Review the eligibility requirements below to determine which J-1 Visa category you are eligible for.
InterExchange Career Training USA is open to qualified applicants from countries outside of the USA. You must first find your own internship or training position at an eligible U.S. company. Our program will provide you the opportunity to gain international experience in the U.S., which will help advance your career in your home country.
| Interns | Trainees | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Currently enrolled full-time in a degree or non-vocational, professional certificate program in a college, university, or other post-secondary academic institution of higher education outside the U.S. OR; | Must hold a degree or non-vocational, professional certificate from a college, university or other post-secondary academic institution of higher education outside the U.S. and at least 1 year of related professional experience from outside the U.S. OR; |
| Have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months before program start date, and submit an application more than 8 weeks before this eligibility expires. | Have at least 5 years of related, full-time professional experience from outside the U.S. | |
| Interns must have finished at least 1 year of their degree program and have completed sufficient academic coursework in their academic field before their program start date in order to be sufficiently prepared for their U.S. internship. | All trainee applicants must also be able to document their current and previous related occupational experience from current/former employers outside the U.S, and it must be clear from recent work experience that the participant is actively pursuing their career outside of the U.S. | |
| Duration | Up to 12 months | Up to 18 months* |
| Program Focus | Internship must be directly related to academic field of study | Training program must be directly related to occupational field/work experience |
| Repeat Participation | Yes, if previous participant is a current student or recent graduate (current students must return to school for at least one semester before reapplying for the Intern visa) | Yes, but previous participant must wait at least 2-years after the end of a previous J-1 Intern or Trainee program before reapplying. (This applies to all participants and is not related to Rule 212(e).) |
*Hospitality programs cannot exceed 12 months regardless of your visa category.
Not sure if you meet our requirements? Take our eligibility quiz!
All program participants must also
IMPORTANT: Review our requirements for employers who want to host.
NOTE: InterExchange will also factor in your monthly compensation into this amount. If you are getting paid by your internship employer you must still demonstrate that you have access to funding to cover any settling in costs. This is typically enough for 2-3 months, but this may vary depending on your location and situation.
NOTE: InterExchange cannot sponsor training programs in medicine, teaching, social work, or manual labor. If you are looking to participate in a hospitality program, please be sure to review our hospitality requirements.
Similarly, if you recently spent a significant amount of time in the U.S. on a visa or tourist waiver, you may not be eligible to apply at this time. Contact InterExchange to discuss your circumstances before applying.
In most cases, InterExchange will not approve applicants wishing to return to the same host employer at which they completed a previous program. Candidates should contact us to discuss further if this applies.
Program Purpose
The primary goals of InterExchange Career Training USA programs are to enhance your skills and expertise in your academic or occupational field and to improve your knowledge of American business techniques, methodologies, and technology.
Career Training USA programs cannot be used for ordinary employment or to displace American workers. Internship programs should allow you to develop practical skills in your academic field that will enhance your future career and bridge the gap between your education and practical work experience. Training programs must include bona-fide training and not simply be additional work experience.
The program will help increase your understanding of American culture, while also enhancing Americans’ knowledge of your culture, customs and practices. Through this program, you will help to promote mutual understanding and develop relationships and extended networks that will last through generations as you move into leadership roles in your home country.
