What is a J-1 internship or training program?

Within the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program there are categories for interns and trainees. They are designed for foreign nationals who want to gain exposure to U.S. business practices, develop skills and experience cultural exchange for a limited time.

Typical J-1 internship / trainee fields

  • Business, finance and marketing
  • Information technology and engineering
  • Hospitality, tourism and hotels
  • Management and administration
  • Architecture, design and construction support
  • Media, communications and creative roles
  • Other professional and technical areas
Important: OpeningsHub is a job board. We do not act as a J-1 sponsor, immigration service or employer of record. We do not issue DS-2019 forms or submit any applications. Only designated J-1 sponsors and official U.S. authorities can decide on visa eligibility.

High-level elements of a J-1 internship

The exact rules, durations and requirements depend on U.S. regulations and the J-1 sponsor. Below is a high-level, simplified overview.

  • The participant has a clear learning focus and training plan.
  • A U.S. host organisation provides supervision and day-to-day experience.
  • A designated J-1 sponsor is responsible for program compliance and documents.
  • The program is temporary and linked to specific objectives.
  • Participants usually return to their home country after the program ends.

How to find J-1 internship offers on OpeningsHub

You can use OpeningsHub to discover U.S. hosts, recruiters and employers that are open to international candidates and who mention J-1 or visa sponsorship in their offers.

Step 1 — Open a focused search

Use the button below to start with a search for U.S. opportunities that mention J-1:

Open J-1 internship search

Step 2 — Add filters and keywords

Inside the job list:

  • Keep United States selected as the country.
  • Add keywords such as J-1, internship, trainee or visa sponsorship.
  • Filter by category: for example IT, Engineering, Hospitality, Business.
  • Optionally filter by English level, salary range or work schedule, if available.

Step 3 — Read the description carefully

In the job description and requirements, look for language such as:

J-1 internship J-1 trainee J-1 visa sponsorship International students welcome

Always confirm details directly with the host or recruiter. Ask who the designated J-1 sponsor is, which category you would use and what is covered (fees, insurance, housing, etc.).

J-1 internship candidates: practical checklist

Before you commit to any offer you find on OpeningsHub, walk through this checklist and keep written information from the host and sponsor.

1. Understand your profile and goals

  • Clarify whether you fit better as an intern (usually students / recent graduates) or a trainee (more experience).
  • Write down your target field: IT, engineering, business, hospitality, etc.
  • Decide what skills and experience you want to gain in the USA.

2. Verify the host organisation

  • Check the company or organisation website and contact information.
  • Look up their location and field of activity.
  • Be cautious with offers that have no clear company name or legal details.

3. Ask about the J-1 sponsor and documents

  • Who is the designated J-1 sponsor for this program?
  • Which category will be used (intern or trainee)?
  • What are the main program dates and expected weekly hours?
  • Which fees are paid by the host or sponsor, and which by you?
  • What support do you receive with housing, insurance and arrival?

4. Watch for red flags

  • High “placement fees” without clear contracts or receipts.
  • Promises of easy immigration or guaranteed future residence status.
  • No clear training plan, only regular full-time work duties.

When in doubt, consult official U.S. government resources and consider talking to a licensed immigration attorney or directly to the J-1 sponsor to clarify your situation.