Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work outside of my training/internship?
No. The U.S. State Department regulations prohibit all J-1 trainee and Interns from accepting employment in the U.S. outside your training or internship assignment. It is very important that you evaluate your program expenses before applying for the program as you will be required to show proof of funds needed to sustain your living expenses while in the U.S. Any unauthorized employment will subject you to immediate termination from the J-1 visa program and you may also face deportation and/or other penalties from the U.S. government.
What does the CETUSA Trainee/Internship Program offer to participants?
The CETUSA J-1 Trainee/Internship Program offers qualified participants an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in one’s field of endeavor, through participation in a structured training program with a U.S. Host Company. The participants receive exposure to American techniques and on-the-job training in American methodologies. Such advancement should improve their relevant industry expertise and help them achieve their individual career objectives upon completion of the program. For a complete list of program services, contact our Trainee Office
How do I qualify as a J-1 Trainee?
You must have either a degree or professional certificate from an international post-secondary institution and at least one year of prior work-related experience or a minimum of five years of work experience in your occupational field. All work must be acquired outside of the U.S.
How do I qualify as a J-1 Intern?
You must be in one of the following situations: currently studying at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. or recently graduated from such institution outside the U.S., less than twelve months prior to the program start date.
What are my responsibilities as a CETUSA Trainee/Intern Program participant?
- Secure a U.S. host company training or internship offer
- Carefully read the CETUSA Trainee/Internship Program’s Participant Handbook, and clarify any questions with your agent before proceeding to fill out your application
- Complete and submit a CETUSA program application via your local agent
- Pay required program fees
- Work with your agent to schedule the J-1 visa interview appointment at your home-country U.S. Embassy or Consulate, schedule and pay for your round-trip international transportation, and communicate your planned arrival in the U.S.
- Participate in a CETUSA pre-departure orientation
- Complete mid-course and final program evaluations in a timely manner
What is expected of me when I'm working with the U.S. host company?
- Be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. Host companies are looking for flexible and motivated trainees or interns who are perceptive to the ever-evolving business environment.
- Be on time. It is important that you get to your training location on time; otherwise, your host company will note that you are not responsible.
- Dress appropriately. It is important that you have a professional appearance. Ask about your company’s dress code if you are not sure.
- Be prepared to comply with company policies. Although you are not a full-time staff member under these programs’ regulations, you may be subject to the same pre-employment clearance procedures as regular employees. This may include, but not be limited to, a drug test, background check and reference check.
- Be a “team player.” U.S. host companies like trainees and interns who are willing to help and support supervisors and share the host company’s business goals.
- Share your international perspective. You must keep in mind that a U.S. host company participating in the J-1 Trainee/Internship Program has expressed interest in learning about your culture and about your industry practices in your home country.
- Strictly follow the J-1 Trainee/Intern Program Placement Plan (T/IPP Form DS-7002). Your host company will expect you to comply with the Placement Plan composed, which has been individually designed to suit your career advancement.
- Complete mid-course and final program evaluations in a timely manner.
- Abide by the CETUSA program rules and conditions to which you agreed in the application.
How much lead time do I need to become a trainee or intern?
After you secure your training opportunity with a U.S. host company, CETUSA recommends that you allow at minimum 2 months to process your J-1 Exchange Program application, apply for and receive your J-1 visa, and get prepared for your time in the U.S. Be aware that the process could take more or less time as well.
How do I find a training opportunity with a U.S. host company?
CETUSA works with overseas partners who are experienced with international recruiting, candidate screening, and career counseling expertise. Contact our Trainee Office for more information.
What makes CETUSA a quality program sponsor?
CETUSA is a member of the CET Management Group which, since 1995, has helped tens of thousands of students, families, young professionals, and employers benefit from the integration of different cultures. CETUSA is a CSIET compliant organization, which ensures the high integrity of our program sponsorship and program administration.
CETUSA helps Trainee/Internship Program participants work with an overseas agent to complete the application process, and also contacts the U.S. Host Company to help develop a dynamic training plan that includes continuous on-the-job training, supervision, evaluations, and insight into American industry practices, work ethics and other cultural aspects of American daily life.
Why do I need the visa sponsor and the DS-2019 form?
Only U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors such as CETUSA are authorized to issue and send you the Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility). You must have the Form DS-2019 to apply for your J-1 visa, which allows you to be a trainee or intern in the U.S.
How do I get the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa?
CETUSA issues the Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) to you, the program participant. It is your responsibility to apply for the J-1 visa at your home-country U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What type of insurance coverage is offered?
CETUSA provides Accident and Sickness Insurance coverage for all program participants for the duration of the program. Insurance costs are included in the required program fees.
Are internship programs paid or unpaid?
Each training or internship offer is different. Some host companies provide a stipend, while others offer invaluable learning experience that requires expert staff time and dedication to the candidate’s career advancement needs.
How long may my program be in the U.S.?
Intern participants may stay a maximum of 12 months in the U.S. You may participate in an unlimited number of J-1 visa internships as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Trainee participants may stay in the U.S. a maximum of 18 months and must remain outside the U.S. for at least 2 years before being eligible for another training program.
May I switch host companies?
In rare circumstances, CETUSA will consider allowing a participant to change their host company. This may take place if the principal host organization is no longer capable of following the bona fide training or internship placement plan or the host company agreement. The host company switch is permitted only when a transfer application has been filed and approved by CETUSA program staff.
Where will I live in the U.S.?
CETUSA is one of the few program sponsors that will actively assist you with finding economy housing. You may be required to secure housing prior to arrival.
How will I travel around in the U.S.?
You are responsible for your own domestic transportation expense. If you decide to purchase a car, you should expect to obtain a U.S. driver’s license, auto insurance, and auto registration adequate for the state where you intend to live in.
Am I subject to U.S. income tax and do I need to file a return?
Trainees or interns who earn income from a U.S. host company are responsible for paying U.S. federal, state, and local (if applicable) income tax. You are not required to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes. This tax return form is due on April 15 of the year following your training opportunity. If you did not earn income during your training/internship, you must still file a tax return, due June 15, but you will not owe any tax money.
How do I apply for a CETUSA Trainee or Internship Program?
Contact our Trainee Office.
What does the CETUSA Trainee/Internship Program offer to participants?
The CETUSA J-1 Trainee/Internship Program offers qualified participants an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in one’s field of endeavor, through participation in a structured training program with a U.S. host company. The participants receive exposure to American techniques and on-the-job training in American methodologies. Such advancement should improve their relevant industry expertise and help them achieve their individual career objectives upon completion of the program.
Overseas agents of CETUSA offer local assistance with the application process, as well as help applicants define their career advancement goals, reflective of their career path and the U.S. business’s training capacity. CETUSA program staff works closely with the proposed U.S. host company. Together they develop a dynamic on-the-job training plan, which prompts continuous expert supervision, corrective feedback, and learning evaluation.
What makes CETUSA a quality program sponsor?
CETUSA is a member of the CET Management Group which, since 1995, has helped tens of thousands of students, families, young professionals, and host companies benefit from the integration of different cultures. CETUSA is a CSIET compliant organization, which ensures the high integrity of our program sponsorship and program administration.
CETUSA helps its Trainee/Internship Program participants work with an overseas agent to complete the application process, and also contacts the U.S. host company to help develop a dynamic training plan that includes continuous on-the-job training, supervision, evaluations, and insight into American industry practices, work ethics and other cultural aspects of American daily life.
Once a U.S. host company offers me a Trainee or Internship position, what do I do?
Contact our Internship and Trainee Program Office and we will engage an overseas agent to help you with the application in your home country.
Member of the CET Management Group