J-1 Visa Requirements for Interns [FAQs + Resources]

Thinking about interning in the United States? Whether you’re picturing a summer in Silicon Valley, a hospitality role in New York City, or hands-on experience in a field you’re passionate about, you’ll need a J-1 visa, which means you need to understand the J-1 visa requirements. 

Visa requirements can be a lot to wrap your head around: Forms with letters and numbers, eligibility rules, interviews, timelines… The good news is that once you understand these details, your path to a U.S. internship becomes a lot clearer.

This guide covers who’s eligible for a J-1 intern visa, what documents you’ll need, how the application process works, and what to expect once you’re approved. We’ll also show you how Intrax Global Internships can act as your J-1 visa sponsor and support you throughout your internship in the U.S. 

What Is the J-1 Intern Visa?

The J-1 intern visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa that allows international students and recent graduates to complete a structured, supervised internship with a U.S. host organization for up to 12 months. 

It’s part of the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program, which was created to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. For interns, this means:

• Gaining hands-on experience in your academic field
• Learning U.S. workplace norms and professional standards
• Sharing your own culture and perspectives with American colleagues
• Returning home with new skills, global connections, and a stronger resume

J-1 internships are highly structured and supervised; each participant follows an approved training plan that outlines learning objectives, skill development, and mentorship.

J-1 Intern vs. J-1 Trainee: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, the J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee categories can look very similar, and they’re often confused. The key differences come down to education level, work experience, and timing.

J-1 Intern visas are for:

• Current university students enrolled outside the U.S., or
• Recent graduates who completed their degree within the last 12 months

These internships are designed to complement academic studies and help participants transition from the classroom to the professional world. Programs can last up to 12 months and must directly relate to the intern’s field of study.

J-1 Trainee visas, on the other hand, are for individuals who:

• Graduated more than 12 months ago, and
• Have relevant professional work experience in their field

Trainee programs are typically more advanced and focus on enhancing existing skills rather than introducing entry-level concepts.

For most college students and recent graduates interested in gaining U.S. work experience for the first time, the J-1 Intern visa is the best option. 

What Are the J-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements for Interns?

J-1 visa eligibility requirements for interns include the following key criteria:

• You must be a current student or a recent graduate (within the last 12 months) from a post-secondary (academic) institution outside the U.S.
• Your internship must be directly related to your academic field of study and follow an approved training plan
• You must have sufficient English proficiency to function in a U.S. work environment
• You must be sponsored by a U.S. Department of State–designated J-1 sponsor

These criteria are designed to make sure the international internship is genuinely educational, appropriate for your background, and aligned with the goals of the Exchange Visitor Program. 

Educational Requirements

The J-1 Intern visa is intended for individuals who are still in higher education outside the United States, or who have only recently completed their studies (within the last 12 months). Your institution must be accredited and recognized in your home country. 

The level of study can vary (for example, bachelor’s or master’s programs), but the key factor is that you are pursuing (or have recently completed) formal education that relates to the internship you plan to undertake.

Graduation Timeline Requirements

If you are applying after graduation, you must have completed your degree within the last 12 months at the time your J-1 program begins, not when you submit your application. This is one of the most common areas of confusion. 

Even if you graduated just over a year ago, you would no longer qualify for the Intern category and may need to explore the J-1 Trainee option instead. Planning ahead is crucial, especially if you’re finishing your degree and hoping to start an internship soon after.

English Language Proficiency

Because J-1 internships take place in professional U.S. work environments, participants must demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency. This ensures you can communicate effectively, participate in training, and stay safe in the workplace.

English ability is typically assessed through:

• An interview conducted by the J-1 sponsor
• Recognized English language test results, or
• Documentation from your academic institution confirming instruction in English

Fluency isn’t required, but you should feel comfortable holding conversations, understanding instructions, and participating in meetings related to your internship abroad.

Academic Field and Internship Relevance

One of the most important J-1 Intern visa requirements is that your internship must be directly related to your academic field of study. The goal is for the internship to complement your education, not replace or repeat general work experience.

