J-1 Intern & Trainee Program
ITN offers a variety of J-1 services for internship and trainee programs in hospitality, business, and other fields. To view some of our opportunities, please visit our Program Opportunities page.
J-1 Intern & Trainee Program Overview
The BridgeUSA J-1 Program is administrated by the United States Department of State and provides cultural exchange programs at organizations throughout the U.S.
At ITN, we provide Interns and Trainees with the experience to jump-start their careers in hospitality or culinary arts. By providing participants with a training program in their field of demonstrated interest, participants from all around the world can gain on-the-job training and the journey of a lifetime.
The J-1 Intern & Trainee Programs in Hospitality or Culinary Arts can last a maximum of 12 months. The J-1 Program in Business can last for up to 18 months.
During your program, there are two crucial documents for your training:
DS-2019 – Or “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” is the official document that allows participants to seek an interview at the U.S. Embassy. ITN’s participants will receive their DS2019 directly from Odyssey International Exchange.
DS-7002 – Or “Training/Internship Placement Plan” is a framework or summary of activities that you will have during your training program in the United States. The J-1 Intern and Trainee Program is a structured and guided work-based cultural exchange program. The DS-7002 is customized according to the participant’s profile and the Host Company’s training requirements.
International Trainee Network offers a customized program for interns and trainees from all around the world. We fully understand that every participant is unique, and modify programs to target specific needs.
J-1 All-Inclusive Program
Our All-Inclusive Signature Program provides you with access to over 200 of ITN's exclusive partner Host Companies. By enrolling in the All-Inclusive Program, a regional ITN Representative will guide you from registration to arrival in the United States. Our J-1 Intern & Trainee Programs are available all year round and can last for up to 12 months in Hospitality or Culinary Arts, and up to 18 months in Business or other fields.
ITN’s All-Inclusive Program Includes:
Eligibility check for the J-1 Program per the U.S. Department of State’s current regulations
Reformat the Candidate’s resume to the American standard
Organize a pre-screening interview with an ITN Representative to ascertain English level and program expectations
Coordinate and arrange interviews with potential Host Organizations
Prepare the Candidate for the interview with the Host Organization
Assist the Candidate with the J-1 Filing Application
DS-7002 creation according to the Host Organization's specifications
DS-2019 issuance for the program
Send preparation guidelines and tips for your J-1 Visa Interview with the US Embassy/Consulate
Medical insurance for the duration of your program
Prepare and send comprehensive handbooks, guides, and a personalized “Arrival Package” that includes information regarding your Host Organization, housing, benefits, SSN, banks, and other details about the program
24/7 support after arrival in the United States through our sister company, Odyssey International Exchange
Constant monitoring, evaluation, and follow-ups during your program
Cultural events and activities organized by our sister company, Odyssey International Exchange
Route 66:
ITN's Route 66 Program includes all of the above services and allows you to experience two different Host Organizations during your 12-month training program.
J-1 Self-Placed Program
You are also welcome to find your own J-1 Intern or Trainee Program with an American Host Organization. ITN can provide J-1 Visa Sponsorship and filing assistance for programs in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing, Engineering, IT, International Trade & Logistics, Architecture, Design, Law and Public Administration, Sciences and Mathematics, Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services, Information Media and Communications.
ITN’s Self-Placed Program Includes:
Eligibility check for the J-1 Program per the U.S. Department of State’s current regulations
Assist the Candidate with the J-1 Filing Application
DS-7002 (Training Plan) creation according to the Host Organization's specifications
DS-2019 issuance and medical insurance for program duration
Send preparation guidelines and tips for your J-1 Visa Interview with the US Embassy/Consulate
Medical insurance for the duration of your program
Comprehensive handbooks, guides, and resources to facilitate the arrival and orientation process
24/7 support after arrival in the United States through our sister company, Odyssey International Exchange
Constant monitoring, evaluation, and follow-ups during your program
Cultural events and activities organized by our sister company, Odyssey International Exchange
J-1 Visa Eligibility
J-1 Intern Eligibility
The J-1 Intern Program is intended for college students or recent graduates to build on their education foundation through cultural exchange. By completing an internship program in the United States, alumni of ITN's J-1 Intern Program will gain practical experience in the American approach to management.
