your passport by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. When you arrive in the U.S., you present this visa along with your printed DS-2019 Form to U.S. Customs & Border Protection to gain entry. The visa stamp cannot be obtained in the U.S. and must be acquired in your home country. It may be valid for one, two, or multiple entries into the U.S. and has an expiration date that may differ from your program end date.
The Intern/Trainee J-1 Visa, in combination with your DS-2019 Form, allows you to:
- Intern or train in the U.S. for the host employer approved by InterExchange Career Training USA during the dates on your DS-2019 Form.
- Apply for a Social Security number.
This visa does not permit you to:
- Perform unskilled labor, or provide patient or child care.
- Extend your program participation or work eligibility beyond 12 months for interns or hospitality trainees, or 18 months for all other trainees.
- Intern or train for more than one host employer at the same time, or get a second job.
- Intern or train for fewer than 32 hours per week, or perform more than 20% clerical work.
Remember, the J-1 Visa expiration date is the final day you can enter the U.S., not the last day you can intern or train.