Unlock High-Impact Talent for your Business through the J-1 Visa Program.

The J-1 Visa is a U.S. government–authorized exchange program that enables international students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience in American companies.

For your business, this means: driven, motivated interns and trainees who bring fresh ideas, solve real problems, and contribute meaningful value from day one. They’re not here to fill a seat, they’re here to make an impact!

BelCham makes it effortless. While your team focuses on delivering structured training, we handle all the visa logistics, compliance requirements, and paperwork. Hosting is simple, affordable, and low-risk, yet delivers high returns for your company. 

There are two J-1 categories:

  • Internship – For current students or those who have graduated within the past 12 months.

  • Traineeship – For graduates with at least one year of relevant work experience, or professionals with five+ years in the field

Why host a J-1 participant?

  • Gain skilled, motivated talent with global perspectives.

  • Infuse your team with up-to-date academic and industry knowledge.

  • Tackle real business challenges with fresh, innovative thinking.

  • Stay fully compliant under a U.S. Department of State–authorized program.

Important: The J-1 is not a work visa - it’s a cultural and professional exchange program. The focus is on structured training, not replacing regular employees.

BelCham (the Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce) is a designated sponsor, authorized to support host companies and participants worldwide, not just from Belgium. We’re your partner from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly and compliantly.

If you’re ready to tap into global talent, or already have a candidate in mind, contact us today.

Details on costs and eligibility criteria for both your company and the participant can be found below.

J-1 Internships and Traineeships

HOST COMPANIES

Hosting J-1 interns and trainees offers a significant advantage for companies. These programs bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and diverse cultural backgrounds into the workplace. J-1 participants contribute meaningfully to both day-to-day operations and long-term growth and success.

    • Established U.S. Presence: The company must be registered and operating in the United States for at least two years.

    • Training Capacity: The company must have the resources and expertise to provide proper supervision and structured training for the intern or trainee.

    • Qualified Workforce: The company must employ at least two full-time staff members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

    Unsure about your eligibility? Don’t hesitate to contact Jeanette here.

  • 1. Business Membership

    All J-1 host companies are required to hold an active BelCham Business membership - USD 900

    2. Program Fee

    Please note: The fees listed below may be covered by the host company, by the candidate, or shared between both parties - depending on the agreement between company and participant.

    • 1–6 months: USD 950.00

    • 6–12 months: USD 1,350.00

    • Extension (if applicable): USD 150.00

    • Host company change (if applicable): USD 400.00

    As a non-profit sponsor, our fees are often lower than commercial providers, always aligned with fair market rates.

The process to host a J-1 Intern or Trainee is straightforward and guided by BelCham. As a host company, your main role is to provide basic company information and help shape a structured training plan - we take care of the rest. Below is a step-by-step overview of what the process looks like.

J-1 Visa Process Overview for host companies

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your company may be eligible to host a J-1 Intern or Trainee if it meets the following criteria: it has been legally operating as a U.S. entity for at least two years, employs at least two full-time U.S. citizens or green card holders at the training location, and has sufficient resources and staff to provide structured supervision and training. 


    Unsure about your eligibility? Don’t hesitate to contact Jeanette here.

  • The J-1 Visa is a U.S. visa for people who come to the United States as part of a cultural exchange program. It allows international students, recent graduates, and young professionals to do an internship or training in the U.S. to gain practical experience.

    As a host company, you partner with a designated visa sponsor like BelCham. We handle the paperwork, ensure the program meets legal requirements, and support both you and the intern .or trainee throughout the entire process.

  • Interns are students or recent graduates (within 12 months) whose internship is directly related to their field of study. Trainees, on the other hand, are professionals who already have a degree and at least one year of relevant work experience - or five years of experience in the field they want to train in. Both must be at least 18 years old and speak proficient English, but the main difference lies in education status and work experience.

    As the host company, this only affects the participant’s background - not the visa process, application steps, or your responsibilities.

  • As a host company, you receive full support from BelCham throughout the entire J-1 process. We assist with eligibility checks, help you complete the Host Company Application and DS-7002 training plan, and issue the necessary visa documents.We  ensure your program stays compliant with all U.S. regulations.

    During the program, we stay in contact with both you and your intern or trainee, and we’re here to answer any questions or handle any issues that may come up - before, during, or after the exchange.

  • You provide a structured training experience, assign a supervisor, and follow the agreed DS-7002 plan. You stay in contact with BelCham, complete mid- and final evaluations, and notify us of any changes or issues. BelCham supports you throughout the program.

  • You can recruit through your own network, international universities, or BelCham can help you identify a candidate.

    As a Business Member,  you can post your internship or training opportunities on our listings page to boost visibility. All interested students and trainees are directed to this page to explore open positions with approved host companies.

  • Yes, as long as each intern or trainee has a separate, structured training plan and a dedicated supervisor. There is no fixed limit, but the number must be appropriate for your company size and capacity. BelCham will review each case to ensure quality and compliance.

  • Business membership: USD 900/year (which gives access to our listings page, access to coworking space, etc.)

    J-1 admin fees (might be shared with intern or trainee): 

    • 1-6 months: USD 950

    • 6-12 months: USD 1350

    • 12-18 months:USD 1850

    Note: USD is not the same price as Euro!

  • No, the participant cannot begin interning or training before the start date listed on their DS-2019 form, even if they arrive earlier in the U.S.

  • No, host companies are not required to provide housing or insurance. However, you’re encouraged to share recommendations or local resources. BelCham ensures that all participants have valid health insurance that meets U.S. J-1 Visa requirements.

  • Yes, in some cases. The program can be extended within the maximum duration allowed (12 months for interns, 18 months for trainees), but the request must be made before the original end date. A new DS-7002 and updated documents are required. BelCham will review and guide you through the extension process.