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Common Questions (FAQ)
Answers to the most critical questions regarding J1 visas, DS 2019 forms, and tax regulations.
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.