About the J1 Visa
The J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is used for educational or cultural exchanges in the USA, under the Exchange Visitor Program. You can read more about the Exchange Visitor Program at the U.S Department of State website.
There are different fields for the J1 visa. Intrax's J1 Visa Service is available to participants in the Intern and Trainee categories in the following fields:
- Management, business, commerce, finance and marketing
- Communications, media, journalism, publishing and public relations
- Legal professions and studies
- Hospitality and tourism
- The sciences, mathematics, architecture, information technology, engineering and industrial occupations, medicine (no patient contact)
- Public administration and social service professions
Intrax cannot sponsor a J1 visa in the fields of teaching or medical treatment.
While the categories of intern and trainee are very similar, they have slightly different eligibility requirements. You should determine which category best fits your qualifications before you begin the process of applying for your J1 visa.
J1 Visa Application Process for Internships in the USA
| 1. Find an Internship in the USA |
| 2. Select a J1 Visa Sponsor |
| 3. Obtain the DS 2019 Form |
| 4. Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate |
| 5. Obtain your J1 Visa |
1. Find an Internship in the USA
First you need to secure an internship with a company in the USA. In order to apply for the J1 visa, you already need to have an internship offer in the USA. The internship needs to relate to your studies or your educational or professional background be in your own field of study/profession.
If you haven't yet found an internship in the USA, we invite you to use our free tools and resources to help you.
2. Select a J1 Visa Sponsor
After you have received an offer for an internship, the U.S. government requires that you find an organization or agency to sponsor you for the J1 visa.
For over 25 years, Intrax has been an official sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State to administer the J1 Exchange Visitor Program. During that time, we have sponsored more than 300,000 participants from over 80 countries.
Intrax's J1 Visa Service is a reliable, fast and easy way for you to obtain the J1 visa for your internship or training experience in the USA.
3. Obtain the DS 2019
Once you've selected a visa sponsor such as Intrax and have determined your visa category, you will need to obtain a DS 2019 form from your sponsoring organization. This form serves as your official Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status and will be required for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Intrax offers you an easy way to apply for your DS 2019 through our secure online application. During the DS 2019 application process, we will:
- Verify your eligibility to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program
- Confirm your placement with your host company
- Ensure that your host company and your internship meet all of the requirements set forth by the Department of State
- Process and issue your DS 2019 form within two weeks of receiving your completed application and placement confirmation
Your applicaton is complete when you have filled out and sent in:
- The online application
- The Participant Eligibility Form
- Copy of university diploma or proof of enrollment if applicable
- The Host Company Agreement
- The DS7002 Internship/Training Placement Plan
- A copy of your host company's workers compensation insurance policy
- A financial statement if applicable
- Payment of program fee
4. Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
After you receive your DS 2019, you can schedule your visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Embassy or Consulate will review your DS 2019 and supporting documentation to make the final decision on granting your J1 visa for your internship in the USA.
5. Obtain Your J1 Visa
Once your J1 visa application is approved, you will receive a visa stamp in your passport. In some locations, you will receive your visa stamp on the same day of your visa interview. In other locations, your stamped passport will be sent to you via post.
If your J1 visa application is denied, you may be able to appeal. Because the visa process varies by country, we suggest that you refer to the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country for more information on J1 visa policies and procedures.
