J1 Visa - Trainees and Interns

The J-1 Visa for Trainees and Interns

The purpose of the J-1 Trainee/ Internship category of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to give the successful applicant an opportunity for professional development linked to an insight into the methodology and thinking associated with American business and a general understanding of American culture. Trainees and Interns are expected to share the cross-cultural and professional experience they have gained in the U.S. upon returning to their own countries.

Many companies provide their trainees/interns with a monthly stipend.

Important Notes:

· Applicants should be aware that the J-1 Visa Program for Trainees and Interns is intended solely as a means of participating in a training or intern program. Using the J-1 Visa Program for Trainees and Interns to fill the position of a regular employee is strictly prohibited by U.S. Department of State regulations.

· As Trainee/Intern, the applicant is strictly prohibited from accepting any employment in the U.S outside training/internship. If an applicant is found to engage in unauthorized work, he will be in violation of federal regulations, subject to immediate termination from the J-1 Visa Program, and may face deportation and other penalties through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Eligibility

To be eligible for Sponsorship on the J-1 Trainee/ Intern Visa, applicants must:

Have secured a training or internship with a company in the USA. * The company must be willing to offer training or internship in one of the following fields:
- Information
- Media
- Communications
- Management
- Business
- Commerce
- Finance
- Science
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Mathematics
- Industrial Occupations
- Public Administration
- Law
Be proficient in English
Be prepared to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of the program. The USCIS grants this period to allow for preparing for the return to the home country. Applicants may neither continue nor complete the program, nor work during this 30-day period. However, They may travel inside the United States

* Please note that workpermit.com cannot help in finding suitable positions with prospective employers

Qualifying for an Internship

The MAXIMUM Intern program duration is 12 MONTHS. Applicants can qualify for an internship if:

they are still currently enrolled at a degree or certificate-granting post-secondary institution outside the US
OR they have already graduated with adegree or its equivalent but not more than 12 months prior to the program start date

Qualifying for a Traineeship

The MAXIMUM Trainee program duration is 18 MONTHS. Applicants can qualify for a traineeship if they have either:

a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience acquired outside the United States
OR five years of work experience acquired outside the United States

How can workpermit.com help?

By enlisting the services of our US Attorny, workpermit.com will:

Screen the applicants on the basis of their experience, education, and command of English, ensuring that they meet the requirements of the Trainee/ Intern Category of the J-1 Visa Program
Advise both the applicant and the Company of the activities that are not allowed and what is expected by the Trainee/ Intern
Choose and register the applicant and the company with the appropriate International Organization in charge of approving the J-1 Visa Program
Prepare the required documents for the Organization's review and approval
Provide guidance to satisfy the necessary steps and requests from the Organization
Prepare the material needed for the US embassy or consulate