J-1 Trainee Program – U.S. Professional Training Visa

The J-1 Trainee Program allows qualified professionals to undertake a structured, work-based training program in the United States for up to 18 months, gaining advanced skills and exposure to U.S. business culture within their occupational field.

All training plans must be secured, structured, and approved before travelling to the U.S.

Eligibility

To qualify for the J-1 Trainee Program, applicants must meet one of the following:

• Hold a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary academic institution and have at least one year of related full-time work experience outside the United States
  OR
• Have five years of full-time work experience in their occupational field outside the United States

Applicants must also:

• Have sufficient English language proficiency to participate successfully in the training program
• Have a genuine interest in learning about U.S. business culture and professional practices
• Secure a structured training program in advance, with a host organisation willing to complete a DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan

Fields We Can Process

Training placements may be approved in a broad range of professional areas, including:

• Business, Commerce, Management & Finance
• Information Technology
• Marketing, Communications & Media
• Engineering, Architecture & Technical Fields
• Education & Social Sciences
• Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Industrial & Skilled Occupations
• Arts & Culture

Training programs must align with your previous professional experience.

What’s Included in the Program Fee – €1299

• Full program administration

• Dedicated case manager

• U.S. sponsor review and approval

• Issuing and postage of the DS-2019 form

• Host company vetting and compliance checks

• Full review and approval of the DS-7002 Training Plan

• Site visit (if required by sponsor)

• Pre-departure information and preparation

A site visit may be required if the host organisation has fewer than 20 employees or under $3 million in annual revenue.

What’s Not Included (Third-Party Costs)

These costs are not included in the €1299 program fee:

• SEVIS Fee: €220 (includes J-1 Ireland processing fee)

• U.S. Embassy Application Fee: $185

• Visa Integrity Fee (VIF): $250 (may apply )

• Mandatory health insurance

• Flights, accommodation, and personal expenses

Training Plan (Form DS-7002)

All Trainee applicants must have a structured, multi-phase training plan developed jointly with their host organisation. The DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan:

• Outlines the skills, knowledge, and methods of training
• Specifies the progression of training phases
• Defines supervision, evaluation, and cultural exchange elements
• Must be signed by:
• • You (the trainee)
  • Your host organisation
  • The U.S. sponsor

Form DS-2019 cannot be issued until the DS-7002 is fully approved.

Program Overview

The Trainee Program provides:

• Hands-on, supervised training in your occupational field
• Exposure to U.S. business practices and workplace culture
• Professional development under the guidance of a designated mentor
• An 18-month maximum duration (depending on field)
• The opportunity to gain substantial cross-cultural and professional experience

Participants must source their own training placement and accommodation.

Application Steps

Once your training plan and host organisation are approved:

• Your DS-2019 form is issued
• You may book your U.S. Embassy visa interview
• After receiving your visa, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your training start date
• After completing your program, you have a 30-day grace period to depart the U.S.