Top 10 J-1 Visa FAQs
By Jeanette Johnson, Director J-1 Visa Program, Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce
Thinking about an internship or traineeship in the United States? Here are answers to 10 of the questions we hear most often about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
1. What is a J-1 visa?
The J-1 is a cultural exchange visa that allows eligible international participants to come to the U.S. for an approved exchange program. For Interns and Trainees, the goal is to gain practical experience and exposure to U.S. culture and business practices through a structured training program.
2. What’s the difference between a J-1 Intern and Trainee?
Generally:
Intern: You must currently be enrolled at a post-secondary institution outside the U.S. or have graduated no more than 12 months before the start of your program.
Trainee: You need a foreign post-secondary degree or professional certificate plus at least one year of related work experience outside the U.S., or five years of relevant work experience outside the U.S.
Not sure which applies to you? BelCham can help determine your eligibility.
3. How long can I stay?
A J-1 Internship can last up to 12 months, while most J-1 Traineeships can last up to 18 months. Your specific program length will depend on your eligibility and training plan.
4. Do I need to find an internship or traineeship first?
Yes. BelCham is a J-1 program sponsor, but we are not a placement agency. You’ll need to identify a U.S. host company and internship or training opportunity before we can sponsor your program.
Once you find a potential host, that’s where we can help!
5. Does the U.S. company need to sponsor my visa?
Not in the way many companies assume. BelCham serves as the designated J-1 program sponsor. The U.S. company serves as your host organization, providing the structured training experience and supervision.
We’re also happy to speak with a potential host company before an offer is finalized if they have questions about the process.
6. What are the DS-2019 and DS-7002?
The DS-2019 is your Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status and is issued through your designated J-1 sponsor after your program has been approved.
The DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan is essentially the roadmap for your internship or traineeship. It outlines what you’ll learn, how you’ll be trained, who will supervise you, and how your program will progress.
You’ll need both as part of the J-1 Intern or Trainee visa application process.
7. Do I need health insurance?
Yes. J-1 participants are required to maintain insurance that meets the minimum requirements established by the J-1 program regulations for the duration of their program.
8. What should I expect during my visa interview?
Once BelCham issues your DS-2019, you’ll complete the DS-160 and apply for your J-1 visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The interview itself is typically focused on understanding why you’re going to the U.S., what you’ll be doing, how the program relates to your education or professional background, and your plans after the program. Applicants should be prepared to clearly explain their internship or training plan and demonstrate that their stay in the U.S. is temporary.
There’s no guarantee of visa approval, but the overwhelming majority of eligible applicants BelCham supports successfully receive their J-1 visas. We’ll also help you prepare so you know what to expect before your interview.
9. Can I leave the U.S. and travel during my J-1 program?
Yes, international travel is generally possible during your program.
You can generally leave and seek re-entry during your program while the visa remains valid, provided you continue to maintain your J-1 status and have the appropriate travel authorization and documents.
So yes, you can still go home to Belgium for Christmas or take that international trip during your J-1 year!
Just be sure to check with BelCham before traveling so we can make sure your documents are in order.
10. Can I travel after my J-1 program ends?
Yes. After successfully completing your program, there is generally a 30-day grace period to travel within the U.S., settle your affairs, and prepare to return home.
You may not continue your internship or traineeship during this period, and we don’t recommend leaving the U.S. and expecting to re-enter in J-1 status during the grace period.
Still have questions?
Every J-1 situation is a little different. Eligibility can depend on your education, graduation date, professional experience, proposed training and host company.
BelCham has been helping international interns, trainees and U.S. host companies navigate the J-1 process for more than 20 years.
Have an opportunity in mind? Get in touch, and we’ll help you determine the next step.
