See if you are eligible for a J-1 visa for an internship in the U.S.

E L I G I B I L I T Y

Find Out If You Are Eligible
For An Internship In The US

Criteria For J-1 Visa

Applicants must be full time students or have graduated recently (you must commence internship no later than 12 months after graduation).

The applicant must be minimum 18 years old.
The applicant must have the sufficient English skills to work in a company in the US.
All applicants must demonstrate their ability to comprehend and communicate in English.
Applicants must be enrolled in an academic program lasting at least a year. The educational program must result in an educational degree.
The internship must be relevant to the applicant's study at home.
If the applicant has taken internships in the US previously he or she must prove that the new training period does not correspond to the former.

Additional Criteria
For Graduates

It is possible to apply for an internship also when you graduated more than 12 months ago. A few extra requirements apply and it is referred to as traineeship instead of internship, but it is the same type of visa.

The applicant must have a higher education that has lasted at least 2 years.
The internship must be related to the applicant's education.
The applicant must have at least one year of relevant work experience.

Restrictions That Applies To
Your Internship Placement

You will only be given a J-1 visa if your internship require a special skill. This means that certain theoretical knowledge is needed to perform your duties in a successful way. An internship involving unskilled tasks such as being a bartender, receptionist, clerk or cashier will most likely not be approved.

Type Of Work That Will NOT
Be Approved On A J-1 Visa

Au-pair work, maid work or other domestic work like child care.
Scout leader, Camp director.
Medicine/nursing or other fields that involves therapy, counselling, nursing or diagnosis of medical, psychiatric or psychological nature.
Pharmacy related work.
Veterinary or animal keeper.
Pilot or crew member on a boat or plane.
Teachers or trainers.
Temporary work or consultancy work.