As with any job search, your chances of finding your perfect internship will be greatly improved by pursuing as many different options as possible. We recommend searching online job announcements, making direct contact with companies, and networking with personal and professional contacts in the U.S. If you are looking for a full placement service, Intrax offers business and hospitality internship placements.
J-1 & J-2 FAQs
What is a host company?
A host company is the U.S. company or organization where you will be training and receiving supervision during your internship or training program. The host company is different from your visa sponsor.
What is the Employer Identification Number?
The host company must have an Employer Identification Number. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify business entities in the USA.
What is the Workers’ Compensation Policy?
The host company must have workers compensation insurance or proof of legal exemption. Workers compensation insurance covers workers injured on the job, whether they are hurt on the workplace premises or elsewhere, or in auto accidents while on business.
I've already completed an internship/training in the U.S. Can I participate in another?
Internship: You can apply for another internship. However, your Internship Plan DS-7002 needs to prove that you are not duplicating your first internship. You need to spend one additional school term/semester or, if already graduated, a minimum of 90 days outside the U.S. in between the two internships.
Training: You can apply for another training after having completed an internship or training program. However, your Training Plan DS-7002 needs to prove that you are not duplicating your previous training. Also, you must wait two years before applying for a new training program.
Can I change my visa status in the U.S.? F-1 to J-1 and vice versa?
Intrax does not support visa status changes in the U.S. The J-1 program is a cultural exchange program and all J-1 participants are expected to return to their home country at program end and share their experiences and their newly gained skills. All applicants are expected to apply for the J-1-visa in their home country or country of residence.
Can I change the dates for my internship after I have applied for the J-1 visa service?
Yes, you can change the dates before you arrive in the U.S. but need to inform Intrax so that we can make the changes in SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) accordingly.
Will I be paid for my internship?
As a J-1 Intern or Trainee, you are eligible to receive payment for your time on program. You would need to negotiate the amount of the compensation directly with your host company. Host companies should be aware of the Department of Labor guidelines outlined in Fact Sheet: #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act to confirm whether or not the internship position should be paid according to minimum wage guidelines. In addition, host companies and participants should consider the cost of living for the US city where the program will take place, as well as the cost of travel and basic living expenses when determining compensation for the J-1 Intern/Trainee.
Regardless of whether or not you will be receiving compensation from your host company while on program, Intrax requires all participants to have access to a minimum of $1,500 each month for the duration of their program. If a participant will be receiving less than $1,500 each month while on program, Intrax requires the participant to submit proof of financial resources or copies of bank statements confirming access to funds. Intrax will also consider funds received from home country organizations or other home country sources as proof of financial resources. Host companies may also provide non-monetary compensation in the form of housing, commuter or other benefits, but this will be considered as separate from the $1,500 monthly requirement.
Do I need to pay taxes for my paid internship?
Yes, if you are receiving a stipend for your internship, you will need to pay taxes. However, many exchange visitors are able to file tax returns at the end of their stay in order to get some money back.
How do I find housing?
Finding an affordable place to live is one of the biggest challenges. As a participant, you are required to secure safe and suitable housing before you depart for the U.S.
The host company may have some housing options to suggest, although it is not their responsibility. You may use your resources: using the Internet, asking for suggestions from your host company, and consulting maps of the area are all important steps when searching for housing. Once you have found potential housing you must consider the following questions:
- Can I afford it?
- Is there convenient transportation to and from my host company?
- Is it a safe environment to live/travel in late at night?
- Will it be convenient to get to my internship?
Remember, although it is not required that you have housing organized for your entire Internship period before you leave your home country, you are required to have at least temporary housing arranged.
Make sure that you pay all required housing deposits and complete all required forms and agreements by the specified deadlines to ensure that your housing is secured for your arrival.
Make sure that you pay all required housing deposits and complete all required forms and agreements by the specified deadlines to ensure that your housing is secured for your arrival.
How do I apply for a Social Security Number?
You can apply for a Social Security number no sooner than 2 business days after having checked in with Intrax and receiving confirmation by email. If the Social Security Administration is NOT able to verify your status and cannot accept your application, make sure that you request an official certificate/receipt or an official letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your attempt to apply for a Social Security Card. This notice will serve as proof that you attempted to apply for your Social Security card and should be shown to your host company before beginning your program.
To apply for a Social Security Card, take the following items and visit your local Social Security office:
- Social Security Application
- DS-2019 form
- Passport with your J-1 Visa
- I-94
- A copy of your Training Plan
- Additional identification documents if your passport is less than one year old
To find the Social Security office nearest you, visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (toll free).
If I already have a Social Security Number from a previous program can I still use that number?
Yes. If you have participated in an exchange program before, the Social Security number you were issued during that program will remain valid throughout your life. Therefore, you do not have to reapply for a new card.
Do I need to apply for a Social Security Card even if my internship is unpaid?
If you are not receiving an internship stipend, you are not required to apply for a Social Security Card. Please note, however, that a Social Security Card can be very useful even if your internship is unpaid, as the card and number functions as a means of personal identification, which might help you with opening a bank account, signing a cell phone contract, etc.
