J-1 Visa Intern Program

Internship programs are designed to allow foreign college and university students or recent graduates to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.

Interns must be foreign nationals:

• Who are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or
• Who have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.

Benefits
Practical Experience: The program bridges the gap between formal education and practical work experience.

 

Limitations/Exceptions for Intern work environment

Interns cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve childcare or elder care or in any kind of position that involves medical patient care or contact. Nor can interns work in positions that require more than 20 percent clerical or office support work.

Internships are offered in the following occupational categories:

• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing;
• Arts and Culture;
• Construction and Building Trades;
• Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services;
• Health Related Occupations;
• Hospitality and Tourism;
• Information Media and Communications;
• Management, Business, Commerce and Finance;
• Public Administration and Law; and
• The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations.

 Official program website