Host an Intern

Host a J-1 visa international intern through FIC! 

The J-1 Visa Program empowers employers to enable real cultural exchange that brings flexibility and energy to your company or organization.  Positively affect the lives of future professionals across borders while strengthening your global network.

 

Understanding the J-1 Visa Program

The purpose of the J-1 Visa Program is to provide international participants with opportunities for professional development, insight into American professional life, and a greater understanding of American society and culture.

 J-1 interns are expected to share the cross-cultural and professional knowledge they have gained in the U.S. upon return to their home country at the end of the program.  The J-1 program is also intended to allow American businesses and individuals to learn about the culture and expertise of the participant’s home country.

 

Understanding J-1 Visa Sponsorship

Any foreign national whom you would like to invite to your U.S. company for an internship must first be accepted by an organization officially designated by the U.S. Department of State.  This helps ensure that the candidate and proposed internship satisfy all visa and regulatory requirements. 

 

US INTERN is a designated J-1 sponsor approved by the U.S. Department of State to issue prospective interns the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019 form) that is required for interns and trainees to apply for the J-1 visa.

 

Host Company Eligibility

To be eligible to host a US INTERN sponsored J-1 Intern, your company needs to:

  • Find an international candidate to whom you would like to offer training OR agree to host a candidate proposed by US INTERN.  Remember, US INTERN can help you find qualified candidates!

  • Provide the intern with a structured internship program that must both be suitable to his or her qualifications and background and be approved by US INTERN (as required by J-1 Program regulations).  US INTERN will assist you in developing an adequate training plan (DS-7002).

  • Ensure that the intern is engaged in training and does not perform ordinary work that a part-time or full-time staff member of the company would otherwise be responsible for.

  • J-1 participants may not make final decisions about, or carry the full responsibility for, major tasks, assignments or projects.  However, they may provide assistance in these matters since on-the-job training is encouraged as an important learning tool.

  • Offer training activities up to 12 months in one of the subject fields US INTERN is designated to sponsor by the U.S. Department of State.

 

US INTERN can sponsor internship programs in the following industries:

  • Arts & Culture

  • Education, Social Science & Social Services

  • Health Administration

  • Hospitality & Tourism

  • Information, Media & Communications

  • Business, Marketing & Finance

  • Public Administration & Law

  • Science, Engineering & Architecture

 

J-1 Intern Eligibility

  • The J-1 intern must be currently enrolled or within 12 months of graduating from a foreign college or university in a relevant course of studies/major.

  • Know English well enough to perform successfully in the proposed training activities.

  • Plan to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of the program. Possess a great attitude, eager to learn and participate in program activities.

 

Application for Sponsorship on the J-1 Visa

  • Instruct the intern candidate to complete and submit the J-1 Participation Application. To save time, you can obtain your candidate’s data and submit the registration on his or her behalf.

  • US INTERN will immediately e-mail important programmatic information to your intern and will send you all materials (including contract) that your company needs to complete, sign, and return to us.

  • Payment of the US INTERN Sponsorship fee must be sent to us immediately after US INTERN has confirmed the application. (Please see our fee and refund policy for details.)

  • If your company’s training program is approved by US INTERN, we will conduct an online video interview with your intern candidate to discuss his or her internship or training arrangements, expectations, and background.

  • Once your intern complete application is received and approved by CICD, we will issue and send to him or her the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) along with visa application forms and important orientation materials.  These materials will be delivered by international express mail if your intern’s mailing address is outside of the United States.

  • The processing time at US INTERN is typically 4-6 weeks.  However, the application process may be shorter or longer, depending on how quickly US INTERN receives all necessary materials and information from you and your candidate.

  • Please contact us for information about our expedited application process.

 

US INTERN Services to Host Companies

US INTERN is committed to ensuring a successful program and a positive experience for everyone involved.  In cooperation with our overseas partners, we screen all applicants for appropriate J-1 visa-compliant backgrounds and requirements.

We also vet Host Companies to ensure that their training plans qualify as appropriate internship or training opportunities. Your company gets personalized, hands-on attention and service from the US INTERN team.

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