About the J1 Visa
The J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is used for educational or cultural exchanges in the United States, under the Exchange Visitor Program. You can read more about the Exchange Visitor Program at the U.S Department of State website.
There are 16 different categories for the J1 visa. Intrax's J1 Visa Service is available to participants in the Intern and Trainee categories in the following fields:
- Business, Management, Commerce and Finance
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information, Media and Communications
- Public Administration and Law
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics
While these programs are very similar, they have slightly different eligibility requirements. You should determine which program best fits your qualifications before you begin the process of applying for your J1 visa.
J1 Visa Application Process for USA Internships
| Find an Internship in the USA |
| Select a Sponsor |
| Obtain the DS 2019 Form |
| Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate |
| Obtain your J1 Visa |
Find an Internship
If you've already arranged an internship with a company in the USA, you can begin the process of applying for the J1 visa.
If you haven't yet found an internship, we invite you to use our free tools and resources to help you.
Select a Sponsor
After you have secured an internship, you will need to 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 affordable way for you to obtain the J1 visa for your internship or training experience in the USA.
Obtain the DS 2019
Once you've selected a visa sponsor and 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 application and placement confirmation
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.
When you choose Intrax as your sponsor, you will benefit from our 25 years of experience in the cultural exchange industry and our relationships with the U.S. Department of State and Embassies all over the world. We are committed to staying informed of all regulations and policies that may affect your ability to obtain a J1 visa and we will share our knowledge and expertise with you so that you will be as informed and prepared as possible for your visa interview.
Obtain Your J1 Visa
Once your J1 visa application is approved, you will receive a visa stamp on 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.
