J-1 Intern/Trainee Visa

A sponsor is an organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to ensure that your internship or training program complies with J-1 Visa regulations. Intrax is one of these designated sponsors, which means we are officially authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue the DS-2019 form required for your J-1 Visa application.

To apply for a J-1 Intern or Trainee Visa, you need a document called "DS-2019 Form". This document can only be issued by an official organization designated by the U.S. Department of State, also called "Sponsor".

The sponsor’s primary role is to assess the eligibility of the applicant, the host company, and the proposed training or internship program. Intrax has been an official sponsor of the J-1 Intern and Trainee Visa programs since 2003.

The DS-2019 Form is an essential Certificate of Eligibility required to apply for a J-1 Visa. Without it, applicants cannot schedule their visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
In short: without DS-2019 Form, no J-1 Visa.

Many of our program participants have received recommendations and contact data from fellow students who were previously at the company in the USA. Often, Career Services and the International Office of the University also help in finding positions in the USA. Sometimes interns have previously gained experience at partner companies or branch offices in their home country or have a personal or family connection to the firm.
Check out our guide.
‍
At the moment, Intrax can only assist with internship placements in the field of hospitality. We provide 12-month paid positions in 4 to 5-star hotels/resorts and fine dining restaurants. If you are looking for an internship in another field, unfortunately, Intrax does not have a placement service at this time.

Hotels and Restaurants must meet the following additional requirements:
- Your internship or training in a hotel or a restaurant may not exceed 12 months
- The Training Plan/DS7002 form must contain a minimum of 3 phases for a 6-month program (4 phases for a 12-month program) with rotations showing a clear evolution in your missions.
- Training plans including housekeeping and bartending missions won't be approved by Intrax.
- Restaurants should be rated as „fine dining“
- A Hotel or Resort must have a minimum of 4 stars.
- Intrax does not accept internships in establishments primarily focused on serving beverages.
- Intrax does not accept internships in fast-food chains.
- Positions in bakeries and pastry shops are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, based on the variety and level of products and services offered.

If you have not found an internship, please feel to contact us and ask for application tips. It is only necessary to fill out our online application if you have an offer from an American company.
If you are interested in a hospitality internship, you may also consider whether you would like to use our placement program for Internships in the USA.

Yes. However, the company will be required to answer additional questions, and Intrax will verify during the validation call and/or site visit that the J-1 Visa regulations will be fully respected.
‍
We may review the following points:
- How will continuous supervision be ensured (for example, if the supervisor is traveling or absent due to illness)?
- What cultural exchange activities will be offered to the participant?
- Why has the company chosen to host an international trainee or intern rather than a U.S. candidate?
- Is a suitable professional office available ? (a private office located in the supervisor’s personal residence is not acceptable).
- Does the company comply with the 5:1 ratio requirement (5 full-time employees per J-1 participant) if it hosts more than one J-1 Intern or Trainee?
- Can the company clearly explain its motivation for participating in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program?
- For hospitality program: is the host company a 4- or 5-star hotel, resort, or a fine dining restaurant?

Please note that, if the host company generates less than $3 million in annual revenue and has fewer than 25 full-time employees, Intrax will conduct an on-site visit.

Longer than 6 months:
Your internship must be paid at least at the applicable local minimum wage (except for internships in the field of education).

Up to 6 months:
If your internship is unpaid or paid below the local minimum wage, your program must meet at least one of the following conditions to be eligible for Intrax sponsorship:
- Required internship or academic credit: The internship is a mandatory part of your studies or allows you to earn academic credits.
- Government program: The internship is part of a program organized or sponsored by a government entity.
- Other sources of funding: You receive a scholarship (such as Erasmus+), or you are compensated (at or above local minimum wage) by an international employer.

In this case, we will provide you with the list of additional documents required.

The J-1 visa service program fee is payable after we have:
- received all the documentation from you and your host company,
- conducted a short video interview with you.

Depending on embassies and their processing time, the passport containing the J-1 Visa is usually mailed back to you 5 to 7 days after your interview and visa approval at the US embassy.

Intrax is reliable: Intrax has over 35 years of experience with various J-1 visa categories.

We are transparent: there are no surprise costs to you, and our website lists all costs and answers all of the common questions we have received about J-1 visas in recent years.
‍
Everything in one place: We have offices in Europe and the USA, so we are always on hand whether you are applying or on program.

