The J-1 Visa Program is a U.S. government-sponsored exchange visitor program designed to promote cultural and educational exchange between the U.S. and other countries. It allows foreign nationals to come to the U.S. temporarily to work and conduct cultural exchange activities. The J-1 Visa Program is a valuable tool for individuals looking to gain experience, contribute to cultural exchange, and advance their educational and professional development. Each type of J-1 exchange has specific criteria and benefits, and participants must ensure they are in compliance with program requirements.

The DS-2019 form is a document your J-1 visa sponsor gives you. It’s required to apply for your J-1 visa and to enter the U.S. It shows your program details like the start and end dates, and confirms that you're eligible for the exchange program. In short: It's the official form that lets you apply for your J-1 visa. We will take care of it for you.

J-1 Work and Travel Program: The Work and Travel Program can last between 1 and 4 months. J-1 Internship Program: The Internship can last between 3 and 12 months. J-1 Trainee Program: The Traineeship can last between 3 and 18 months.

Be between 18 and 28 years old. Be currently enrolled as a full-time student at a university, college, or equivalent institution. You must be a full-time student in your home country. Have sufficient English proficiency to communicate in the workplace and everyday life in the U.S.

Be between 18 and 30 years old. Be a full-time student currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution (college or university) or have graduated in the last 12 months. You must be in the process of obtaining a degree or have completed one within the last 12 months. Your internship must be directly related to your current field of study. Have sufficient English language skills to communicate effectively in the workplace.

Be between 21 and 39 years old. Have at least 5 years of work experience in the field of the traineeship OR Have a post secondary degree or certificate from outside of the U.S. and 1 year of work experience in the relevant field. Have sufficient English proficiency to communicate effectively in the workplace.

DS-2019 form: A certificate of eligibility that shows you are authorised to participate in the program. Passport: Valid for at least six months after your internship ends DS-160 confirmation page: A printout of the barcode from the online nonimmigrant visa application SEVIS fee receipt: A printed copy of the receipt for the SEVIS fee One 2×2 photograph: As requested when filling out the DS-160 Form DS-7002: An official training plan Financial proof: Evidence of your ability to support yourself during your stay Other information and documents may requested by the consulate, such as: English test results University diploma, certificate, or proof of enrolment Resume or CV Information about your personal history Information about your specific program and training plan Travel itinerary Birth certificates Marriage certificate, if you are married Copies of diplomas and/or professional licenses with English translations, if necessary.

Cultural Exchange: The program provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing participants to learn about American life and traditions while sharing your own culture. Professional Development: Many participants gain valuable professional experience that enhances their resumes and skill sets. Networking Opportunities: Participants can build international networks and friendships, opening doors for future opportunities in the U.S. or globally.

The agency offers both self-placement and direct placement options. If you do not have a position secured yet, don't worry, we can assist you in finding one. Please feel free to explore our available positions on our job vacancies page.

The fees will depend on two factors: the type of program and its duration. Including the visa fee, the total cost typically ranges from £1400 to £2750.

We’ll take care of everything for you! We’ll work directly with your program sponsor to arrange your health insurance and ensure it meets the U.S. Department of State’s requirements, so you can focus on enjoying your experience.

This can be obtained by visiting your local Social Security Administration office. Your Visa Sponsor will be able to assist you with this upon your arrival in the U.S.

Yes! You can travel outside the U.S. during your J-1 program. You will need to inform your program sponsor about your travel plans to ensure that it does not interfere with your program’s requirements. If approved, they will ensure that your J-1 visa and DS-2019 form are valid and signed for re-entry. You may be asked to provide documentation upon re-entry to the U.S., including the DS-2019 form.

You will need to arrange your own housing and accommodation during your time in the U.S. However, some visa sponsors may be able to assist with housing options. If this is the case, we’ll work closely with your sponsor to help you find suitable accommodation.

No. Your J-1 visa is specifically tied to the internship or training position that has been approved by your program sponsor. This means that you can only work in the job listed on your DS-2019 form. Additional jobs or side gigs outside of the designated program are not permitted.

The official end date of your J-1 program is listed on your DS- 2019 form. This is the date by which you must complete your program. After your program ends, you are typically granted a grace period of 30 days. This allows you time to wrap up your affairs, travel around the U.S., or prepare for your departure. You cannot work during this grace period, but you are allowed to stay in the U.S. for leisure or travel purposes. The grace period starts the day after your program ends, and you must leave the U.S. by the end of the 30-day grace period.

Whether you can extend the duration of your program depends on several factors, including your visa sponsor’s policies and other circumstances. Please reach out to us as early as possible so we can explore your options and assist you with the process. Please also keep in mind that there may be additional charges involved with extending your program.

24/7 Emergency Assistance: The sponsor typically provides emergency contact information for urgent situations that may arise during your stay in the U.S. This could include anything from medical emergencies to legal issues. Regular Check-Ins: The sponsor will conduct regular check-ins with you to ensure you are adapting well to your internship or training and that everything is proceeding as planned. These check-ins may happen via email, phone, or video calls. Cultural Support: As the J-1 program is also about cultural exchange, the sponsor or host often offers cultural activities or networking events to help you integrate into U.S. society, meet other program participants, and explore the culture. Problem Support: If you encounter issues with your host company (such as job-related challenges, housing, or work schedule), the sponsor can help mediate and resolve these problems. They act as an intermediary between you and your host company to ensure that any conflicts are addressed in a timely and professional manner. Work and Program Compliance: The sponsor ensures you comply with the terms and conditions of your J-1 visa, including monitoring your work schedule and the duties outlined in your training or internship plan. They also assist if you need to make any adjustments to your work hours or responsibilities.

Orientation: Before your departure to the U.S., we will provide an orientation session covering key information about your program, J-1 visa requirements, cultural adaptation, and what to expect during your internship or training. Documentation: We will ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork, including your DS-2019 form, visa sponsorship, and other essential documents. Visa Assistance: We will assist you in maintaining compliance with your visa status throughout your program, providing guidance on any necessary paperwork for travel or extensions. Local Resources: In collaboration with your program sponsor, we can offer recommendations for housing, transportation, and social activities to help you settle in and make the most of your time in the U.S. Support Tailored to You: We understand that everyone’s needs are different. Whether you prefer more guidance or would like to handle things independently, we are here to provide as much or as little support as you need. Our goal is to help you adjust and ensure you have a positive experience during your time in the U.S.