For example:

• A business student may intern in marketing, finance, or operations
• A computer science student may intern in software development or IT
• A hospitality student may intern in hotel or tourism management

Your academic background and internship duties are reviewed carefully as part of the application process, including through a formal training plan. If the role doesn’t clearly connect to your field of study, it may not be approved.

Duration of the J-1 Intern Program

The J-1 Intern visa allows for a maximum program length of up to 12 months. Programs must be full-time and structured according to the approved training plan.

Extensions beyond 12 months are generally not permitted for interns, so it’s important to plan your internship duration carefully from the start. Once your program ends, you’ll also receive a 30-day grace period to travel within the U.S. before returning to your home country. 

Sponsorship by a Designated J-1 Sponsor

You cannot apply for a J-1 Intern visa on your own. All applicants must be sponsored by a U.S. Department of State–designated J-1 sponsor, such as Intrax Global Internships.

Your sponsor is responsible for:

• Reviewing eligibility and documentation
• Issuing required visa forms
• Monitoring compliance throughout your program
• Providing guidance and support during your stay in the U.S.

Choosing an experienced sponsor like Intrax Global Internships is one of the most important decisions in the J-1 process.

J-1 Visa Host Company Requirements for Internships

J-1 visa host company requirements for internships generally include the following:

• The host company must offer a structured, supervised internship related to the intern’s academic field
• The internship must follow an approved training plan (Form DS-7002) with clear learning objectives
• The company must comply with U.S. labor laws and cannot use interns to fill ordinary staff roles
• The host must cooperate with the designated J-1 sponsor for monitoring and compliance

These requirements ensure the internship is educational, compliant, and aligned with the goals of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

J-1 Visa Employer Requirements: Internship Training Plan (Form DS-7002)

Every J-1 Intern program requires an approved Internship Training Plan, documented using Form DS-7002. This form outlines:

• The intern’s training objectives
• Specific skills and knowledge you will gain
• Supervision and mentoring structure
• Evaluation methods

The DS-7002 helps ensure your internship is structured, educational, and compliant with the J-1 visa program. It also protects interns by clearly defining what the host organization can and cannot ask them to do.

Labor Law Compliance

A J-1 internship must prioritize training and skill development, not labor replacement. J-1 host companies must ensure that:

• Interns are placed in learning-focused, supervised roles, not positions that would normally be filled by full-time or part-time employees
• The internship does not displace U.S. workers or reduce hours, wages, or opportunities for existing staff
• Interns are not used for routine, repetitive, or purely clerical tasks that lack educational value
• Any productive work performed is clearly tied to the approved training objectives in the DS-7002

Host companies that fail to meet these standards risk non-compliance, which can affect both the intern’s program and the organization’s ability to host future J-1 participants.

What Documents are Needed for a J-1 Intern Visa?

Once you meet the basic eligibility criteria, the next step is gathering the required documents for your J-1 Intern visa application. Here’s an idea of what you’ll need throughout the process. 

Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)

The Form DS-2019 is one of the most important documents in the entire J-1 visa process. Issued by your designated J-1 sponsor, this form officially confirms that you’ve been accepted into an approved exchange visitor program.

The DS-2019 includes key details such as:

• Your personal information
• Program start and end dates
• Program category (J-1 Intern)
• Sponsor information

You’ll need the DS-2019 to:

• Pay the SEVIS fee
• Schedule your U.S. visa interview
• Apply for the J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate

Because this form is required at multiple stages, it’s important to review it carefully and keep it safe once issued.

Passport Requirements

To apply for a J-1 Intern visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States, unless your country is part of a specific passport validity agreement with the U.S.

In addition to validity, your passport should:

• Have at least one blank page for the visa stamp
• Be in good physical condition (no major damage)

If your passport is close to expiring, it’s strongly recommended to renew it before starting the J-1 process. An expiring passport can lead to delays or require last-minute changes to your travel plans.

Proof of Student Status or Graduation

Because the J-1 Intern visa is tied directly to your educational background, you’ll need to provide documentation that confirms your J-1 student intern or graduate status.