J-1 Intern Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the J-1 Intern Visa, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have at least an intermediate level of English
- Be currently enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States.
‍OR
- Have graduated from a post-secondary academic institution within the past 12 months.

J-1 Trainee Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the J-1 Trainee Visa, you must:
- Be at least 20 years old.
- Have at least an intermediate level of English
- Hold a post-secondary degree and have at least 12 months of full-time professional experience in your field (internships may be counted).
If you do not hold an eligible degree, you may still qualify if you have at least 5 years (60 months) of full-time professional experience in your field.

Host Company Requirements
Your host company must also meet the following requirements:
- The internship or training offered will directly relate to the J-1 Visa applicant’s studies/profession.
- In case the company wants to host more than 1 J-1 intern/trainee at the same time (regardless of the specific J-1 sponsor for each intern), there must be 5 full-time employees per J-1 Intern/Trainee (5:1 ratio).
- A dedicated, full-time supervisor will be available on-site throughout the program.
- A suitable professional office is available (a private office located in the supervisor’s personal residence is not acceptable).
- The training Site of Activity (SOA) must have at least 50% American employees.
- The language spoken at the office and on the company website is English.
- The internship or training must be at least 32 hours per week, with no more than 20% clerical work.
- If the host company generates less than $3 million in annual revenue and has fewer than 25 full-time employees, Intrax will conduct an on-site visit.
- The host company must have Workers’ Compensation Insurance or a legally valid exemption. In most U.S. states, companies are required to provide this coverage for their employees and interns and trainees.
- In the field of Hospitality, only 4 and 5-star hotels and resorts and fine dining restaurants are permitted.
- The position must be paid at least at the local minimum wage level. Exceptions for teaching programs and mandatory academic internships may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To obtain your J-1 Visa, you must first schedule a short visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can schedule this appointment directly through the Embassy’s official website using the SEVIS number provided by Intrax and listed on your DS-2019 Form. You must therefore wait until you receive your DS-2019 Form from Intrax before scheduling your visa appointment.

Yes. Even if it is only a four-week unpaid internship with the American friend of your parents, it is necessary to apply for a J1 visa through a J-1 visa sponsor.

During the registration with Intrax, your application and documents will be processed online through MyIntrax Portal, and follow-ups will be done via email, phone, and a video interview.

After receiving your DS-2019 form via email, you are required to apply at the US Embassy in your country of residence or citizenship: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html

A J-1 Intern Visa program can last up to 12 months.

A J-1 Trainee Visa program can last up to 18 months (except in the hospitality, restaurant, and tourism fields).

J-1 Intern and Trainee programs in hotels, restaurants, and the tourism industry have a maximum duration of 12 months.

This means that if your host company has more than one J-1 Intern or Trainee at the same training location, the company must have a minimum ratio of 5 full-time employees for each additional J-1 participant.

For example, a company with 10 full-time employees may host up to 2 J-1 participants at the same time.

A company with fewer than 10 full-time employees may only host one J-1 participant during the same period.

No. Intrax will contact your U.S. host company directly to collect the required documents and information about your internship or training program.
To help us begin the process as quickly as possible, please complete the "Placement Information" section of your MyIntrax online application.

You can apply a maximum of six months before starting your internship in the USA. Otherwise you should register as soon as possible if you have received an offer for an internship. Intrax will issue the DS-2019 form within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt of all documents and the program payment, but business travel, illness, faulty and incomplete documents, the need for an on-site visit, etc. may delay the process.

Your J-1 visa sponsorship with Intrax includes travel medical insurance which meets the department of state requirements for the J1 visa program. Insurance coverage begins on arrival and covers you until the last day of your internship. This policy includes a co-pay of $100 for each medical occurrence. The co-pay for a visit to the Emergency Room is $250. Your policy coverage also includes the TELADOC service allowing you to call and receive a medical consultation over the phone. This service is not subject to the deductible.

You'll find the details of your Insurance coverage in the USA in the brochure.

You may also purchase additional insurance if you plan to stay in the USA for the 30-day grace period after your internship. Please note that our insurance does not cover any pre-existing conditions. If you have such conditions, you should strongly consider taking out additional insurance for the duration of your stay in the USA.

