J-1 Visa Host Company: What It Is and What It Does
Table of Contents
What Is a Host Company?
The US organization where a J-1 intern or trainee does the training program.
Key Takeaways
- Provides the training described in the DS-7002.
- Signs the training plan with you and the sponsor.
- Small new host companies get a site visit from the sponsor.
- Also called
- Host organization
- Signs
- DS-7002
- Checked by
- The J-1 sponsor
- Site visit
- If new and small, see Site Visit
- Supervision
- Continuous, on site
- Training time
- At least 32 hours a week
What the Host Company Does
The host company provides the structured, supervised training laid out in the DS-7002. Its signature on the plan confirms that the placement matches your goals.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Training Requirements
The host company has to be able to deliver the training in the DS-7002. The rules require:
- Sufficient resources and equipment, along with trained staff, to provide the training
- Continuous on-site supervision and mentoring by experienced and knowledgeable staff
- Structured activities such as on-the-job training, classroom training, seminars, rotations through several departments and conferences
- Full-time training of at least 32 hours a week, see Working Hours
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
What the Sponsor Checks
Before placing anyone, the sponsor checks the host company, including its Employer Identification Number (EIN), a third-party check of its address and business, and proof of workers' compensation insurance (or an equivalent, or evidence of a state exemption). New host companies with fewer than 25 employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue get a Site Visit.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Obligations During the Program
While the program runs, the host company has to:
- Tell the sponsor promptly about any concerns, changes or deviations from the training plan
- In any emergency involving you, contact the sponsor immediately
- Follow all federal, state and local occupational health and safety laws
- Follow the sponsor's program rules and complete all mandatory evaluations, see Evaluations
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
FAQs
What does a host company need to provide?
Its tax number (EIN), verifiable business details and proof of workers' compensation insurance (or an equivalent, or evidence of a state exemption), plus its signature on the DS-7002.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Can a small company host a J-1 intern?
Yes. New host companies with fewer than 25 employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue get a Site Visit from the sponsor. Placements at academic institutions and at federal, state or local government offices are excluded from this requirement.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Does the host company have to be a J-1 sponsor?
No. Sponsors are designated by the US Department of State and may work with host organizations as third parties. The sponsor remains responsible for making sure the host company follows the program rules.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Can the host company use a J-1 intern to fill an open position?
No. The placement may not displace full-time, part-time, temporary or permanent American workers or serve to fill a labor need. The position has to exist mainly for your training.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Which positions can a host company not offer?
Some kinds of work are excluded, such as unskilled labor, care work and duties with more than 20 percent clerical work, see Program Exclusions.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Can a J-1 internship be done fully remotely?
No. J-1 programs are expected to be predominantly in person, and the host company has to provide continuous on-site supervision. Participation in a host company's remote policy is covered by Department of State Guidance Directive 2023-01.
Source: J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State) · 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
The Bottom Line
The host company delivers the actual training, with continuous on-site supervision and at least 32 hours a week. It signs the training plan, gets checked by the sponsor and, if it is new and small, receives a site visit.
Related Terms
- Site VisitA sponsor's visit to a new host company with fewer than 25 employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue.more
- DS-7002The Training/Internship Placement Plan. You, your host company and your sponsor all sign it.more
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
- J-1 TraineeA US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.more
- Self-PlacedWhen you found your US host company yourself and then look for a J-1 sponsor.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
