How it works
Learn how to host an international intern or trainee through the InterExchange Career Training USA program!
Host Requirements
Review the below criteria to determine if your company meets the eligibility requirements of the J-1 Intern/Trainee program. See more in-depth resources about the J-1 Visa.
Check if your company is eligible
Host companies must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Abide by all federal, state and local labor and occupational health and safety laws, including compensation requirements and regulations
- Internship programs exceeding 6 months must be paid at least the state and local minimum wage. Shorter internship programs may be unpaid, but they must meet the U.S. Department of Labor’s Criteria for Unpaid Internships and are not eligible for a program extension if the total program length will exceed 6 months. Trainee programs must be paid at least the state and local minimum wage regardless of program length.
- Provide a professional training program in an office-type setting, with no more than 20% clerical or basic work. Home-based businesses are not permitted
- Training provided to interns and trainees must also be primarily in-person. Intern/Trainees may participate remotely no more than 40% of their program (e.g., two out of five days per week) if the host organization has instituted partial remote policies.
- There must also be at least 5 full-time, onsite employees per J-1 intern or trainee to ensure adequate training and supervision is provided.
- Each Phase Supervisor listed on the Training Plan must be onsite for the duration of their assigned phase.
- Be in business and operational for at least six months
- Have an English-language website and company-based email addresses
- Interview candidates via phone, webcam, or in person
- Agree to complete mandatory program evaluations and to notify InterExchange in case of an emergency or any changes to the training plan or supervision
- Consent to a site visit by InterExchange (for a one-time $250 fee) prior to program approval, if required
- If the host company has fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in revenue, InterExchange is required by the State Department to perform a site visit before approving you for the program
Required documents & information
All companies must also complete and submit the following required documents/information as part of the online application:
- Company Basics Details in your host record
- Proof of a current and valid workers’ compensation policy or equivalent insurance that covers J-1 participants at the site they will be training (or proof of exemption)
- Either a DUNS number or copy of your business registration
- A Federal Identification Number
- A Training Plan for the participant
- Attendance at a Host Employer Orientation
- Required for the Main Program Supervisor before the application can be approved, but anyone who wishes to understand the process better may attend!
Is my industry eligible?
InterExchange is designated to sponsor programs in fields that fall under the following categories:
- Arts & Culture
- Information Media and Communications
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
- Public Administration and Law
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
- Hospitality and Tourism
- If you are offering a program in the hospitality industry, be sure to review our hospitality requirements.
What training can my company offer?
J-1 internships and training programs are intended to provide work-based training in an eligible field, enabling candidates to enhance their skills and prepare for their future careers. These programs may NOT be used for ordinary employment purposes or to fill a labor need. Therefore, host employers must:
- Provide full-time (32-45 hrs per week), professional-level training and not displace full- or part-time, temporary, or permanent American workers
- Provide training that does not require any sort of license or certification or entail commission-based activities
- Develop an internship or training program, as outlined in the DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan, that allows candidates to obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided training provided by U.S. employees who are qualified in the candidates’ fields
- Ensure Interns and Trainees have sufficient exposure to U.S. culture and business practices and that your American staff is exposed to the culture and business practices of each candidate’s home country
- Not attempt to extend an offer of employment or change the visa status of your Interns or Trainees, as it is required that they return home after completing the program
What types of training are prohibited?
Not all employers are permitted to host Interns and Trainees through InterExchange. We are not able to sponsor programs in which Interns or Trainees would participate in:
- Animal care or any handling of animals
- Child care
- Clinical work that involves any patient care or contact
- Dentistry
- Eldercare
- Social work
- Sports or physical therapy, psychological counseling
- Teaching
- Veterinary medicine
We also cannot approve participants for sponsorship at the following locations:
- Agricultural settings, such as farms or in wineries’ harvesting operations
- Arcades
- Bridal companies
- Camps (consider our Camp USA program for camp positions)
- Candy stores, mall kiosks, boardwalk booths, and stands
- Convenience and grocery stores or superettes/mini-markets (consider our Work & Travel USA program for seasonal positions)
- Call center, customer service, or phone operators, including tech and help desk support
- Fast food or quick service restaurants or bakeries (consider our Work & Travel USA program for seasonal positions)
- Fitness studios, gyms, pools, dance studios, personal training, or coaching
- Garages
- Gardens or parks
- Gas stations or toll plazas
- Landscaping companies
- Pool management companies
- Real estate agencies
- Retail stores or locations and boutiques
- Schools and other instructional facilities, including teaching & coaching
- Spas, salons, or dog grooming companies
- Staffing agencies
- Trades or crafts (e.g. pottery, carpentry, metalworking, furniture-making, cabinetry)
If you require staff at one of the locations mentioned above or would like seasonal staff to assist with tasks that are not appropriate for Career Training USA participants, our Work & Travel USA program may be able to help meet your needs.
If you are unsure whether the internship or training program you are offering falls under our list of fields, please contact Career Training USA.