This may include:

• A letter from your university confirming current enrollment
• Official transcripts
• A diploma or degree certificate (for recent graduates)

If you are still studying, the enrollment letter should typically confirm your field of study and expected graduation date. If you’ve already graduated, your documents must clearly show that your degree was completed within the required 12-month timeframe.

Resume/CV and Academic Background

A current resume or CV is required as part of your J-1 Intern application and is used by both your sponsor and host organization to assess your qualifications.

Your resume should highlight:

• Relevant coursework
• Academic projects
• Previous internships or work experience
• Skills related to your intended internship

This document helps demonstrate that the internship aligns with your academic background and that you’re prepared for the training outlined in your internship plan. While it doesn’t need to be overly long, it should be clear, professional, and tailored to the U.S. workplace.

What Are the Financial Requirements for J-1 Visa Interns?

J-1 visa financial requirements mandate that interns demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover living expenses throughout their program. Before heading to the U.S., you’ll need to provide proof that you can support yourself financially, typically through bank statements, sponsor letters, or documentation of internship compensation.

Minimum Funding Requirements

The amount required is typically $2,000–$4,000 per month, and varies based on your internship location, housing costs, and whether the position is paid or unpaid. In general, sponsors look for proof that you can reasonably afford:

• Housing and utilities
• Food and daily living expenses
• Local transportation
• Health insurance and personal costs

Even if your J-1 internship is paid, you may still need to show additional funds, especially to cover initial expenses during your first few weeks in the U.S. before your first paycheck arrives.

Proof of Financial Support

To meet financial requirements, you’ll be asked to submit documentation showing where your funding will come from. Acceptable proof of financial support may include:

• Recent personal or family bank statements
• A financial support letter from a parent or sponsor
• Documentation of internship compensation or stipend
• Scholarship or grant confirmation, if applicable

These documents help your J-1 sponsor confirm that you won’t face financial difficulties during your stay. All statements should be clear, recent, and easily verifiable, with amounts that realistically match your expected expenses.

Internship Compensation Rules

J-1 Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on the host organization and the nature of the role. However, compensation must always comply with U.S. labor laws and align with the educational focus of the program.

Key points to keep in mind:

• Paid interns must be compensated according to applicable wage laws
• Unpaid internships must meet specific educational criteria
• Compensation details must be clearly outlined in your training plan
• Payment cannot be based on commission-only structures

It’s also important to note that J-1 Interns may only receive compensation from their approved host organization. This means that you can’t take on any additional employment while in the U.S.

What About J-1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements?

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for J-1 interns. The U.S. healthcare system can be expensive, and the J-1 program ensures that all interns have adequate coverage for the duration of their stay. Meeting these requirements protects both you and your sponsor, and it’s a crucial step in maintaining your visa status.

Mandatory J-1 Health Insurance Coverage

All J-1 Interns are required to have health insurance that meets specific U.S. Department of State standards. Your policy must provide:

• Medical benefits: At least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation: At least $25,000
• Medical evacuation: At least $50,000
• Deductibles: Reasonable, typically not exceeding $500 per accident or illness

Coverage must be active for the entire period of your program, including the grace period after your internship ends. This ensures you are protected for unexpected medical issues during your stay in the U.S.

If you work with Intrax Global Internships as your sponsor, you will most likely receive coverage from our partner, Envisage Global Insurance. Only applicants working with our Germany office are able to use other insurance plans. This means you always have the required level of coverage, and you don’t have to shop around to find a plan that meets the J-1 visa insurance requirements. We’ve already done that for you! 

How Do I Apply for a J-1 Visa?

Here’s a quick overview of the J-1 Intern visa application process:

1. Secure an internship placement with a U.S. host organization
2. Apply through a designated J-1 visa sponsor
3. Receive your Form DS-2019 and pay the SEVIS fee (Intrax does this for our participants)
4. Schedule and attend your U.S. visa interview

Below, we’ll walk through each step in more detail.

