FROM CAMPUS
TO CAREER

Internships & Work Programs in the USA

VisaNerd takes you to the USA for your internship or traineeship. We handle the J1 visa, the sponsorship and all the paperwork, and we can even find the right placement for you, so you can focus on nothing but your career.

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Your 6 steps to the USA

STEP 01

Job Offer

Already have an offer or still looking? We find the right internship and take over the rest.

STEP 02

Check

We check whether you meet the visa requirements.

STEP 03

Application

You upload everything digitally. We support you with any questions.

STEP 04

Approval

We prepare all the documents you need for the consulate.

STEP 05

Consulate

You arrive fully prepared for the interview. The consulate keeps your passport, adds the visa, and emails you when it is ready for pickup.

STEP 06

Departure

You are ready for the USA. Enjoy!

What our customers say

Participants settled in the USA, companies matched with the right people. This is what they say about working with us.

Translated from the original German messages.

„

“Franz is already in the USA & has started his internship.
Thank you so much again for your support 😊”

Simona S.HR Department · Industry (AT)
„

“Everything went according to plan and today is my first day at work in the USA.”

Franz S.Participant · Engineering (AT)
„

“Everything worked out great, I have already registered. Thanks again for the support!”

CanParticipant · Industry (DE)
„

“Thank you again for your great efficiency and support!”

Angelica N.Participant · Communication Design (IT)

Wherever you are right now

Three situations, one goal: the J1 visa.

I already have an internship

Sponsorship only

Got the placement? We handle the DS-2019, insurance and your visa.

Start sponsorship → I am still looking for one

Placement & sponsorship

We find you an internship or traineeship and take care of the rest.

To placement → We are a company

Send employees

Send specialists to your US office, fully compliant. We host.

To corporate service →

J1 Visa Sponsorship

Whether we place you or you already have your internship: for your J1 visa you need a certified sponsor. These costs apply in both cases.

Why a sponsor?

A company in the USA cannot legally be your visa sponsor. Without a certified sponsor and the DS-2019 form, the consulate will not issue a visa. We are your official partner.

Included in the sponsorship

DS-2019 form, SEVIS fee (220 $), health insurance and preparation for the consulate interview.

J1 Intern
Students & recent graduates
Studies or apprenticeship ongoing or just finished
1 to 3 months1.475 €
6 months1.880 €
12 months2.595 €
14 months2.805 €
J1 Trainee
Professionals with work experience
With a degree + 1 year of experience, or 5 years full-time without a degree
1 to 3 months1.845 €
6 months2.255 €
12 months3.145 €
18 months4.040 €
20 months4.270 €

Not included: consulate fee (approx. 185$) and travel costs. You can find the detailed breakdown here.

1.500 €Placement fee

Don't have an internship yet?

We find you an internship or traineeship and handle everything else.

Only due once you accept an internship we placed you in. If you bring your own, it is waived. Sponsorship costs are separate.

Most traineeships are paid, and some even include accommodation.

Get placed now →

Intern or Trainee?

For students

Intern

Still studying, mid-apprenticeship, or graduated less than 12 months ago? Gain up to 12 months of hands-on experience in the USA.

  • ✓ J1 sponsorship & DS-2019
  • ✓ Personal interview preparation
  • ✓ Health insurance included
With work experience

Trainee

A degree or apprenticeship plus at least 1 year of work experience? Up to 18 months of training at a US company.

  • ✓ J1 sponsorship & DS-7002
  • ✓ Guidance with the training plan
  • ✓ Faster processing possible

Still unsure?
Take the 30 second check →

The J1 Guide

The most important guides on requirements, process and embassy, explained clearly.

?DecisionIs the J1 visa worth it?Costs, benefits and who really gets the most out of it.Read the guide →?BasicsWhat is a J1 sponsor?What role the sponsor plays and why you need one.Read the guide →
01CostsWhat does the visa cost? 02TaxesTaxes & refunds 03CheckRequirements & eligibility 04EmbassyThe interview at the consulate 05MythsApplying for J1 without an agency? 06After the visaThe 30 day grace period

Are you eligible?

Take the 30 second check and find out instantly whether your visa can be approved. We check your details in real time.

Direct Registration

USA & UK
Get your visa

Find out in 60 seconds if you meet the criteria and secure your spot.

Which country do you want to go to?

Our official J1 sponsor

Your J1 visa runs through the government-certified sponsor CIEE. We work directly with CIEE.

Our roleInternational Representative

One of the oldest and largest non-profit exchange organizations in the USA. Founded in 1947, CIEE was the very first J1 sponsor designated by the US Department of State and helped shape the Trainee category.

  • Founded in 1947
  • Non-profit, Portland (Maine)
  • Over 35,000 exchange participants per year

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the correct category is vital to avoid rejection. Interns are currently enrolled students or recent graduates (graduated less than 12 months ago). Trainees are professionals with a degree and at least 1 year of work experience outside the US, or individuals with 5 years of professional experience in their field.
Our eligibility checker is based on the official criteria set by the US Department of State. It provides 95% certainty for your planning. However, the final legal decision is always made by the visa sponsor after reviewing your specific documents.
Yes. The J-1 Visa is strictly tied to a specific training position. The process can only be initiated once you have a confirmed offer (Offer Letter) from a US-based host company.
The total costs are comprised of three main parts: 1. Program and sponsorship fees, 2. Mandatory health insurance, and 3. Government fees (SEVIS fee and the US Consulate appointment fee).
Yes, but you can often claim a significant portion back. J-1 participants are subject to Federal and State income taxes but are generally exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA). We recommend using a specialized tax service for your refund.
The standard processing time is usually 6 to 8 weeks. While expedited processing is available for an additional fee, the most common delay is the time it takes to collect the required documents from your US host company.
The interview is typically very brief. The consular officer primarily checks your "intent to return" to your home country and ensures the internship is for legitimate training purposes. We provide full preparation for this step.
Yes. Architects must have a highly structured training plan (DS-7002) to prove they are not being used as general labor. While site visits are permitted, pure construction management or administrative roles are generally not eligible for the J-1 program.
Finance internships are strictly reviewed by sponsors. The focus must be on high-level training and analytical skills. Pure data entry or administrative tasks are prohibited. We understand the specific nuances required for successful Finance and Business applications.
Some J-1 Visas (Section 212e) require you to return to your home country for two years after the program before applying for certain other US visas. This usually only applies to government-funded programs. Our private sponsorship programs typically do not trigger this requirement.
Absolutely. This is often the most efficient way to facilitate knowledge transfer to a US branch. We act as your official partner and handle the complete visa sponsorship to ensure full legal compliance.
No. This is strictly forbidden. You are only authorized to work for the host company listed on your DS-2019 form. Any unauthorized employment (including gig work like Uber) leads to immediate visa termination and deportation.
After your final day of work (the end date on your DS-2019), you are allowed a 30-day grace period to remain in the US for travel and tourism. You are not allowed to work during this time.
In the vast majority of cases: No. Lawyers cannot issue the required DS-2019 form, only designated sponsors certified by the US Department of State can. A lawyer is usually an unnecessary additional expense.
Health insurance is a legal requirement for the J-1 Visa. However, in our program packages, J-1 compliant health insurance is already included for the duration of your training, so you do not need to find an external provider.