UNiversity Partnerships
For over 22 years, we’ve worked with universities in the UK and across the world, bridging the gap between education and experience
Here to help!
If you would like to discuss the J-1 visa and other programmes in the USA, please feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team.
Why the J1?
In today’s competitive global labour market, providing students with high-impact international exposure is a cornerstone of effective career development. For university placement officers and careers staff, the U.S. J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Programe offers a robust, regulated framework to facilitate these transformative experiences.
By bridging the gap between academic theory and global industry practice, J-1 sponsorship allows your students and recent graduates to undertake structured internships and training placements that significantly enhance their employability and cultural fluency.
We provide the comprehensive administrative support and visa sponsorship expertise necessary to navigate U.S Department of State requirements, ensuring your institution can confidently offer secure, compliant, and prestigious opportunities in the United States.
Quick Guide to the J-1 Visa categories
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| J-1 Category | Primary Eligibility Requirements | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Intern | Currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution outside the U.S. OR graduated within 12 months of program start. | 12 Months |
| Trainee | Degree/Certificate + 1 year relevant work experience OR 5 years of relevant work experience (all outside the U.S.). | 18 Months (Agriculture/Hospitality often capped at 12) |
| Summer Work Travel | Full-time post-secondary students (enrolled and actively pursuing a degree) at an accredited institution. | 4 Months (During summer vacation) |
| Camp Counselor | Must be at least 18 years old. Proficient in English. Ideally students, teachers, or youth workers. | 4 Months |
| Research Scholar | Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree (minimum) or higher. Primary goal is to conduct research or lecture. | 5 Years |
| Specialist | Experts in a field of specialized knowledge (e.g., mass media, labor law) invited to observe or consult. | 12 Months |
Why Partner for J-1 Sponsorship?
Enhanced Employability: Students return with a "global mindset" and professional skills from the world's leading economy.
Regulatory Compliance: We handle the issuance of the DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) and ensure all placements meet Form DS-7002 training standards.
Risk Management: Comprehensive health insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and host company vetting are included to protect your students.
Flexible Categories: Options for current students (Intern) and recent graduates or experienced alumni (Trainee).
Deep Dive: J-1 Intern vs. Trainee Categories
To help you advise your students and alumni effectively, it is essential to distinguish between the two primary J-1 professional categories. While both facilitate structured training in the U.S., they are designed for different stages of an individual's career path.
1. J-1 Intern: For Current Students and Recent Graduates
The Intern category is the most common route for UK university students looking to fulfill placement years or gain immediate post-graduation experience.
Primary Objective: To bridge the gap between formal education and the workplace through practical application of academic theory.
Eligibility Criteria:
Student Status: Must be currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at a UK university (having completed at least two semesters).
Recent Graduate Rule: Must start the U.S. program within 12 months of their graduation date.
Field Alignment: The internship must be directly related to the student's current or recently completed academic studies.
Maximum Duration: 12 months.
Best For: Sandwich-year placements, summer internships (longer than 4 months), or first professional roles after university.
2. J-1 Trainee: For Alumni and Professionals
The Trainee category is intended for those with a more established professional background who wish to enhance their expertise within a U.S. business environment.
Primary Objective: To provide advanced training in U.S. business practices and specific occupational methodologies.
Eligibility Criteria:
With a Degree: Must hold a degree from a post-secondary institution (e.g., a BA/BSc) and have at least one year of related professional work experience gained outside the U.S.
Without a Degree: Candidates with five years of professional experience in their field (outside the U.S.) may also qualify.
Skill Progression: The training cannot be a duplication of the individual’s prior experience; it must demonstrate a clear advancement of skills.
Maximum Duration: 18 months (Note: Hospitality and Tourism placements are capped at 12 months unless in a management-level, non customer facing program).
Best For: Experienced alumni or postgraduate students with professional histories looking for career development.
Staff Tip: For students graduating this summer, the "12-month clock" starts on their official graduation date.
Encouraging them to secure a host company early ensures they don't age out of the Intern category and face the more rigorous Trainee work experience requirements.
Our Process
A Plan with Purpose
We work with a number of Legal Sponsors in the United States. An initial consulation will allow us to advise on the best fit for you and your students
Registration and Application
The applicant will then register for an online account. We’ll guide them through the process during their application and provide comprehensive online support and guidance. This will also require documentation from the US Host Company
Review and Processing
Once an application is complete and ready to move forward, we’ll request the programme fees. When these have been received, we’ll submit the completed application to the Legal Sponsor
Approval and Visa Interview
The Legal Sponsor will review the completed application and look to approve. They will then release the DS-2019 Certificate and other documents required for the applicant to book their face to face interview at their local US Embassy
What are the DS-2019 and DS-7002?
The DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility
This is the foundational document required for any international visitor applying for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa in the United States. Issued by a Department of State-designated sponsor once an application is approved, this multi-page form officially identifies the participant, their specific sponsor, and the designated program category—such as Student, Research Scholar, or Au Pair. Its primary purpose is to outline the financial support, the precise dates of the program, and a brief description of the exchange activity.
Beyond acting as a "green light" to book the visa interview, the DS-2019 serves several critical functions:
Legal Authorization: It defines the legal timeframe you are allowed to remain in the U.S.
SEVIS Tracking: It integrates your record into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for federal oversight.
Entry/Re-entry: It must be presented alongside your passport and visa every time you enter or exit the country to maintain your legal status.
Proof of Student Status (Interns only)
All application normally require a proof of student status letter from their university. This will confirm their course, duration and expected graduation date.
The DS-7002
Officially known as the Training/Internship Placement Plan (TIPP), the DS-7002 is arguably the most critical document for a J-1 Intern or Trainee application. Think of it as the formal roadmap for your time in the U.S.; it outlines exactly what you will be doing, what skills you’ll be learning, and how your host company will supervise you. It’s not just a "job description"—it is an agreement between you, your host organisation, and your visa sponsor to ensure the program is a legitimate educational exchange rather than just a source of cheap labor.
Why It Matters
The DS-7002 serves several essential purposes for both you and the U.S. government:
Visa Approval: You must present a signed copy of this form during your J-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Officer uses it to verify that your training is professional and matches your academic background.
Structured Learning: It breaks your program down into "phases," detailing the specific tasks, goals, and evaluation methods for each stage of your stay.
Regulatory Compliance: It protects you by ensuring the host company provides the necessary equipment, work space, and mentorship they promised.
Once an applicant has received their DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility they are able to move forward and book their face to face interview at the US Embassy.
In the UK, these are available at either the London Embassy or the Belfast Consulate (please note the Edinburgh Consulate does not offer visa interviews or issue visas).
We have comprehensive information. on how to book and apply for these on our US Embassy page, however here’s an overview of the process:
Using their SEVIS ID (issued on approval of their programme), the applicant completes the DS-160 form online.
With the confirmation code from the completed DS-160, they can then move forward and book their face to face interview at their local Embassy.
The cost of the Embassy interview and visa processing (known as the MRV fee) is currently $185 US dollars. This is separate to programme fees and must be paid direct to the embassy at the time of booking the appointment.
After a successful interview, the applicant can expect to receive their passport and visa back normally within 4-5 working days.
*The embassy and consulate do not allow applicants to collect their visas direct from the embassy
