During the Program: J-1 Terms Explained

During your program: working hours and evaluations, plus travel, extensions and transfers.

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  Arrival & ReportingEntering the US on a J-1 Visa and what you report to your sponsor afterwards, first your arrival, then any change of address, phone, email or site of activity.
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  EvaluationsThe written reviews of your progress that every J-1 internship and traineeship includes.
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  I-94 RecordYour I-94 is the US arrival/departure record showing your admission class and how long you are admitted to stay.
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  J-1 TaxesHow US income tax applies to J-1 participants. Your days as an "exempt individual" don't count for the substantial presence test, but wages are still taxable.
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  Know Your RightsThe State Department's Wilberforce pamphlet explains workplace rights, protection from exploitation and help available to J-1 visitors.
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  Lawful StatusKeeping J-1 status means following your exchange program's rules and staying within your authorized period of admission.
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  MonitoringYour sponsor must monitor your participation, progress and welfare; interns and trainees also get on-site supervision and evaluations.
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  OrientationYour sponsor must give you pre-arrival information and offer an orientation covering your J-1 program, US life, rights and reporting duties.
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  Pay & HousingWhat the J-1 rules say about pay and accommodation for interns and trainees. They set no wage, but you must be able to cover your whole stay, housing included.
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  Program ExclusionsThe kinds of positions and duties that J-1 internships and traineeships are not allowed to include.
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  Program ExtensionMaking a running J-1 program longer, possible only up to the maximum duration of your category.
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  Second InternshipDoing another J-1 internship or traineeship after the first one. Possible, but only under clear conditions.
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  Sponsor TransferMoving a running J-1 program from one sponsor to another. Possible only within the same category.
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  TerminationTermination ends your J-1 program participation for regulatory reasons and is recorded in SEVIS, without the usual post-completion grace period.
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  Unauthorized EmploymentWork outside the activities allowed by your DS-2019, J-1 category and required sponsor approval can lead to termination of your program.
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  Unpaid InternshipAn unpaid J-1 internship must meet exchange-program requirements and applicable wage law; the J-1 rules alone do not decide whether pay is required.
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  Visa Expiry & TravelWhat happens if your J-1 Visa stamp expires while your program is still running, and what that means for trips abroad.
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  Working HoursJ-1 internships and traineeships are full-time programs of at least 32 hours a week.
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  ZIP Code & US AddressYour sponsor records your actual US residence in SEVIS. Report an address change within 10 calendar days; a ZIP Code helps identify the postal destination.

Other Topics

Visa CategoriesIntern, trainee, scholar and J-2: who can come to the US and for how long.13 termsApplicationSponsor, documents, English, insurance, timing and the visa interview.11 termsForms & FeesDS-2019, DS-7002, SEVIS and what a J-1 program costs.6 termsAfter the ProgramThe grace period, the two-year rule and the 24-month bar.7 termsHost CompaniesHosting interns and trainees: who qualifies, checks and site visits.4 terms