J-1 Trainee: What It Is, Who Qualifies, How Long It Lasts

What Is a J-1 Trainee?

A US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.

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Who Can Apply

You need either a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary institution outside the US plus at least one year of related work experience outside the US, or five years of work experience in your field outside the US.

Trainees, like interns, need enough English to manage day-to-day work.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

How Long It Lasts

The duration of a training program is up to 18 months. The limit for hospitality and tourism and for agriculture is 12 months. Agriculture programs can reach 18 months if the original training plan includes at least six months of related classroom studies.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

Intern or Trainee?

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

How It Works

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

FAQs

Can I switch from intern to trainee?

Former interns who no longer qualify as interns can take part as trainees after living at least two years outside the US, see Second Internship.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

How long can a J-1 trainee stay?

Up to 18 months. In hospitality and tourism and in agriculture the limit is 12 months; agriculture can reach 18 months if the original training plan includes at least six months of related classroom studies.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

Does work experience in the US count?

No. The required work experience, one year with a degree or five years without, has to be acquired outside the United States.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

Does a professional certificate count instead of a degree?

Yes. A professional certificate from a post-secondary academic institution outside the US counts like a degree, together with at least one year of related work experience outside the US.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

The Bottom Line

With a degree and at least one year of related work experience abroad, or five years of experience, the J-1 Trainee category lets you train at a US company for up to 18 months. In hospitality and tourism and in agriculture the limit is 12 months; agriculture can reach 18 with at least six months of classroom study in the original plan.

Related Terms

• 
  J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.
  more
• 
  DS-7002The Training/Internship Placement Plan. You, your host company and your sponsor all sign it.
  more
• 
  DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.
  more
• 
  Host CompanyThe US organization where a J-1 intern or trainee does the training program.
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• 
  Health InsuranceCoverage every J-1 participant must have for the whole program, with minimum benefits set by US rules.
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• 
  Two-Year RuleSome J-1 participants must spend two years in their home country before getting an H or L visa or a green card.
  more

Sources

1. 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns