President Trump’s H-1B executive order introduced in September 2025 adds a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. These H-1B changes are reshaping the way employers, universities, and law firms think about international hiring.
With recent changes to U.S. immigration programs, organizations are exploring all available pathways for international talent. The J-1 Exchange Visitor program offers unique opportunities for cultural and professional exchange that benefit both participants and host organizations.
At Intrax Global Internships, we are a leading U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 Visa sponsor. Since 2003, we’ve guided tens of thousands of international interns, trainees, and research scholars through compliant, high-quality programs. This guide explains the facts, eligibility requirements, and benefits of H-1B and J-1 categories, so you can make informed decisions for your team, students, or clients.
Understanding Today's Immigration Landscape
The H-1B visa remains the primary pathway for long-term specialty employment in the United States. Designed for foreign professionals with at least a bachelor's degree in specialized fields, it serves essential roles in STEM, healthcare, and business sectors. However, recent changes have dramatically altered its accessibility:
- New costs: Total H-1B petition fees now exceed $100,000
- Entry restrictions: New H-1B workers outside the U.S. face additional barriers
- Lottery changes: Proposed shifts toward wage-based selection
- Increased oversight: Enhanced scrutiny of wages and job classifications
These shifts have prompted many organizations to reassess their approach to international talent.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program: A Distinct Pathway
The J-1 visa serves a fundamentally different purpose than employment-based visas. Created to foster cultural and professional exchange, it provides structured opportunities for students, researchers, and early-career professionals to gain U.S. experience while maintaining ties to their home countries.
Key J-1 Categories
- Intern: Current university/college students or recent graduates (within 12 months) gain hands-on experience in their academic field for up to 12 months. Perfect for STEM programs, business management programs, architecture internships, and hospitality roles.
- Trainee: Professionals with a degree plus one year of experience, or five years of work experience, participate in structured training for up to 18 months or a maximum of 12 months for hospitality programs. Popular in culinary arts, NGO programs, and agriculture.
- Research Scholar: For professors, researchers, and academics conducting research at U.S. host institutions for up to 5 years. Research scholars can participate in occasional lectures with sponsor permission.
Why Organizations Choose J-1 Programs
J-1 programs offer distinct advantages that align with specific organizational needs:
Building Global Networks
J-1 participants become lasting connections for U.S. organizations. Technology companies use trainee programs to develop talent in emerging markets while bringing fresh perspectives to their teams. Participants return home as product ambassadors, future partners, or clients.
Structured Professional Development
Every J-1 program requires a detailed training or internship plan with specific learning objectives. This structure ensures participants gain meaningful experience while hosts benefit from motivated individuals focused on growth and knowledge exchange.
Academic and Research Collaboration
Universities including private companies, non-profits, and research institutes hosting J-1 Research Scholars build institutional partnerships that often lead to joint publications, continued collaboration, and enhanced global reputation.
Family Considerations
J-2 dependent spouses can apply for work authorization, a significant advantage for participants with families, especially those in longer research or training programs.
The J-1 Process: Simple, Predictable, Supported
The J-1 program offers a straightforward path.
Your 8-12 Week Timeline with Intrax Global Internships
Below is a basic timeline, but expedited services are available.
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
- Eligibility review and program selection
- Initial consultation to determine the best category
Weeks 3-4: Preparation
- Documentation gathering (transcripts, references, CV)
- Training plan development with host organization
Weeks 5-6: Processing
- DS-2019 issuance
- SEVIS registration and fee payment
Weeks 7-10: Visa Application
- Embassy appointment scheduling
- Interview preparation and visa issuance
Weeks 11-12: Arrival
- Pre-departure orientation
- Travel arrangements and arrival coordination
Investment and Support
J-1 programs through Intrax range from $1,200 to $4,500 total, depending on category, duration, and services provided. This comprehensive fee includes:
- Complete visa sponsorship and DS-2019 issuance
- Health insurance meeting State Department requirements
- 24/7 emergency support throughout the program
- Cultural orientation and integration resources
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
- Professional development workshops
- Site evaluations and host organization vetting
- Internship / trainee program placement assistance
While federal regulations require detailed compliance, Intrax manages the complexity. You focus on the experience; we ensure everything meets federal standards.