You can learn more about the US insurance system and what to be aware of BEFORE seeking medical help in the US in these short videos: IMG: https://www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/student-zone/global-internships-img/

The DS-2019 form is the official document issued by your sponsor organization that allows you to apply for a J-1 Visa. By issuing the DS-2019, Intrax confirms that your internship or training program meets the requirements established by the U.S. Department of State.
Without DS-2019 form, you cannot apply for the J-1 Visa.

‍The DS-7002 form, also known as the Training Plan, outlines the details of your internship or training program, including the training location, dates, learning objectives, and responsibilities. It must be completed by your future supervisor.
For the Trainee category and for programs in the hospitality industry, the Training Plan must include multiple phases demonstrating progression and varied responsibilities throughout the program.

Once you have completed the "Placement Information" section of your MyIntrax online application, an Intrax advisor will contact your host company directly to collect the training plan.

The DS-7002 is also one of the documents you will need to print and bring with you to your appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Please find below a small summary of our steps:
‍
1. Create your personal account via the MyIntrax Portal and complete your personal, educational, and internship information.
2. Submit all required documents and information (All forms can be uploaded online or submitted via e-mail alternatively), and we will then contact your host     company, asking them to fill out the necessary paperwork (You may ask your host company to keep an eye out for it!)
3. We will contact you to schedule a phone/MS Teams interview
4. Issuance of  the invoice and payment of the
program fees
5. Intrax in the USA contacts your host company to schedule a site visit and/or a validation call and will process your application (average processing time of 2 to 3 weeks)
6. You and your supervisor will receive the reviewed training plan/DS-7002 form for DocuSign signature
7. Download and print your DS-2019 from your MyIntrax Portal (Intrax will email you the Embassy instructions and pre-departure information)
8. Pay your Interview fees ($ 185) and schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy
9. Visa Issuance and shipment of your passport and Visa (usually 5 to 7 days after the interview)
10. Travel to the USA and start your program‍

If the host company generates less than $3 million in annual revenue and has fewer than 25 full-time employees, Intrax will conduct an on-site visit. In this case, you will be charged an additional €250 /$260 (non-refundable).
No on-site visit is required for governmental institutions.

For host companies located more than 80 miles from a major city or in remote or difficult-to-access areas, additional site visit fees may apply (€105 / $110).

Please note: We would also need to make an additional on-site visit during the program if the host company relocates and does not meet the host company requirements.

DocuSign is an online platform that allows you to electronically sign documents.
It helps simplify the document signing process by avoiding the usual steps of receiving, downloading, printing, signing, scanning, and returning documents.
You will be asked to sign two documents through DocuSign:
- The Terms & Conditions of Intrax USA
- Your Training Plan (DS-7002 form)

No. The DS-2019 form does not guarantee that you will receive your J-1 Visa from the U.S. Embassy. This document only confirms that you are eligible for the J-1 Visa category and that your internship or training program meets the requirements established by the U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. Embassy/Consulate remains responsible for making the final decision on your visa application and may approve, refuse, or modify your request or its conditions during or after your visa interview.
Visa refusals may occur for various reasons, including previous violations of U.S. visa or ESTA regulations, a criminal record, or statements made during the interview that could be interpreted as an intention to remain in the United States and work beyond the authorized visa period.

Your J1 visa sponsorship with Intrax includes travel medical insurance which meets the Department of State requirements for the J-1 visa program. Insurance coverage begins on arrival and covers you until the last day of your internship. This policy includes a co-pay of $100 for each medical occurrence. The co-pay for a visit to the Emergency Room is $250. Your policy coverage also includes the TELADOC service allowing you to call and receive a medical consultation over the phone. This service is not subject to the deductible.

Please note that this insurance plan provides coverage only for medically necessary health-related services (incurred due to illness or accident, for example). Charges for routine physical examinations and immunizations are excluded from coverage under this insurance. Also, please note that this insurance plan does not cover any pre-existingconditions (chronic allergies, diabetes, asthma, etc.), and adventure or high-risk sports. If you have pre-existing conditions (see details in the Brochure) or are planning to practice extreme sports during your program, you should strongly consider taking out additional insurance for the duration of your stay in the USA.

You may also purchase additional insurance if you plan to stay in the USA for the 30-day grace period after your internship.