Step 1: Secure an Internship Placement

Before you can apply for a J-1 Intern visa, you must have an internship offer from a U.S.-based host organization. The internship must be:

• Directly related to your academic field
• Structured and supervised
• Designed for learning and skill development

Many interns find placements in fields such as business, hospitality, technology, engineering, and marketing. Once you receive an offer, your host organization will work with you and your sponsor to outline the internship duties and learning objectives.

Step 2: Apply Through a J-1 Visa Sponsor

You cannot apply for a J-1 visa independently. All J-1 Interns must be sponsored by a U.S. Department of State–designated sponsor, such as Intrax Global Internships.

Your sponsor will:

• Review your eligibility and documents
• Ensure your internship meets program regulations
• Prepare and approve your training plan
• Guide you through compliance requirements

The sponsor is responsible for issuing your official visa paperwork and supporting you throughout your program.

Step 3: Receive Your DS-2019

Once your application is approved, your sponsor will issue your Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility). This document confirms that you are eligible to participate in the J-1 Intern program and outlines key details such as your program dates and sponsor information.

You’ll need your DS-2019 to:

• Pay the SEVIS fee (Intrax pays the SEVIS fee for our participants)
• Complete your visa application
• Attend your visa interview

Be sure to review the form carefully and keep it in a safe place, as you’ll use it multiple times during the process.

Step 4: Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview

The final step is scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Interview availability can vary, so it’s best to book your appointment as soon as you’re eligible.

During the appointment, a consular officer will review your documents and ask J-1 visa interview questions about:

• Your internship and academic background
• Your reasons for participating in the J-1 program
• Your plans after completing the internship

Answer honestly and confidently. The goal is to demonstrate that your internship is educational, temporary, and aligned with the purpose of the J-1 exchange program.

J-1 Visa FAQs

How Do I Apply for a DS-2019 Form?

You don’t apply for Form DS-2019 directly through the U.S. government. Instead, the form is issued by your designated J-1 visa sponsor after you’ve been accepted into an approved exchange program.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. You secure a qualifying internship with a U.S. host organization
2. You apply through a J-1 sponsor, such as Intrax Global Internships
3. Your sponsor reviews your eligibility, documents, and training plan
4. Once approved, your sponsor issues your DS-2019

The DS-2019 is a key document that confirms your eligibility for the J-1 Intern program and allows you to move forward with the visa application process.

What's the Difference Between a J-1 and an F-1 Visa?

While both the J-1 and F-1 visas are non-immigrant visas for international students, they serve very different purposes.

The J-1 Intern visa is designed for:

• Cultural exchange and professional training
• Short-term paid internships related to your academic field
• Participants sponsored by a designated J-1 organization

The F-1 visa, on the other hand, is primarily for:

• Full-time academic study in the U.S.
• Students enrolled at U.S. colleges or universities
• Limited work authorization through programs like CPT or OPT

If your main goal is to gain practical, structured internship experience in the U.S. without enrolling in a U.S. degree program, the J-1 Intern visa is usually the better fit.

What Is the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement?

The two-year home residency requirement, also known as Section 212(e), applies to some J-1 visa holders. If it applies to you, it means you must return to your home country for a total of two years after completing your J-1 program before you can apply for certain U.S. visas or permanent residency.

This requirement may apply if:

• Your J-1 program is funded by the U.S. government or your home government
• Your field appears on your country’s skills list
• You received specialized training funded by a government source

Many J-1 Interns are not subject to this rule, but it’s important to confirm your status early. Your DS-2019 and visa stamp typically indicate whether the requirement applies to you, and your sponsor can help you understand what it means for your future plans.

Start Your J-1 Intern Journey with Intrax Global Internships

Having the right sponsor can be the difference between a stressful experience and a smooth, well-supported one. As a U.S. Department of State–designated J-1 sponsor, we have decades of experience supporting international interns from around the world. 

Our team guides you through every stage of the process, ensuring your internship is compliant, your paperwork is in order, and your questions are answered along the way. We’re here to help you succeed before you arrive, during your program, and through completion.

If you’re ready to gain professional experience in the U.S., build global skills, and take the next step in your career, get in touch here.