J-1 Visa

J-1 Intern Program

• Purpose: For foreign students/recent graduates to gain U.S. cultural exposure and practical experience in their academic field.   
   

   
• Eligibility: Current foreign post-secondary student OR graduated within 12 months prior to program start. English proficiency required.   
   

   

   
• Duration: Max 12 months.   
   

   
• Key Features: Requires Form DS-7002. Focuses on entry-level training. Prohibits unskilled labor, childcare, elder care, patient care, and >20% clerical work. Requires structured learning and evaluations.   
   

   

   
• Sponsor/Host Responsibilities: Vetting hosts, verifying EIN/workers’ comp, ensuring supervision/evaluation.   
   

J-1 Trainee Program

• Purpose: For experienced foreign professionals to gain U.S. cultural exposure and advanced training.   
   

   
• Eligibility: Foreign degree/certificate + 1 yr related work experience (outside U.S.) OR 5 yrs work experience (outside U.S.). English proficiency needed.   
   

   

   

   
• Duration: Max 18 months (often 12 months for hospitality/tourism).   
   

   

   
• Key Features: Requires Form DS-7002. Must build on existing skills, not duplicate prior experience or be ordinary employment. Similar restrictions as Intern program. Requires evaluations.   
   

   

   

   

   
• Sponsor/Host Responsibilities: Similar vetting and oversight as Intern program.   
   

J-1 Summer Work and Travel (SWT) Program

• Purpose: For foreign post-secondary students to work and travel in the U.S. during their summer break.   
   

   
• Eligibility: Full-time post-secondary student enrolled outside the U.S., completed at least one semester, English proficient. Usually requires a pre-arranged job.   
   

   
• Duration: Max 4 months (during official summer vacation). No extensions.   
   

   
• Key Features: Employment must be seasonal/temporary with cultural interaction. Many job types prohibited (e.g., domestic help, driving, patient care, late shifts, hazardous jobs, commission-only sales).   
   
• Sponsor Responsibilities: Vetting jobs, ensuring minimum wage compliance, providing pre-arrival info, monthly contact, addressing safety concerns.   
   

   

Repeat participation often requires significant time outside the U.S. (e.g., two years between trainee programs).