What is the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa?
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa for Interns and Trainees is a pathway for international students and career starters to gain professional experience in the US. Paid and unpaid positions are available to accelerate your career and prepare you for the jobs of the future!
Since 1996, the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GACC NY) has provided J-1 visa sponsorship for thousands of young professionals coming to the US. We support programs in the occupational categories of:
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations
- Information Media and Communications
- Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Public Administration and Law
- Registered Apprenticeships in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (Ausbildung)
If you have already secured a US host company, register today to start your visa application!
Contact us to learn more about how you can apply your education and early career experience in a US Cultural Exchange Internship or Traineeship!
Which J-1 visa category is for you?
Intern
Full-time student enrolled in an in-person program, who has completed at least one semester of studies.
OR
Apprentice (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) in a recognized dual vocational training program.
OR
Any recent graduate who will start the J-1 program within 12 months after graduation.
Trainee
Graduate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution, OR a recognized dual vocational training program, who has at least 12 months of full-time related work experience after graduation in the applicant's occupational field outside the United States.
If no degree: Five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which the applicant is seeking training.
University Student
You have completed at least one semester at an accredited university outside of the US, full-time and in-person, and are at least in your second semester when the internship begins.
Apprentice
You are currently an apprentice in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, participating in a recognized dual vocational training program.
University Graduate
You will start your internship within 12 months after graduation from an accredited university outside of the US.
Apprentice Graduate
You will start your internship within 12 months after graduation from a recognized dual vocational training program in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
Young Professional
You have completed a university degree or an apprenticeship and have gained between 12 months and 5 years of full-time professional experience after graduation outside of the United States.
Legal Trainee (Rechtsreferendar)
You have completed your First State Exam and the first year of your legal training in Germany (Rechtsreferendariat).
Work Experience w/o Formal Education
You have gained 5 years of full-time and in-person professional experience outside of the United States in the occupational field in which you are seeking training.
J-1 Visa Service Packages
0-3 Months
3-6 Months
6-12 Months
Our Prices Always Include
0-3 Months
3-6 Months
6-12 Months
12-18 Months
Our Prices Always Include
What our clients are saying about us
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Register to get started, or contact us if you have questions.