Sponsored Fields
InterExchange Career Training USA sponsors programs in six general categories. Please review the following categories to determine whether the proposed field of training is included. If it is not, we may not be able to sponsor your field. Please contact InterExchange to discuss your proposed field if it is not listed below.
Arts and Culture
- Arts Management
- Cinematography and Film/Video Production
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Commercial Photography
- Costume Design
- Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis
- Design and Applied Arts
- Design and Visual Communications
- Digital Arts
- Directing and Theatrical Production
- Documentary Production
- Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
- Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Fashion Apparel/Design
- Film/Cinema Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Game and Interactive Media Design
- Graphic Design
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Illustration
- Industrial Design
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Interior Design
- Intermedia/Multimedia
- International/Global Studies
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Music Management and Merchandising
- Music Technology
- Music Theory and Composition
- Playwriting and Screenwriting
- Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
- Theatre/Theatre Arts Management
- Visual and Performing Arts
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations
- 3‐D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
- Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician
- Aerospace
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Other
- Agricultural/Biological Engineering and Bioengineering
- Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
- Architectural Conservation
- Architectural Design
- Architectural Engineering
- Architecture (BArch, BA/BS, MArch, MA/MS, PhD)
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Audio Engineering Technology/Technician
- Biochemistry
- Bioenergy
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology/Biological Sciences
- Biomathematics and Bioinformatics
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Building/Construction Site Management/Manager
- Business Analytics
- Cartography
- Chemical Engineering
- Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics
- Chemistry
- Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD
- Civil Engineering
- Climate Science
- Computational Mathematics
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Hardware Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Data Analytics, General
- Data Science, General
- Data Visualization
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies
- Ecology
- Economics and Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologies
- Energy Systems Engineering, General
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering Science
- Engineering Technologies
- Engineering Technology
- Environmental Biology
- Environmental Design/Architecture
- Environmental Design, Other
- Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology
- Environmental Geosciences
- Environmental Science
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Financial Analytics
- Food Science and Technology
- Forest Sciences and Biology
- General Merchandising
- Genetics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Geothermal Energy Technology/Technician
- Hydroelectric Energy Technology/Technician
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture (BS, BSLA, BLA, MSLA, MLA, PhD)
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mathematical Economics
- Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Motorsports Engineering Technology/Technician
- Natural Resources and Conservation
- Natural Sciences
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Ocean Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Physical Sciences
- Physics
- Physics and Astronomy
- Polymer/Plastics Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Surveying Engineering (NEW)
- Surveying Technology/Surveying
- Sustainable Design/Architecture
- Transportation and Highway Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Wind Energy Technology/Technician
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
- Accounting
- Accounting and Business/Management
- Accounting and Computer Science
- Accounting and Finance
- Actuarial Science
- Advertising
- Auditing
- Banking and Financial Support Services
- Business Administration and Management, General
- Business and Personal/Financial Services Marketing Operations
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Business/Commerce
- Construction Management
- Construction Project Management
- Credit Management
- Digital Marketing
- E-Commerce/Electronic Commerce
- Engineering/Industrial Management
- Fashion Merchandising (no fashion design)
- Finance
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Financial Planning and Services
- Financial Risk Management
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration
- Insurance
- International Business/Trade/Commerce
- International Finance
- International Marketing
- Investments and Securities
- Logistics and Materials Management
- Marketing
- Marketing Research
- Marketing/Marketing Management
- Merchandising and Buying Operations
- Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
- Operations Management and Supervision
- Public Finance
- Public Relations
- Public Relations/Image Management
- Purchasing
- Retailing and Retail Operations
- Risk Management
- Sales
- Small Business Administration/Management
Hospitality and Tourism
- Culinary Arts/Chef Training
- Hospitality Administration/Management, General
- Hospitality Administration/Management, Other
- Hospitality and Recreation Marketing Operations
- Hotel/Motel Administration/Management
- Resort Management
- Restaurant/Food Services Management
- Tourism and Travel Services Management
- Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations (NEW)
- Tourism Promotion Operations
Public Administration and Law
- Advanced Legal Research/Studies
- Arts and Entertainment Law
- Compliance Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy
- Economics, General
- Energy and Environmental Policy
- Human Resources Law
- Insurance Law
- International Business and Law
- Labor and Industrial Relations
- Law (LL.B., J.D.)
- Legal Professions and Studies
- Patent Law
- Political Science and Government
- Public Administration
- Public Policy Analysis
- Real Estate and Land Development Law
- Transportation Law
- Urban Studies/Affairs
Information Media and Communications
- Animation
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Broadcast Journalism
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Business and Economic Journalism
- Cinematography and Film/Video Production
- Cloud Computing
- Communication
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric
- Communication Management and Strategic Communications
- Communications Technology
- Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
- Computer and Information Systems Security
- Computer Game Programming
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Programming
- Computer Programming/Programmer
- Computer Science
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Computer Software Engineering
- Computer Software Technology/Technician
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other
- Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology
- Cultural Journalism
- Design and Visual Communications
- Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
- Graphic Communications
- Graphic Design
- Health Communication
- Human‐Centered Technology Design
- Information Resources Management/CIO Training
- Information Science/Studies
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Journalism, Other
- Management Information Systems
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Mass Communication/Media Studies
- Organizational Communication
- Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician and Assistant
- Photojournalism
- Political Communication
- Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design
- Publishing
- Radio
- Radio and Television
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology
- Recording Arts Technology/Technician
- Science/Health/Environmental Journalism
- System Administration/Administrator
- Technical and Business Writing
- Web Page
- Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster
Special Requirements for Hospitality Hosts
The following requirements apply to hotel/hospitality management, hotel food and beverage management, restaurant management, and culinary arts.
