Visa for Internships in the U.S.

You need a J1 visa when you get an internship in the U.S.
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In order to do an internship in the U.S. you will need a J1-visa. With a J1-visa you will be able to do an internship in the U.S. for up to 12 months. Most companies prefer that their interns arrange visa and insurance through an organization.

KILROY education can help apply for a visa and obtain insurance through our partner The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). CIEE ensures a fast and easy process.

Criteria for the J1-visa

  • Applicants must be full time students or have graduated recently (Maximum 12 months since graduation).
  • The applicant must be minimum 18 years old.
  • The applicant must have the sufficient English skills to work in a company in the U.S.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in an academic program lasting at least a year. The educational program must result in an educational degree.
  • The internship must be relevant to the applicant's study at home.
  • If the applicant has taken internships in the U.S. previously he or she must prove that the new training period does not correspond to the former.

Special Criteria for Applicants who Have Graduated

Applicants that have graduated and hold relevant work experience can also apply for a J1- visa. This is called Practical Career Training.

  • The applicant must have a higher education that has lasted at least 2 years.
  • The internship must be related to the applicant's education.
  • The applicant must have at least one year of relevant work experience.

Restrictions When Working on a J1-visa

A J1-visa only allows interns to work in positions that require special skills. This means that the job should require some theoretical knowledge. Unskilled tasks such as working as a receptionist, clerk, cashier or bartender will, in most cases, not be allowed.

Other Types of Work That are Not Allowed on a J1-visa

  • Au-pair work, maid work or other domestic work like child care.
  • Scout leader, Camp director.
  • Medicine/nursing or other fields that involves therapy, counselling, nursing or diagnosis of medical, psychiatric or psychological nature.
  • Pharmacy related work.
  • Veterinary or animal keeper.
  • Pilot or crew member on a boat or plane. 
  • Teachers or trainers.
  • Temporary work or consultancy work.

Contact KILROY education to get more information on the J1-visa.

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