You can learn more about the US insurance system and what to be aware of BEFORE seeking medical help in the US in these short videos: IMG: https://www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/student-zone/global-internships-img/

First, SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This is an online database of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. It serves for the tracking & monitoring of all exchange visitors, e.g. regarding the current location and the program data. The fee for SEVIS is $220 per person. It is included in your Intrax program fees. Intrax will register you in the database and pay this fee as soon as your DS-2019 is issued.

- Dress appropriately
- Remember to bring all the required documents (see list above).
- For safety reasons, electronic devices (including mobile phones, smart watches, etc.), backpacks, suitcases, and larger bags may not be carried into the consulate. In most Embassies and Consulates, these items cannot be stored in the embassy so you must make alternative storage arrangements.
- Be punctual but do not show up too early. (max. 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment).
- The interview itself will probably take just a few minutes. Please remember that an internship/trainee visa is not a work visa. So you are not going to work in the US and the emphasis should be on "learning/interning/training" experience.
- Before the interview, take the time to read again the details of your future missions written on your training plan (DS-7002 form) so that you can answer questions about it if necessary.
- Answer all of their questions honestly.

You will be asked to upload the following documents to your MyIntrax online application:
- Copy of your passport
- Your resume in English
- Copy of your most recent U.S. visa (only if you have previously held a U.S. visa)
- Proof of Financial Responsibility:
If your host company pays you less than $2000 per month, we need a financial statement. You can either:
1. Ask your parents or another first-degree relative to fill in and sign the Letter of Guarantee
OR
2. ask your bank to complete the Financial Statement
OR
3. provide your own bank statement. Please note that the statement needs to be in English and that the amount has to be noted in US$ as well. The documents need to be typewritten and signed.
- Additional document: If your internship is unpaid or pays less than the local minimum wage, please complete this questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/e/f7ugLTg8N5. If your compensation meets our eligibility requirements, please upload the required document listed at the end of the form.
‍
If you are currently a student:
‍Proof of enrollment: If your university letter/school certificate is not in English, please also upload a translation (you may translate it yourself. Intrax does not require an official or certified translation).
‍If you are a graduate:
Degree/Graduation Certificate: Only applies to recent graduates and trainees. If not already in English, please upload a translation (you may translate it yourself. Intrax does not require an official or certified translation).

Once you have completed the "Placement Information" section of your MyIntrax application, an Intrax advisor will contact your host company directly to collect the required host documents, including the Training Plan (DS-7002), Host Company Agreement, and Workers' Compensation Certificate.

You can apply at the earliest during the first or second semester and start the internship after the beginning of the lecture-free period or the second semester.

Yes, this is possible. Please simply keep us informed of any changes to your internship dates.
Please note that additional fees may apply if you request a change to your program dates after the DS-2019 form has been issued.

If your host company pays you less than $2000 per month, we need a financial statement. You can either:
1. Ask your parents or another first-degree relative to fill in and sign the Letter of Guarantee
OR
2. ask your bank to complete the Financial Statement
OR
3. provide your own bank statement. Please note that the statement needs to be in English and that the amount has to be noted in US$ as well. The documents need to be typewritten and signed.

For members of the so-called "Six-Month-Club", the passport only needs to be valid until departure from the USA. Other citizens need a passport valid at least 6 months after the end of the internship in the USA.

‍The DS-7002 form, also known as the Training Plan, outlines the details of your internship or training program, including the training location, dates, learning objectives, and responsibilities. It must be completed by your future supervisor.
Intrax will collect this document from your host company in the USA and, at the end of the review process, will ask you and your future supervisor to sign it via DocuSign.

Your DS-2019 form is typically issued 2–3 weeks after all of the following steps have been completed:
- All required documents and information have been received (including the host company’s documents)
- You have completed your interview with an Intrax coordinator
- Payment has been received

Please note that you must also allow additional time for scheduling your visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy, as well as visa processing and passport return after your interview.

Processing times may be extended in the following situations:
- Your documents are incomplete, incorrect, or do not meet eligibility requirements
- Payment has not been received
- A site visit is required
- Your supervisor does not respond to Intrax emails in a timely manner
- The U.S. Embassy is experiencing delays in processing applications or appointment availability is limited

The DS-160 is an online form that each visa applicant must complete to book the appointment at the U.S. Consulate. After completing the questionnaire, you will receive a confirmation page which should be printed out. You have to take this confirmation to the embassy appointment along with the other required documentation.

