J1 Visa Programmes
Your Bridge to the USA
IST Plus is a specialist UK-based J-1 Visa organisation. Since 2003, we have guided thousands of international students, graduates, and professionals through the complex US exchange process.
We partner directly with official US Government-designated sponsors and approved host companies to facilitate your J-1 Intern, Trainee, Summer Camp, or Work & Travel visa—providing expert, end-to-end support from your initial application to your embassy interview.
J-1 Visa Experts :
US Internships, Trainee & Summer Work Programs + many more
J-1 Visa Eligibility Check
Find out if you qualify in under a minute.
(You must be able to participate fully in the program and function on a day-to-day basis in an English-speaking environment.)
Please note: This is a preliminary check. Official eligibility requires reviewing your full documentation.
Go to J-1 ProgramsVisa regulations are strict, but if your circumstances change, you may become eligible in the future.
likely to hire a
candidate with international experience. These
employees can expect to earn
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over the course of their working lives
J1 Visa Programmes
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J-1 Intern
For current university students or recent graduates from around the world who have arranged or will arrange their own internship opportunity in the U.S., but need a sponsor for their visa.
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J-1 Trainee
For professionals from around the world who have arranged or will arrange their own training opportunity at a U.S.-based institution or business, but need a sponsor for their visa.
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J-1 Summer Camp Jobs
Camp Exchange USA - placements at US Summer Camps over the summer holiday (June - Sept). Applicants must be aged 18-30
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J-1 Summer Work and Travel USA
Work and Travel USA - up to 4 months eligiblity to work in the USA over the summer holiday (June - Sept). Full time UK university students only
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J-1 Researcher + Short Term Scholar + Specialist
Researchers and Short-Term Scholars are foreign nationals with proven expertise in their field. They can conduct research, observe, lecture, or consult on projects at U.S. academic, corporate, non-profit or for-profit organizations for up to five years.
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J-1 Hospitality Plus
Hospitality Placements in the USA on the J-1 Visa Programme. Up to 12 months in a US Resort or Hotel
General questions - FAQs
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The entire J-1 visa process typically takes 1 to 3 months. Once your application fees are paid and all documents are submitted, the sponsor vetting process takes about 1 to 3 weeks. After that, you must factor in the current wait times to schedule and attend your in-person US Embassy interview.
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Yes, in almost all cases. Once approved by your legal sponsor and issued your DS-2019 document, you must schedule an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate (such as London or Belfast, or Dublin for residents of Ireland).
The embassy charges a separate $185 government fee for this appointment. This is known as the MRV Fee.
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No. The ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) is strictly for tourism. Undertaking an internship or any work-related activities - even unpaid - for a US company on an ESTA is a violation of US immigration law and can result in deportation or a future travel ban. A J-1 visa is legally required.
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For J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainees, changes to your host company are only authorized in extenuating circumstances and must be approved by your legal sponsor before you leave your current role. Changing hosts without prior authorization will result in the immediate termination of your program.
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For the J-1 Intern or Summer Work and Travel programs, no; you must be currently attending or recently graduated from a full-time university. However, gap-year students who have just finished their A-Levels are fully eligible to apply for the Camp Exchange program.
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Yes. Any intern, trainee, or researcher position in the United States requires a J-1 visa, regardless of whether the role is paid or unpaid. (Please note: participants on the Summer Work and Travel program must be paid at least the prevailing state minimum wage).
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Yes. Your sponsor fee covers application vetting, the issuance of your DS-2019 legal document, mandatory US Department of State health insurance, and ongoing 24/7 support while you are in the US. The mandatory SEVIS I-901 fee (a US government database tracking fee) is also required and factored into your application process.
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If you are on the Summer Work and Travel or Camp Exchange programs, you generally should not travel outside the US. For other programs like the Intern or Trainee visas, international travel is permitted but restricted; you must obtain advance travel validation from your legal sponsor before leaving the country.
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