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J-1 Visa Intern and Trainee Program

Designed for international students and young professionals seeking a J-1 visa, Interns and Trainees immerse themselves in U.S. culture and take their careers to the next level with U.S.-based internships.
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  • Interns develop skills to bridge the gap between formal education and practical work experience.
  • Trainees have prior experience and will enhance their skills and expertise in their academic or occupational fields.
  • Host Organizations will mentor and shape the careers of Interns and Trainees while benefiting from the diversity, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives Interns and Trainees bring to the table.
  • Interns:
    • Must be currently enrolled full-time and pursuing studies at degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institutions outside the United States; or,
    • Have graduated from such institutions no more than 12 months before the start of their internship.
  • Trainees:
    • Must have either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least 1 year of prior related work experience in their occupational field acquired outside the United States; or,
    • Have 5 years of work experience in their occupational field acquired outside the United States.
  • All Interns and Trainees must:
    • Have English language skills sufficient for their program.
    • Provide proof of funds sufficient to support themselves while in the US.
    • Apply for the J-1 visa from outside of the US.
    • Understand that the Intern and Trainee Programs are not “work” programs. Rather, they are learning and cultural exchange opportunities.
    • Understand that the J-1 visa is not meant to be used as a pathway to permanent residency in the US. Rather, J-1 visa holders must depart the US after their program and apply their newfound skills and knowledge to their career and/or education.

Find Your Own Internship

Intern and Trainee applicants may apply for a Self-Placed program where they identify their own Host Organization and internship opportunity. ICLS does the vetting, processing, and paperwork, and supports participants and Host Organizations throughout the process and program.

Intern and Trainee applicants may apply directly with ICLS or through a 3rd party partner agency.

ICLS Finds an Internship for You

Intern and Trainee applicants may apply for a Full Placed program where ICLS identifies a Host Organization and internship opportunity for them. Once the applicant’s placement is confirmed, ICLS does the vetting, processing, and paperwork, and supports participants and Host Organizations throughout the process and program.

Intern and Trainee applicants may apply directly with ICLS or through a 3rd party partner agency.

Program Lengths

  • Interns may train in the US for up to 12 months.
  • Trainees may train in the US for up to 18 months.*

*Hospitality and Tourism Trainees may train in the US for up to 12 months only.

Once the internship is over, all participants who complete their program in good standing are entitled to a 30-day grace period in which they may remain in the US as a tourist but are not eligible to train, work, or study. Participants may not stay any longer than 30 days after their program end date listed on their DS-2019.

Contact ICLS for a customized program fee quote. Fees vary depending on category, specific program, insurance, and program duration.

Program Details

Internship Fields

ICLS sponsors Interns and Trainees in the following fields:

  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance
  • Information Media and Communications
  • The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations
  • Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling, and Social Services
  • Arts and Culture
  • Public Administration and Law
Key Intern and Trainee Responsibilities
  • Stay in contact with ICLS and check emails frequently
  • Update ICLS if there are address, contact information, or program changes
  • Report arrival to the US
  • Complete evaluations
  • Participate in cultural activities
  • Depart the US no more than 30 days after the program end date
  • Demonstrate professional behavior
Key Host Organization Responsibilities
  • Stay in contact with ICLS and check emails frequently
  • Follow the DS-7002 Training Plan and update ICLS if there are any changes
  • Complete evaluations
  • Provide continuous supervision and mentorship
  • Provide and/or encourage Interns and Trainees to take part in cultural activities
  • Understand that Interns and Trainees should not displace American workers or simply fill a labor need
Key Sponsor (ICLS) Responsibilities
  • Maintain communication with all parties, including the US Department of State, hosts, participants, and partners
  • Screen and vet Intern, Trainee, and Host Organization applicants
  • Issue DS-2019 and DS-7002 training plan
  • Maintain SEVIS records
  • Advise and support Interns, Trainees, and Host Organizations
Rules, Regulations, and Handbooks

For complete rules and regulations of the J-1 Intern and Trainee Program, refer to the US Department of State’s regulations and ICLS’ Orientation Handbooks.

Key Benefits

  • Meaningful Cultural Exchange

  • New Skill Development and Skill Enhancement

  • Career Building, Hands-on Experience

  • International Networking

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Apply Today!

"These activities had a huge impact on my knowledge about the culture. I will happily go back with new habits and an open mind."

Silvia from Italy, interning in New York, NY

"I have learned US customer service in Hawaii and how to communicate with American and international tourists, and how to resolve any misunderstandings between customers and colleagues. I am also improving my English negotiation skills."

Rumi from Japan, interning in Oahu, HI

"The experiences opened my mind to have a better understanding about different cultures. I have brought some suggestions about recruitment procedures and sales speech to talk to the candidates. We are constantly sharing practices with each other."

Ana from Brazil, interning in San Francisco, CA

"It has been refreshing to learn from each other. Manuela is sharp and very creative. She has a fresh perspective on social media and new ways to present our brand."

Host supervisor speaking of Manuela from Argentina, interning in Nashville, TN

"It has been a rewarding and amazing experience. I greatly enjoy the program, especially that I get to meet people from diverse backgrounds and explore American culture."

Polly from the Philippines, training in New York, NY