When your DS-2019 form is issued and shipped, you will receive detailed instructions on how to schedule an interview and a checklist summarizing the required documents for your appointment:
- Your passport;
- DS-2019 form/Certificate of Eligibility;
- Training plan/DS-7002 form;
- Confirmation page of your DS-160 form
- Confirmation page of your appointment
- SEVIS Fee payment confirmation (paid by Intrax);
- One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photograph taken within the last 6 months. See information about the required photo format.
- Financial Certification (any documents showing that you have enough readily-available funds to cover all expenses while you remain in the United States)
- Evidence of home ties such as rental agreement, a university letter, a job contract etc.
- Visa support letter (You can download it from your MyIntraxPortal)

No. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) applies only to travelers without a visa. As an intern or trainee in the U.S. you have a J-1 visa for entry.

No, unfortunately not. The requirements regarding the J1 visa require that you are already in higher education, have a degree or 5 years relevant professional experience.

Before you leave, prepare the following:
‍
Luggage: Remember to put your DS-2019 form (certificate of eligibility) and your passport in your hand luggage/cabin.

‍Bank account: Clarify in advance with your bank the fees and conditions for withdrawing money abroad. If your internship/training is paid, it will be mandatory for you to open a U.S bank account.

‍Insurance: Take the time to read and review the details about your insurance coverage in the USA (see detailed information below). Remember that the Intrax insurance only covers you in the U.S. and until the end of your internship/trainee program. If you are taking regular medications, make sure to review the regulations to bring this medication to the US with the airline and US customs.

‍Transportation: Plan how you will get from the airport to your accommodation and plan your daily trips to your internship location. In some locations, you might need a car if public transportation is not available.  

‍Communication: Please note that Intrax must have a phone number at which we can reach you while you are in the U.S. You can keep your current phone number or change to an American provider during your stay. This will probably depend on the length of your internship and the terms of your current service provider.

The Social Security Number (SSN), also referred to as a Social Security #, is a personal identification number used in the United States, including for foreign nationals.
If you are paid during your program in the United States, obtaining a Social Security Number is required.

Step 1: Find your I-94 number
After arriving in the United States, you can access your I-94 number here:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/search/recent-searchEnter your passport information to retrieve your I-94 record.

Step 2: Apply for your Social Security Number (SSN)
You can apply for your SSN approximately 2 business days after your MyIntrax Portal check-in has been validated. The online application, appointment scheduling process, and list of required documents are available here:
https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time

‍You will need to bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Social Security Application Form (SS-5): http://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
- Your DS-2019 form
- Your passport containing your J-1 Visa
- Your I-94 record
- A copy of your Training Plan or summer job confirmation
- Additional identification documents if your passport was issued less than one year ago

You can also find this information in your pre-departure email and in the “Resources” section of your MyIntrax portal.

If your internship is paid, you will be required to open a U.S. bank account.
We recommend checking with your current bank to see whether they have any partnerships with U.S. banks. This may make it easier to manage your account and close it after the end of your program.

Conflicts are rare because the American employers and colleagues appreciate the fact that someone is coming from so far to gain work experience in the U.S. For this commitment and openness you will get a lot of respect. However, you must also be committed and professional! If misunderstandings occur, you should contact your supervisor. Intrax can enter the conversation for clarification as a second step.

For On-Program Support please call 1-888-224-0450 extension 2 or email INTsupport@intraxinc.com.

Please note that your stay is linked to your visa position. You cannot just end your internship and remain in the United States. If your internship is terminated, you have to leave the U.S. If you have found another eligible position, the new internship or training opportunity must first be reviewed and approved by Intrax. Additional fees may apply, and a new DS-2019 form must be issued reflecting the new position and host company before you can begin the new program.

Yes, during the internship, you may travel both within the US and leave the US.

If you plan on leaving and re-entering the USA during your internship, you need to apply for a travel validation with Intrax two to three weeks before you plan on traveling.

You will find the details about the process and the form to be completed and signed on this link: Travel Validation form.

You do not need a Travel Validation Request for trips shorter than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands when the purpose of this trip is tourism.

After the internship, during the 30 days Grace Period, you can only travel within the USA.

You may enter the USA up to 30 days before the start of the internship and have 30 days (Grace Period) after your internship until your departure.

