Purpose:
J-1 Internship programs enable foreign college and university students or recent graduates to come to the United States to receive experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.
J-1Training programs enable foreign professionals to receive on-the-job training in the United States in their chosenoccupational field.
Requirements:
Internship Program:
1. Interns must be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or
2. Must have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.
3. Interns cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions
4. Maximum 12 months internship
Training Program:
1. Trainees must possess a bachelor’s degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his or her occupational field outside the United States; or
2. At least five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which they are seeking training
3. Training is not available in the foreign national’s home country
4. Trainees cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions
5. Maximum 18 months training
Sponsoring organization: both Internship and Training programs require the sponsorship of Department of State-designated sponsors (such as the Italy America Chamber of Commerce.
At the end of the program, it is expected that participants return to their home countries to utilize the skills learned during the internship or training in the United States.