The J-1 Visa as an Intern
For students and recent graduates

Still studying, or recently finished your university degree, and want to go to the USA? Then the J-1 visa as an Intern is your route: a genuine placement built around learning at a US company, for up to 12 months. We handle the whole visa and sponsorship for you.

What is a J-1 Intern?

A J-1 Intern does a structured placement at a US company where learning is the focus. The Intern category is for people early in their path: students and recent graduates. The J-1 visa makes the stay in the USA legal, and we handle the sponsorship.

Who qualifies as an Intern?

You count as an Intern if, at your program start, one of these is true:

  • you are currently enrolled at a university (full time, outside the US), or
  • your university degree is no more than 12 months behind you.

A completed vocational training counts the same as a degree. Your placement should match your field.

Already from your first semester

You do not have to wait for graduation: from your first semester at university you can go to the USA as an Intern. More under the J-1 visa after graduation.

How long does a program as an Intern last?

As an Intern you stay in the USA for up to 12 months (in hospitality and culinary roles also 12 months). Afterwards you may be able to do another J-1 visa, see a second J-1 visa.

Paid or unpaid?

Both work. Many Intern placements are paid, but a genuine unpaid internship is just as possible. Details under unpaid internships in the USA.

Intern or Trainee?

If you already have at least one year of relevant work experience after your degree, your route runs through the Trainee category (up to 18 months, without the 12-month window). Not sure? Take the test Intern or Trainee.

Direct Registration

USA & UK
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Which country do you want to go to?

Is the Intern route right for you?

Tell us briefly where you stand, and we will tell you whether you are set as an Intern and what comes next.

Do I qualify as an Intern?

Tell us about your studies and your plan, and we will check it for you.

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Questions & Answers

Yes. While you are enrolled you qualify as an Intern and can start during your studies.
Up to 12 months after your university degree. After that the route runs through the Trainee category if you have work experience.
Yes, a completed vocational training is treated like a university degree.

At VisaNerd we sponsor strictly within the US Department of State exchange visitor regulations (22 CFR 62.22) and current BridgeUSA policy. What you read here is how we actually sponsor and what we require, not a general overview of other sponsors. It is practical guidance from our team, not legal advice; your eligibility is confirmed through us as your sponsor contact, and the final visa decision is made by the US consular officer.