Even if last-minute flights can be significantly more expensive, we strongly recommend following the U.S. Consulate’s guidance: only book your flight after you have received your J-1 Visa.
‍Visa appointment availability can vary, and long waiting and processing times may occur, which could result in a delayed program start date.
In very rare cases, the U.S. Consulate may place an application under administrative processing, which requires additional review time and may also delay your departure and program start date.
Additionally, please note that visa approval is not guaranteed

For entering the USA, you need your passport and the original DS-2019 form. You should also know your first address and specify it on arrival if requested. We recommend that if you are staying in a hotel or hostel at first, to keep a copy of your booking confirmation.
You will also either receive a form of customs on the aircraft or upon arrival at the airport register digitally at the customs where a digital photo of you is taken and the fingerprints of both hands are scanned. Afterwards, an official will ask you about the reason for your stay. Again, note that a J-1 visa is not a work visa. So do not talk about work or job.
You will also either receive a form of customs on the aircraft or upon arrival at the airport register digitally at the customs where a digital photo of you is taken and the fingerprints of both hands are scanned. Afterwards, an official will ask you about the reason for your stay. Again, note that a J1 visa is not a work visa. So do not talk about work or job.

Yes, an income tax will be deducted from your payment. However, you only have to pay the Federal Income Tax as well as the (if any) State Income Tax and City Income Tax. Social Security Tax, Medicare and Federal Employment Tax do not apply to you.
You will find a tax calculator on our US website.
In February, you will receive the W-2 form, which you need to submit the tax return, so that some of the taxes can be refunded. There are various tax companies that do this for you and withhold a percentage or a fixed sum.
For more information, please refer to the “Taxes” section of your Exchange Visitor Resource Library.

American host companies are usually required to have a Workers' Compensation Insurance, which also covers interns and trainees in the event of an accident during their program. If your host company does not have Workers' Compensation Insurance or does not cover interns, the company must prove that it offers an equivalent alternative or that it is legally exempt from the requirement.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding your company’s eligibility in this regard.

The program dates are listed on your DS-2019 form.
‍
You can enter the USA up to 30 days before and stay up to 30 days after the internship. The expiration date on the visa indicates the latest date you are allowed to enter the US (e.g. after a trip during the program).

If you leave the USA during the grace period, you will not be allowed to re-enter. This also applies to trips to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands.

A change of internship is only possible in certain rare cases and after examination and approval by our American partner. For a change to be approved, there must be extenuating circumstances as to why you cannot continue with your first internship.

Apart from volunteer activities such as with charities, no other jobs or internships are allowed while on a J1 visa. It is strictly forbidden to hold a part-time job while on a J-1 visa.

You do not have an automatic right to vacation but some host companies arrange free time for holiday with the J-1 interns/trainees. If you want to leave the US you may need a Travel Validation from Intrax on your DS-2019.

If you have been issued a Multiple Entry Visa by the US Embassy (in this case, you will find a "M" under "Entries" on your Visa), you will be able to travel outside of the USA during your program and until the Expiration date listed on your Visa. In this case, and if you plan on leaving and re-entering the USA during your internship, you need to apply for a travel validation with Intrax two to three weeks before you plan on traveling. You will find the details about the process and the form to be completed and signed on this link: Travel Validation form. You do not need a Travel Validation Request for trips shorter than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands when the purpose of this trip is tourism.
You also have an additional 30 days (Grace Period) after your internship and before returning to your home country.

During the Grace Period, you cannot travel outside the United States and then return to the United States, your J-1 Visa will no longer be valid at U.S. Customs. This rule also applies also to Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands. During the "grace period", any exit is therefore final.

After completing any program with the J-1 visa, you have the opportunity to stay for up to 30 days in the USA. During this time you may only travel within the USA.
You may also travel to the USA up to 30 days before the start of the program if you receive the visa on time. During Grace Period, you may not be active in your host company. The insurance you get with Intrax does not cover you for the grace period, it is then your responsibility to contact our US office to extend your insurance to cover you for the grace period.

Theoretically, your internship company can terminate your internship at any time. Neither we nor our American head office have any influence on this. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with a new job in case of termination. However, you may have the opportunity to look for a new internship on your own. The new internship company must first be checked and approved by our U.S. office. If the company has fewer than 25 employees or less than $ 3 million annual revenue, it must also be inspected personally.

