A Step-By-Step Guide From Applying For a J-1 Visa to Your First Day as an Intern in the U.S.

Getting a J-1 visa and starting your U.S. internship involves multiple stages, paperwork, and waiting periods. The process can take two to three months from start to finish, sometimes longer, depending on embassy wait times and sponsor processing speeds. Understanding each step helps you plan better and avoid unnecessary delays.

Here’s what you need to know about the entire journey, from finding an internship to walking through your host company’s doors on day one.

Finding Your Host Company

You cannot apply for a J-1 visa without first securing an internship with a U.S. company. Many people get confused about the order of things. You need the internship offer first, then the visa sponsor, then the visa itself.

Searching for host companies works like any other job hunt. You’ll need a strong resume, a clear idea of what you want to learn, and persistence. Job boards, LinkedIn, your university’s career center, and professional networks all serve as good starting points. Some industries hire international interns regularly, while others rarely do. Tech companies, hospitality businesses, marketing agencies, and nonprofit organizations tend to be more open to J-1 participants.

When you find potential positions, explain that you’ll need J-1 visa sponsorship. Some companies already work with J-1 sponsors and know the process. Others might need education about what’s involved. Be prepared to explain that they won’t directly sponsor your visa but will instead work with a designated sponsor organization.

Plan to spend several weeks or even months on your host company search. Starting early reduces stress later in the process.

Step 1: Choose a J-1 Visa Sponsor

Once you have an internship offer, you need a designated sponsor organization. Your host company cannot sponsor you directly unless it’s already designated by the Department of State, which most small and medium companies are not.

J-1 visa sponsors are organizations authorized by the U.S. government to facilitate exchange visitor programs. Over 1,000 organizations hold designations for various program categories. They serve as intermediaries between you and the U.S. government, handling paperwork, ensuring compliance, and providing support throughout your program.

Research different sponsors carefully. Compare their fees, services, processing times, and reviews from previous participants. Some sponsors specialize in certain fields or nationalities. Others work across many industries and countries.

Organizations like J1 Visa Exchanges bring decades of experience to the process. As a Department of State-designated sponsor for intern and trainee programs, they handle document verification, SEVIS registration, and provide dedicated account managers for participants. Their processing typically completes within 48 hours once you submit all required documents.

Sponsor fees vary, but expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for initial processing, plus monthly program fees and a $220 SEVIS fee paid to the government. J1 Visa Exchanges charges a $1,495 processing fee for interns and trainees, plus $220 for SEVIS, and $125 monthly for program services and insurance.

Related: How to Verify a J-1 Sponsor: Red Flags and a Verification Checklist

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Your sponsor will provide a complete list of documents needed for your application. Requirements vary slightly by sponsor, but most need similar core documents.

You’ll typically submit your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your program end date), university transcripts and diplomas, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, English proficiency test scores if applicable, and your internship offer letter from the host company.

The internship offer letter should detail your position title, duties, learning objectives, program duration, work schedule, and compensation if any. Your sponsor will review the letter to ensure it meets program requirements. Internships must provide educational value, not just fill labor needs.

Some sponsors require additional documents like proof of insurance, financial statements, or specific application forms. Organize everything in a digital format with clear labels. Having documents ready when your sponsor requests them speeds up processing significantly.

Step 3: Complete Your Training Plan (Form DS-7002)

Form DS-7002, the Training/Internship Placement Plan, outlines what you’ll learn during your program. Your host company and sponsor work together to create the plan, detailing specific skills you’ll develop, phases of training with timeframes, supervision arrangements, and evaluation methods.

The plan must show educational value beyond typical employment. Immigration regulations require that J-1 internships focus on skill development and cultural exchange, not just providing cheap labor for companies. Your sponsor reviews the training plan carefully to ensure compliance with these requirements.

You’ll review and sign the DS-7002 once your sponsor and host company finalize it. Keep a copy for your records and bring it to your visa interview.

Step 4: Receive Your DS-2019 Form

After your sponsor approves your application and training plan, they enter your information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The government database tracks all exchange visitors in the United States.

Your sponsor then issues Form DS-2019, the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. The form includes your SEVIS number, which starts with the letter “N” followed by numbers. You’ll need the SEVIS number for paying your fee and scheduling your interview.

Review your DS-2019 carefully when you receive it. Check that all information matches your passport exactly, including name spelling. Verify program dates, host company details, and your sponsor’s information. Report any errors to your sponsor immediately for correction.

The DS-2019 is your most important document throughout the J-1 process. You’ll need it to pay your SEVIS fee, apply for your visa, enter the United States, and re-enter if you travel internationally during your program.

Step 5: Pay the SEVIS Fee

Before scheduling your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You pay directly to the U.S. government through their online system.

Visit the SEVIS fee payment website and enter your SEVIS number and personal information. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer, depending on your country. The system generates a receipt after payment.

Print several copies of your SEVIS fee receipt. You’ll need to bring one to your visa interview, and you should keep copies of it with your important documents. The payment processes immediately, but allow a few days before scheduling your interview to ensure the payment appears in the system.

Step 6: Complete Form DS-160

Form DS-160 is the online non-immigrant visa application. Every person seeking a temporary U.S. visa completes DS-160, regardless of visa type.

The form asks detailed questions about your background, education, work history, travel plans, and security screening questions. Answer everything truthfully and completely. Information must match your passport and other documents exactly.

The form saves your progress automatically, but you receive an application ID number. Write down the number because you cannot retrieve your application without it. You can work on the form over multiple sessions if needed.

After completing all sections, review your answers carefully. Submit the form and print the confirmation page with the barcode. You must bring the confirmation page to your interview. Some embassies require multiple copies.