- InterExchange does not permit business-only or non-hospitality programs at hotels, resorts, inns, or restaurants.
- Interns and Trainees wishing to train in hospitality or restaurant management positions must have hospitality or restaurant management education (interns) or work experience (trainees) in order to be able to rotate through various departments.
- At least three rotations for programs six months or longer is required by the regulations. No rotation may be more than three or four months long, and each department must have sufficient, qualified staff to offer adequate training.
- NOTE: InterExchange will not be able to sponsor Hospitality programs with Housekeeping Management phases.
- Per the U.S. Department of State regulations, all Hospitality Management, Restaurant Management and Culinary programs are limited to 12 months regardless of whether the individual is an Intern or Trainee.
- Hospitality Interns and Trainees may not return to properties at which they have previously worked on a Work and Travel program or other work visa.
Education or work experience only in Tourism Management does not qualify Interns or Trainees for programs in Hospitality Management, as those fields are not interchangeable.
Eligible Locations
- Hotels should be rated 3-Diamond or higher by AAA, or rated 4-Star and above by Forbes. All unrated properties will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Restaurants must be high-end, fine dining, sit-down restaurants OR full-service banquet halls. All properties will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Non-Eligible Locations
- Hotels that do not meet the above requirements
- Motels
- Hostels
- National chains restaurants, casual dining restaurants, pubs, pizza parlors
- Fast food, delivery/takeout restaurants, bakeries
- Kiosks, stands, food trucks
Acceptable Types of Training
Remember that participants must rotate through departments and roles. Therefore, they may train in any given category for only one phase.
Hotel/Hospitality Management
- Front Desk
- Concierge
- Hotel or Restaurant Inventory/Buying
- Back Office/Business Management
- Food and Beverage Management
Restaurant/Food and Beverage Management
- Restaurant Inventory or Management/Buying
- Catering/Event Planning
- Staff Training and Development
- Restaurant Business Areas
Culinary Arts
- Kitchen equipment and food-handling safety training
- Recipe development
- Inventory/food sourcing
- Different stations/food styles
- Menu planning
For questions about other types of tasks, please contact InterExchange.
Prohibited training tasks or positions
- Bartending
- Bellhop
- Bussing Tables
- Cashier
- Delivery
- Dishwashing
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Maintenance
- Night audit or any training that occurs in the overnight hours
- Running Food
- Serving/Hosting
- Valet
As part of an overall management training, participants may briefly train in hosting, waiting tables, food preparation, etc. to learn basic skills needed to pursue management-level training within a department. However, the combination of such basic tasks may NOT exceed 20% of the entire training program. For culinary participants, food preparation may constitute a larger percentage of their program but only for high-skill tasks contributing to their training.
Host employers who require wait staff, housekeepers, bellhops, short order cooks, etc., are encouraged to learn more about our InterExchange Work & Travel USA program.
Process
Review the application process to host a J-1 Intern/Trainee.
1. Check eligibility
Review the eligibility requirements to determine if your company and participant meet the J-1 Intern/Trainee program requirements.
- Host Organization Requirements
- If you are offering a program in the hospitality industry, be sure to also review our hospitality requirements.
- Prohibited training activities and locations
- Participant Requirements
2. Attend the Host Orientation
- Sign up for the mandatory Host Orientation
- It is required that the Main Program Supervisor attends before the application can be approved, but anyone on your team may also attend!
3. Complete your J-1 Visa sponsorship application
- Create your InterExchange account.
- Sign up here
- If you already have an account with us, you can login here
- Visit our page on Applying for J-1 Visa Sponsorship for step-by-step application instructions.
4. Application review and U.S. Embassy visit
- Once the sponsorship application has been approved by InterExchange, the participant will then apply for their J-1 Visa at their local U.S. Embassy/Consulate. The wait time to schedule visa appointments vary depending on location and time of year.
5. Begin the training program
- Once the applicant has received their J-1 Visa, they will be all set to travel to the United States and begin training. Review our host organization resources for information on J-1 taxes, cultural exchange, and more. InterExchange is here to help you have the best hosting experience!
Costs
There’s generally no cost to host a professional intern or trainee. The intern or trainee is responsible for paying the program fees to participate in the program.
If you would like to cover the sponsorship cost, you may submit the appropriate program fees listed on our Costs and Fees page and submit payment here.
If a site visit of your organization is required, there is a one-time fee of $250. InterExchange is required by the State Department to perform a site visit of all host companies with fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in revenue.
