The J-1 visa program is a Department of State cultural exchange program. The Trainee/ Intern program allows qualified foreign nationals to receive on the job training at U.S. businesses for up to 18 months.
The objective is for foreign nationals to improve knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, and technology and to return home upon completion of the program.

Everything you need to know
To participate in HTP’s Trainee program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a degree or professional certificate from a foreign ministerially-recognized post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in your occupational field acquired outside the United States; OR Five years of work experience in your occupational
field acquired outside the United States - Have sufficient proficiency in English to participate in the program
- Must have a Traineeship offer from a U.S. host company. The Traineeship must be in your specific occupational field and can last up to 18 months
To participate in HTP’s Intern program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Currently enrolled full-time in and actively pursuing studies at a foreign ministerially-recognized degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, or Graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to the program begin date
- Have sufficient proficiency in English to participate in the program
- Must have an internship offer from a U.S. host company. The internship must be in your specific academic field of study and can have a maximum duration of 12 months.
HTP sponsors programs in the following occupational categories:
- Arts and Culture
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information Media and Communications
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
- Public Administration and Law
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations
Through these designations, HTP sponsors programs in wide range of industries, for example civil engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology, finance, insurance, hospitality, fashion design, supply chain management and law.
Trainees or interns cannot be placed in:
- unskilled or casual labor positions
- positions that require or involve child care or elder care
- clinical positions or any other kind of work that involves patient care or patient contact
Program expenses:
- Form DS-2019 processing fee $1,495
- SEVIS fee $220
- Program and insurance fee $120 per month
Other fees:
- Consulate visa application fee: appr. $180
- While you are in the U.S., you will incur living expenses just like at home. These costs vary by location, the following are estimates: food ($200-$300 per month), housing (appr. $800 and up), utilities ($200); local transportation ($100 if public transportation; $500 if buying a car).
application proces
J-1 Visa intern and trainee program
- 1You identify a host organization and obtain an offer of training
- 2HTP interviews you and host organization
- 3HTP and host organization draft training plan Form DS-7002; all parties sign
- 4HTP provides pre-arrival information and Orientation; issues form DS-2019
- 5You apply for the J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in your home country
HTP’s process for reviewing the application and issuing Form DS-2019 takes no more than 2 weeks
Becky Kirby
Intern
Walt Disney World
Masar Saeed
Intern
Continental Automotive Systems
Anna
Trainee
BMW Manufacturing Co.