Step 7: Schedule and Pay for Your Visa Interview

Most applicants must attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Some embassy websites allow online scheduling, while others require phone calls or email requests.

Wait times for interview appointments vary dramatically by location and season. Popular summer months often have longer waits. Check appointment availability early and book as soon as possible.

You’ll pay the visa application fee of $185 when scheduling your interview. Payment methods vary by country. Some locations accept credit cards online, while others require bank deposits or cash payments at designated locations. Follow your embassy’s specific instructions.

After scheduling, you’ll receive a confirmation with your interview date, time, and location. Note any specific instructions about arriving early, prohibited items, or required documents.

Step 8: Attend Your Visa Interview

Arrive at the embassy early with all required documents organized. Security screening at embassies takes time, and you cannot bring electronic devices, bags, or many personal items inside.

Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-2019 form, interview appointment confirmation, one or two passport photos meeting U.S. requirements, and supporting documents like your resume, university documents, training plan, and financial statements.

The interview usually lasts only a few minutes. Consular officers ask about your program, your qualifications, your intent to return home after completing the program, and how you’ll support yourself financially.

Answer questions directly and honestly. Don’t volunteer extra information beyond what’s asked, but don’t hide relevant details either. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.

Most people receive a decision on the same day. If approved, the embassy keeps your passport to add the visa stamp. You’ll either pick it up later or receive it by courier service. If additional administrative processing is needed, the timeline extends by several weeks or months.

Related: Popular J-1 Visa Interview Questions: How To Answer Them

Step 9: Prepare for Departure

Once you receive your passport with the visa stamp, verify all information is correct. Check your name spelling, visa category (J-1), program dates, and number of entries allowed.

Book your travel arrangements only after receiving your visa. You can enter the United States up to 30 days before your program start date listed on your DS-2019. Entering earlier than 30 days may result in denied entry.

Many sponsors provide pre-departure orientations covering cultural adjustment, legal responsibilities, practical tips for living in the United States, and program requirements. J1 Visa Exchanges offers a comprehensive orientation to prepare participants for their arrival.

Arrange temporary housing for your first few days or weeks. Some host companies help with housing, while others expect you to find your own. Research your host city’s neighborhoods, transportation options, and cost of living.

Pack appropriately for your destination’s climate and your professional environment. Bring any necessary medications, important documents (keep copies separate from originals), and items that might be expensive or hard to find in the United States.

Step 10: Enter the United States

When you arrive at a U.S. port of entry, you’ll go through customs and border protection. Have your passport, visa, and DS-2019 ready. Officers may ask about your program, where you’ll be staying, and your plans.

If granted entry, you’ll receive an admission stamp or Form I-94 documenting your legal entry and authorized period of stay. Check your I-94 carefully. You can also access electronic I-94 records online at the CBP website.

Your authorized stay period is “D/S” (duration of status) rather than a specific date. You may remain in the United States for the program duration listed on your DS-2019, plus a 30-day grace period after completion.

Before Your First Day: Getting Settled

Budget time between arrival and your start date to handle practical matters. Open a U.S. bank account if possible, bringing your passport, DS-2019, and proof of address. Not all banks work with temporary visa holders, so call ahead to ask about requirements.

Get a local phone number. Your sponsor will need to reach you, and having a U.S. number makes many things easier. Prepaid plans work well for temporary stays.

Figure out your commute to your internship location. Test the route before your first day. Whether you’re taking public transportation, biking, or driving, knowing the journey time reduces first-day stress.

Buy appropriate professional clothing if you didn’t bring enough. Different industries have different dress codes. Ask your host company about expectations.

Contact your supervisor or HR department to confirm your start time, what to bring, and any first-day procedures. Some companies want you to bring specific documents for I-9 employment eligibility verification.

Your First Day

Arrive early on your first day. Bring your passport, DS-2019, Social Security card if you’ve already obtained one, and any other documents your host company requested. Many companies need specific documents for their records and tax purposes.

Expect to spend time on paperwork, orientation, and setup activities. You’ll probably complete employment forms, get your workspace or access credentials, meet team members, and receive an overview of company policies.

Listen carefully and ask questions. Write down important information like wifi passwords, system access instructions, key contact names, and your supervisor’s expectations.

Remember that you’re participating in a cultural exchange program. Your role includes learning professional skills, sharing your culture with American colleagues, and absorbing American workplace culture. The experience extends beyond just completing job tasks.

Staying Compliant During Your Program

Throughout your internship, you must maintain your J-1 status. Work only for your designated host company in the position outlined in your training plan. If anything changes, contact your sponsor immediately. They must approve any modifications to your program.

Keep copies of all important documents accessible. Maintain communication with your sponsor, who will check on your progress periodically. Report any problems or concerns to them promptly.

If you plan to travel outside the United States during your program, get a travel signature on your DS-2019 from your sponsor first. The signature is valid for 12 months. Re-entering without a valid travel signature can cause serious problems at the border.

Stay within the terms of your visa. Working unauthorized jobs, overstaying your program dates, or violating program rules can result in deportation and future visa ineligibility.

Making the Most of Your Experience

Beyond your internship responsibilities, engage with your community. Attend local events, join professional groups, and build relationships with colleagues. Cultural exchange happens through everyday interactions, not just formal work.

Document your experience through photos, journal entries, and professional work samples (when permitted). You’ll want to remember details when you return home and start applying what you learned.

Connect with other J-1 participants in your area. Many cities have international communities where exchange visitors meet and support each other. Your sponsor may facilitate connections with other program participants.

Your J-1 internship is more than work experience. It’s a chance to develop professionally, build international networks, and gain perspectives that shape your career. The effort you invested in the application process pays off through the experiences and growth that follow. 
Visit our site or contact us to learn more about the J-1 Intern/Trainee Program!