HPUSA J-1 Intern & Trainee Program: Basic Information & FAQs

Yes. To qualify for a new J-1 Intern Visa, you must show that you are learning new or more advanced skills. Click Here to learn more about how to qualify for a 2nd J-1 program.

No. Applicants must return to their home country to apply to the Intern/Trainee program. If you require a change of status from another visa to the J-1 Visa, HPUSA will not be able to assist you.

Past experience in the United States does not automatically disqualify you from program participation. However, as this is a cultural exchange program, applicants with significant recent experience working or studying in the U.S. would be ineligible for this program.

Not yet. You must be a full-time student currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a university outside the U.S. You will be eligible to begin an internship once you have completed at least one year of your degree program.

The main difference between interns and trainees has to do with the education and experience required of each. Interns must be current students or recent graduates of a post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. that grants degrees or certificates. If [...]

For more details on the program fees: CLICK HERE

HPUSA partners with State Department-designated sponsors who are authorized to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019).

Hospitality Placements USA also known as HPUSA offers a professional service as a liaison between the J1 cultural exchange participant, the sponsor organization and the host employer. HPUSA acts as a vendor to our J1 participants by facilitating the J1 [...]

The J1 Cultural Exchange Visa Program is a non-immigrant cultural exchange visa, issued by the U.S. Department of State, which allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. to participate in an internship or training program with an American company for [...]