My name is Cassandra Grimm and I am a placement coordinator for the USA, the UK, and Australia. I’m originally from the state of Illinois in the USA, so I consider myself to be quite qualified to help students find the best exchange program in the States.
According to the US Department of State (or DoS, the body that governs the J-1 program), “The Exchange Visitor (J) nonimmigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work and study-based exchange visitor programs. Participants are integral to the success of the program.” The J-1 visa is for the exchange participant, while the J-2 visa can be issued for his/her spouse and/or children. This program is a great opportunity for foreigners to get practical experience in the United States, to learn the culture there, and to be able to share that culture with their friends and family in their home country.
There are 2 different types of J-1 visas – for interns and for trainees. Below you can find the eligibility requirements of the 2 programs. It is important to note that a high level of conversational English is a requirement for both categories of J-1 participants:
- 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
- have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.
- Trainees must:
- Have a 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
- Have five years of work experience outside the United States. If a participant has participated as an intern, and still continue to be eligible as an intern, there is no waiting period between internships. However, if the participant ceases to be eligible for an internship, they must wait 2 years to apply as a trainee.
There are several pieces of documentation that are required for the program. Below you can find some useful definitions:
- DS 2019 – Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program. This form permits a prospective exchange visitor to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to obtain a J visa to enter the United States.
- DS 7002 – Training/Internship Placement Plan – This form is a detailed training plan of the expectations, goals, and objectives of each phase of the participant’s time in the States. It must be comprised of at least 2 phases if it is a 6-month program, or 3 phases if it is a 12-month program.
Other important steps in the process will be explained thoroughly, but you can also find more information here.
We have received many questions lately concerning the state of the program with regard to the recent election of Donald Trump as president of the USA. However, we can assure our candidates and their family members that … As mentioned by one of our partners who has almost 40 years of experience in the J-1 industry:
“On a more serious note, I do not believe that the Trump presidency will impact [our operations] in any way. Our programs have been created by the Congress and only the Congress can limit or eliminate them. That, from an international PR perspective, would not look good for the Trump administration. Remember, the DoS bureaucrats don’t go anywhere. They remain in their posts through various administrations. To them, the new incoming administration is referred to as the ‘new management,’ not ‘the end of the world.’ It makes no difference to them whether the administration is Democratic or Republican. They go on, eternally.“
Here is a useful fact sheet issued about the program by the DoS.
We have had MANY success cases with J-1 internships in the USA. It is a well-structured program and we partner only with the highest quality host companies (Michelin-star restaurants like the Alinea Group and Junoon, as well as top hotels such as the Westin and the W, in destinations such as Chicago, New York City, Hilton Head Island, and Savannah among MANY others). The top positions, in order, include:
- Culinary
- Food and Beverage
- Front Desk
So what are you waiting for?! Apply for an assessment interview for your participation in a J-1 program today!