To be eligible for a J-1 Intern Program, you must be between the ages of 18 - 35 and meet ONE of the two following criteria:
1. You are a current student of an accredited program who is pursuing a relevant degree at the Associate’s Degree level or higher.
OR
2. You are a graduate who completed a relevant degree within the last 12 months. The degree must be from an accredited program and at the Associate’s Degree level or higher.
J-1 Trainee Eligibility
The J-1 Trainee Program is designed for young professionals and recent graduates with work experience in their field of interest. J-1 Trainees are looking to propel their careers, gain experience in American management, and hone their skills through an advanced training program.
To qualify for a J-1 Trainee Program, you must be between the ages of 20 - 35 and meet ONE of the two following criteria:
1. You are a graduate from an accredited program with a degree at the Associate’s Degree level or higher and with at least 12 months of relevant full-time work experience. The experience must be accumulated outside of the United States.
OR
2. You are a young professional with at least 5 years (60 months) of relevant full-time work experience in your field of interest. The experience must be accumulated outside of the United States.
If you would like for ITN to check your eligibility for one of our programs, please complete the application form here. An ITN Representative will get in touch via email with further program information.
Registration Process
Get started with a J-1 Intern or Trainee Program and gain access to hundreds of program opportunities across the United States! Apply today by filling out the application form and start the registration process for our internship and trainee programs. Our team will get back to you via email as soon as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
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J-1 Sponsor Organizations are designated by the U.S. Department of State to issue the Form DS-2019 - Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. ITN's exclusive sponsor organization and sister company is Odyssey International Exchange.
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Several of our host company partners provide housing or housing assistance.
If housing is not provided, ITN can provide access to our housing partners for assistance.
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Yes, J-1 Interns & Trainees are provided emergency medical insurance for the length of their program.
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In general, we recommend interested candidates apply at least 3 months or even more before the date they would like to begin their program.
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During your program, Odyssey International Exchange can be reached by email, phone, and emergency line. Odyssey Advisors’ emails will be given to you before arrival along with their phone numbers.
The advisors are available from 9AM to 5PM (PST) and the emergency line (for emergency purposes only) is open 24/7. Odyssey will also send check-ins every month as well as evaluations at the mid and final points of the program.
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If you found your own host company, we can assist you in providing the necessary J-1 Visa Sponsorship and filing assistance. This is our J-1 Self-Placed Program.
Please complete the application form and our team will assist you with your program.
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Your program can be extended for an additional fee. If you are a J-1 Intern or Trainee in Hospitality or Culinary Arts, the maximum program duration is 12 months. The program cannot be extended for more than 12 months.
If you are a J-1 Trainee in Business or other fields, the maximum program duration is 18 months.
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There are several scenarios where you may be eligible to apply for another J-1 Intern or Trainee Program even if you have already participated in the past.
As each case is different, your profile will have to be reviewed by an ITN Representative who will let you know whether you are eligible to start another J-1 Intern or Trainee Program.
Here you may review the various eligibility scenarios depending on your previous or current J-1 Intern or Trainee Program.
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As each case is different, your profile will have to be reviewed by an ITN Representative who will let you know whether you are eligible to start another J-1 Intern or Trainee Program.
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The 30-day Travel Grace Period is the period from the end date of your program as listed on your DS-2019 where you are allowed to travel the country freely. You may not train or earn money during this time. Each J-1 Intern or Trainee will receive a 30-day grace period upon completion of their program.
Here you may read more about the 30-day Travel Grace Period.
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You may stay in the country for an additional 30 days after your program end date. However, you will have to return back to your home country by the end of the 30-day Travel Grace Period.
Here you may read more about the 30-day Travel Grace Period.
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No. Under no condition can you work for another company while you are on a J-1 Intern or Trainee Program.