For On-Program Support please call 1-888-224-0450 extension 2 or email INTsupport@intraxinc.com.

We recommend discussing your host company's dress code with your supervisor before your internship begins. This will help you arrive well prepared and integrate smoothly into your new workplace.

You will get a certificate of participation from us upon completion of the program. You should ask your supervisor to write a Letter of Recommendation a few weeks before your internship ends. We do not have any influence on this, but if your colleagues and supervisors are satisfied with you then you should receive a very positive Letter of Recommendation.

No, the J-1 visa is only issued for a specific internship in a particular company.
If you wish to complete a second internship or training program in the United States, you must first return to your home country before applying for a new J-1 Visa. Please note that the applicable waiting period between two J-1 Intern or Trainee visas must also be respected.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more details about the wait times between two J-1 Intern/Trainee programs.

f your internship or training program will take place at multiple locations operated by the same host company, each location must be reviewed and approved by Intrax. Additional fees may apply.

The J-1 Intern program may be extended up to a maximum total duration of 12 months.

The J-1 Trainee program may be extended up to a maximum total duration of 18 months. Please note that for programs in the hospitality, tourism, and restaurant industry, the maximum duration is 12 months.

If you wish to request an extension, please contact our U.S. office at intsupport@intraxinc.com.

Please note that if you travel outside the United States during your extension period, you will need to schedule a new appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a new J-1 Visa stamp before re-entering the United States.

The U.S. State Department sets strict rules regarding waiting time between visas:

Between two J-1 Intern Visas: 1 semester of study (90 days if you have graduated in the meantime)
Between a J-1 Intern Visa and a J-1 Trainee Visa: 2 years
Between two J-1 Trainee Visas: 2 years
Between a J-1 Trainee Visa and a J-1 Intern Visa: 1 semester of study
Between any other Visa category and a J-1 Intern/Trainee Visa: No minimum time – but you cannot apply while in the U.S. We will need proof of departure if you still have another valid visa.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more details about the wait- time requirements between two J-1 Intern/Trainee programs.

Yes, if you are married and/or have children under the age of 21, they may accompany you for your internship. For them to do so, you need to apply for a J-2 visa.
Upon registering in the MyIntrax portal for your J-1 visa, you can also register your J-2 family members by answering “Yes” to the question “Do you have any dependents?”.
You could also register them at a later stage.

To begin the J-2 Visa application process, please create your J-1 Visa application through our MyIntrax Portal.
In the “J2 Dependents” section, answer “Yes” to the question “Do you have any dependents?”
A J-2 application profile (accessible through your J-1 account) will then be created automatically.
You will be asked to provide the following documents:
- Copy of your marriage certificate, including an official English translation (or a multilingual marriage certificate)
- Copy of the birth certificate for each child
- Copy of the passport(s) of the J-2 applicant(s)
- Proof of financial support

Intrax will issue a separate DS-2019 form for each family member. Each J-2 applicant must apply for a J-2 Visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, complete a DS-160 form, and pay the $185 MRV visa application fee. The visa interview appointment may be scheduled together with the J-1 applicant.

In order to be eligible to apply for a J-2, the J-1 partner must be married to the J-2 partner. Accompanying children must be under the age of 21 and unmarried. (Please note, if they turn 21 while in the U.S., they need to return home or apply for a new (different- F1, M1, J1) visa as their J-2 visa will expire when they turn 21).
For each family member, the J-1 visa holder must provide proof of funds of $2000 per month for the entire duration of the program. If the J-1 intern or trainee is already on program and receives a monthly income amounting to the required monthly sum, three J1 pay stubs would suffice as proof. Alternatively, we would accept bank statements or a letter of guarantee from immediate family members.
For each family member, the J1 visa holder must provide proof of funds of $2000 per month for the entire duration of the program. If the J1 intern or trainee is already on program and receives a monthly income amounting to the required monthly sum, three J1 pay stubs would suffice as proof. Alternatively, we would accept bank statements or a letter of guarantee from immediate family members.

On a J-2 visa, children are entitled to visit a local high school.
A child or spouse may also enroll to study full-time or part-time without the need to apply for an F-1 student visa.
A spouse can apply for a work permit (I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization) for up to one year.
The prospect of earning a salary does not waive the need for financial proof of $2000 per month prior to program start. Also, the application for the I-765 might take several months to process.