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Prospective Intern FAQs

  1. What occupational categories can the American Immigration Council sponsor?

    The American Immigration Council's International Exchange Center is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 intern programs in the following occupational areas:



    • Arts and Culture

    • Social Sciences, Library Science, and Social Services

    • Tourism

    • Information Media and Communications

    • Management, Business, Commerce and Finance

    • Public Administration and Law

    • The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
  2. How long can the internship program be?

    Intern programs have a maximum duration of 12 months.

  3. What are the fees?

    Total fees can vary based on the type of application service requested and the specifics of the case.  An up-to-date breakdown of fees can always be found on our fees page.  Fees include the following services:

    • Screening & processing of J-1 training program application
    • Shipping of Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) to accepted applicants
    • Payment of SEVIS fee to the US Government
    • Identification of Sickness & Accident Insurance meeting U.S. government requirements for J-1 visa holders
    • Participant and host user handbooks
    • Orientation materials
    • Consulting on the J-1 visa process
    • Newsletters
    • Program monitoring
    • On-going support to J-1 trainees and host companies
    • Certificate of Completion
    • Government reporting and compliance with SEVIS
  4. What is the refund policy?

    Applicants are eligible for a partial refund of program fees in the case of host company or foreign national withdrawal prior to the issuance of form DS-2019 and/or prior to Consular processing.  The International Exchange Center is unable to provide refunds due to rejection at the US Consulate.  SEVIS and expedite fees are nonrefundable.

  5. How fast is the expedite service vs. standard processing?

    Applications submitted for expedited service will be reviewed within five business days or fewer; a decision will be reached on the case within this timeframe and intern applicants will be contacted for an interview to be completed shortly thereafter.  Applications filed for standard processing will be reviewed within approximately ten business days or fewer.

  6. How will webcam interviews affect processing times?

    The International Exchange Center at the American Immigration Council conducts a video interview with each intern applicant prior to approving internship proposals for sponsorship.  Intern applicants whose applications have been filed under our expedited service can expect to hear from a case manager regarding the interview no more than five business days after the application has been received; applicants whose applications were filed under our standard processing should expect to be contacted within approximately ten business days.  It is up to individual intern applicants to respond with their availability in a timely manner.

  7. Can the American Immigration Council sponsor an international intern who was previously in another J-1 training program or other J-1 progam?

    Intern applicants who meet eligibility requirements are eligible regardless of any past J-1 internships or other J-1 programs, including summer work/travel, camp counselor, visiting scholar, and others.

  8. What are the minimum qualifications for an international intern?

    Potential J-1 interns must be able to document and/or demonstrate the following in order to meet basic eligibility requirements:

    • Sufficient English language fluency (to be determined by IEC staff)
    • Current enrollment in a post-secondary, degree-granting academic program outside of the United States

    OR

    Graduation within the past 12 months from a post-secondary academic institution outside of the United States

  9. Is there a minimum age or age limit?

    Interns need to be actively enrolled in a post-secondary program in their home country.  This generally means a de facto minimum age of about 18 years.  There is no maximum age for program participation; however, all applicants must be either currently enrolled in a post-secondary, degree-granting program or have recently graduated.