If you are a full time student at university level and currently attending class, you should be eligible for an internship in the USA.

*Please note the US government does not consider distance learning or online classes to be a full time course.

If you are not on a full time university course, the minimum requirement for eligibility for a J1 Intern category visa is HNC or equivalent - but only if you are already accepted and enrolled on a full time university level course to commence the following year.

The preferred minimum from the US Department of State is HND level or BTEC Professional Award Level 5.
Please note your course must be full time and your university or institution must confirm this in writing as part of the application process.

Please note: Under US Government Guidelines we are not allowed to accept students who have completed their A-Levels but have not yet started university.

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact our team

While most activities are allowed under the Internship Programme, there are some that are prohibited under the program guidelines - such as coaching, care of children etc.

Your Host Organisation (US employer) must provide structured and practical training while abiding by some key program regulations.

• J1 Participants are NOT allowed to work in a Home based office (i.e. a residential location).
• The Host Organisation should ensure that the DS-7002 Training Plan is followed for the duration of the programme.
• There must be a match between your background and the training.
• Upon completion of the programme, you should plan to return to your home country.
• The programme is not intended to help organisations fill staffing needs.
• The training plan should reflect an understanding of what you will be learning, not only the needs of the business.
• Your US Host Organisation must have Workers Compensation (or equivalent) insurance that will cover you for the time you are with their organisation (exceptions apply - please contact us for details)
• Any unskilled or clerical activity must be kept to a maximum of 20% of the entire training period.

• Certain limited service/economy hotel properties
• Most home offices
• Programs in aviation/construction/building (where training is completed in those fields)
• Fast food franchises
• Single-location retailers
• Spas
• Gyms

If you have any questions regarding host company eligibility, please contact our team

Even if you are planning on undertaking a short term unpaid internship experience in the USA you will need to apply for the Internship Programme. Under no circumstances are you allowed to use a Visa Waiver or tourist visa with the intention of undertaking any form of work placement - even unpaid.

In order to enter the USA on a J1 Visa Programme you must have a passport that is valid for AT LEAST 3 months AFTER the end date of your internship or traineeship.
Please make sure your passport meets these requirements. If not your application will be subject to delays as your legal paperwork (the DS-2019) can NOT be issued without a passport that meets these criteria.