Read our J-1 visa pricing and eligibility guide.
H-1B vs. J-1: Understanding the Differences
Both visas serve important but distinct roles in the U.S. immigration system:
- Purpose: H-1B enables long-term employment; J-1 facilitates cultural and professional exchange.
- Duration: H-1B offers up to six years; J-1 ranges from months to five years depending on category.
- Cost: H-1B petitions now exceed $100,000; J-1 programs cost $1,200-$4,500 through Intrax.
- Process: H-1B involves employer petitions and lottery selection; J-1 follows a predictable sponsor-based process.
- Intent: H-1B allows dual intent toward permanent residence; J-1 requires non-immigrant intent and may include a two-year home residency requirement.
- Flexibility: H-1B ties workers to one employer; J-1 participants work within their approved program scope.
Frequently Asked Questions about the J-1 Visa
Can spouses and dependents join J-1 visa holders? Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for J-2 dependent visas. J-2 spouses may apply for work authorization after arrival.
How long can you stay in the US on a J-1 visa? Duration varies by category: Interns up to 12 months, Trainees up to 18 months (except for hospitality programs which have a max duration of 12 months), and Research Scholars up to 5 years. All categories include a 30-day grace period after program completion.
What is the minimum salary for a J-1 visa? Stipends vary by field and location. Host companies must follow all local, state and federal labor laws with regards to compensation.
Can I apply for J-1 visa without a sponsor? No. Federal law requires all J-1 applicants to work with a State Department-designated sponsor like Intrax. Sponsors ensure compliance and provide required support throughout the program.
Are there country-specific restrictions for J-1 visas? Some participants are subject to the two-year home residency requirement (212e), depending on funding source or country of origin. Waivers are possible in certain cases.
Can J-1 visa holders change status? The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa. Participants are expected to return to their home country after completion of their program.
How can companies host international interns or trainees? Intrax partners with organizations of all sizes. Learn more on our Companies page.
Do attorneys work with Intrax on J-1 sponsorship? Yes. We collaborate with immigration attorneys to support their clients. Details are on our Attorneys page.
Are there J-1 opportunities for tech companies? Absolutely. Tech firms regularly use J-1 programs for international talent in software development, data science, and engineering roles. Visit our STEM Programs page.
Read more FAQs about the J-1 visa here!
Industry-Specific J-1 Programs
Intrax specializes in placing J-1 participants across diverse industries:
- STEM & Technology: Software development, data science, engineering
- Culinary Arts: Chef training, restaurant management, food science
- Hospitality: Hotel management, tourism, event planning
- Architecture & Design: Urban planning, sustainable design, construction management
- Agriculture: Sustainable farming, agribusiness, food systems
- NGO & Nonprofit: International development, social impact, advocacy
Take the Next Step with Intrax
Whether you're an employer evaluating international talent options, an organization or research institute hosting visiting scholars, an attorney guiding clients, or a student seeking U.S. experience, having a trusted sponsor makes the difference between a smooth process and unnecessary setbacks.
At Intrax Global Internships, we've supported thousands across STEM, culinary arts, hospitality, architecture, and business fields in building meaningful U.S. experiences while keeping hosts compliant with federal requirements. We support programs nationwide, with participants placed in major cities like San Francisco, New York, Austin, and Seattle, as well as research institutions across all 50 states.
Explore how a J-1 program could fit your needs:
- Employers – Learn how Intrax supports host companies
- Attorneys – Partner with Intrax on client sponsorships
- Universities – Explore J-1 programs for students and scholars
- STEM Programs – See how Intrax connects talent to U.S. innovation
Contact Intrax today to discuss your situation and get personalized guidance from our team.
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