J-1 Occupational Categories: The 10 Training Fields

Occupational Categories: The ten fields in which J-1 intern and trainee programs can take place. A sponsor may only run programs in the categories it is designated for.
Table of Contents
  1. What Are the J-⁠1 Occupational Categories?
  2. The Ten Categories
  3. Which Categories a Sponsor Covers
  4. Extra Rules in Some Fields
  5. Unskilled Occupations
  6. FAQs
  7. The Bottom Line
  8. Related Terms
  9. Sources

What Are the J-1 Occupational Categories?

The ten fields in which J-1 intern and trainee programs can take place. A sponsor may only run programs in the categories it is designated for.

Key Takeaways

  • J-1 intern and trainee programs fall into ten occupational categories.
  • A sponsor may only run programs in the categories the US Department of State designated it for.
  • Additional rules apply in some fields, for example at most 12 months in hospitality and tourism.
  • No category allows unskilled work.

At a glance
Categories
10
Applies to
J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee programs
Set by
22 CFR § 62.22(c)
Sponsor
Only the categories it is designated for
Hospitality & tourism
Up to 12 months, at least 3 rotations from 6 months
Health
No patient care or patient contact

The Ten Categories

The US Department of State can designate intern and trainee programs in these ten occupational categories:

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns · J-⁠1 Visa: Intern (US Department of State) · J-⁠1 Visa: Trainee (US Department of State)

Which Categories a Sponsor Covers

Sponsors may only offer intern and trainee programs in the category or categories for which the US Department of State has designated them, see J-1 Sponsor. The length of a program may also not exceed what the sponsor's designation allows.

Trainees train in their occupational field, in which they need prior work experience outside the US. Interns learn through work in their academic field.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

Extra Rules in Some Fields

FieldExtra rule
Hospitality and TourismAt most 12 months, also for trainees. For programs lasting six months or longer, at least three departmental or functional rotations are required.
AgricultureTraining programs last at most 12 months, or 18 months if the original DS-7002 includes at least six months of related classroom studies. The sponsor certifies that intern and trainee programs in agriculture meet the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, see Pay & Housing.
Health Related OccupationsNo clinical work and no patient care or patient contact, including therapy, medication or other clinical or medical care.
Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social ServicesNo child care or elder care. The rules name psychological counseling, social work and early childhood education as examples of excluded clinical or medical care.
All categoriesNo unskilled or casual labor, at most 20 percent clerical work, full-time with at least 32 hours a week, see Program Exclusions and Working Hours.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

Unskilled Occupations

Appendix E to the J-1 regulations (22 CFR Part 62) lists 49 occupations that are considered unskilled, for example assemblers, bartenders, cashiers, housekeepers, kitchen workers, receptionists, warehouse workers and truck drivers.

In no category may interns or trainees be placed in unskilled or casual labor positions.

Source: 22 CFR Part 62, Appendix E: Unskilled occupations · 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

FAQs

Does every J-1 sponsor offer all ten categories?

Not necessarily. A sponsor may only offer intern and trainee programs in the category or categories for which the US Department of State has designated it.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

How long can a hospitality and tourism program last?

At most 12 months, for interns and trainees alike. Programs of six months or longer need at least three departmental or functional rotations.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns

Can a J-1 placement in a hotel or restaurant be a cashier or housekeeping job?

No. Unskilled or casual labor positions are excluded in every category, and the J-1 regulations list cashiers, housekeepers, hotel cleaners and kitchen workers among the unskilled occupations.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns · 22 CFR Part 62, Appendix E: Unskilled occupations

Does my training have to be in my own field?

Yes. Trainees train in their occupational field, where they need at least one year of related work experience outside the US with a degree, or five years without. Interns gain work-based learning in their academic field. A traineeship may not duplicate work experience or training you already have.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns · J-⁠1 Visa: Trainee (US Department of State)

The Bottom Line

Every J-1 intern and trainee program falls into one of ten occupational categories, and a sponsor can only run programs in the categories it is designated for. Hospitality and tourism and agriculture have extra limits, and unskilled work is excluded in every category.

Sources

  1. 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
  2. J-⁠1 Visa: Intern (US Department of State)
  3. J-⁠1 Visa: Trainee (US Department of State)
  4. 22 CFR Part 62, Appendix E: Unskilled occupations
10 October 2026 · Checked against the sources above.
Next check · November 2026