The Intern and Trainee’s Guide to J-1 Visa Eligibility

The Intern and Trainee J-1 visa gives international participants the opportunity to advance their career by building on their existing skills and knowledge, all while learning about and engaging with American culture in and outside the office. For non-citizens of the U.S., the J-1 Intern and Trainee program is an excellent chance to develop your career and network through a temporary, full-time, U.S. professional experience. While the advantages of the J-1 visa program are significant, not all participants or host companies are eligible and determining eligibility can be challenging. Fortunately, AIFS Professional Pathways can help you and prospective host companies determine eligibility for the J-1 visa.  

Am I eligible for the Intern or Trainee J-1 visa category?  

AIFS is designated by the U.S. Department of the State to sponsor six J-1 visa categories: Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Summer Work Travel, Student (secondary), Intern, and Trainee. AIFS Professional Pathways, a division of AIFS, oversees the Intern and Trainee J-1 visa programs. The Intern and Trainee categories are for exchange visitors looking to advance their professional career at an American company, across any industry and time of year.  

Whether you qualify for the Intern or Trainee visa category depends on three main factors: 

1. Your student or professional status outside of the U.S. 
2. Your goals and intent in the U.S. 
3. The relevant and robust training opportunity available to you at a reputable U.S. business. 

J-1 Intern Eligibility 

Interns are categorized as individuals currently enrolled in, or who have recently graduated from, a post-secondary, ministerially recognized, academic institution outside of the U.S. (at the undergraduate or graduate level). If you are accepted as an intern, your academic program must have relevance to your U.S. training opportunity.  

Interns must also be at least 18 years old and be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. 

Intern programs in the U.S. can range between 3 weeks and 12 months in length.   

J-1 Trainee Eligibility

Trainees encompass a wider range of professionals from young or mid-level to advanced professionals. Trainees must have:  

• A degree from a post-secondary academic institution outside of the U.S., and 
• At least one year of full-time work experience outside the U.S. in a related field. 
  OR 
• Five or more years of relevant full-time work experience outside the U.S.  

There is no age maximum for Trainees, and they must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. 

Trainee programs in the U.S. can range from 3 weeks to 18 months. (There is a 12-month limit for programs in the Hospitality industry.) 

What fields of training can J-1 Interns & Trainees take part in? 

AIFS Professional Pathways can sponsor training programs in a wide range of industries, including: 

• Architecture   
• Arts & Culture   
• Business, Finance, Management & Commerce   
• Computer Science & Technology  
• Education & Teaching Assistantships   
• Engineering  
• Hospitality & Tourism  
• Law  
• Library Science   
• Mathematics & Statistics  
• Media & Communications  
• Physical Sciences  
• Public Administration  
• Social Sciences  

The industry of your training in the U.S. must relate to your academic and/or professional background. Unsure whether your specific field qualifies? Contact us for confirmation. 

How do I know if my host company is eligible to host me as an Intern or Trainee on the J-1 visa? 

J-1 visa eligibility requires host companies to meet specific requirements, ensuring a safe and secure professional exchange and a robust training experience for international participants. To be eligible host companies must have:  

• Proof of a U.S. business registration and demonstrated business activity for at least one year.  
• At least four full-time employees located at the training site.  
• A 10:1 full-time employee to J-1 ratio (small companies may be exempt).  
• The ability to provide full-time, on-the-job training, primarily on-site, for an international participant.  
• Qualified staff who can provide supervision and training.  
• The resources to sustain the business activities throughout the duration of the program.  
• The ability to follow all federal, state, and city wage and labor laws. 

If your host company meets these eligibility requirements and offers training in the right fields, they may be eligible to host you.  

The company will not be eligible if they are bringing you to the U.S. to fill an employment gap, to fill a standard full-time position, or if they are seeking low wage or unskilled labor.  

How do I know if the training opportunity I have been offered is eligible for the J-1 visa program?  

Host companies are required to provide an approved, planned training program for international participants to be eligible for the J-1 visa program. Follow these criteria to check if the position your host company has planned for you is eligible: 

• The professional field of training is directly related to your academic and/or professional background. 
• The position includes bona fide training and learning objectives and the opportunity to learn specific techniques, methodologies, technologies, and skills that advance your knowledge and experience.  
• Clerical activities do not exceed 20% of your responsibilities. 
• The position does not involve child and elder care, patient contact or care, animal medicine, aviation, or unskilled/manual labor.  
• The host company provides you with dedicated, on-site supervision with qualified American employees who provide formal performance evaluations. 
• Your training is full-time (at least 32 hours per week) and takes place on site at least 60% of the work week.  
• You have opportunities to learn about U.S. culture and institutions both in and outside of the workplace.  

Tackle J-1 Visa Eligibility with AIFS Professional Pathways  

Determining your eligibility for the J-1 visa can be complex—you need to find an eligible host company and you must meet a range of requirements for yourself. However, the benefits of the program are well worth it and AIFS Professional Pathways can support you as you navigate J-1 visa eligibility and the J-1 visa program as a whole.  

Interested in learning more about advancing your career in America?    

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