Many jobs from J-1 are waiting for you to go out and meet new cultures, best experience working in a global level. This kind of good opportunity, invite each other to apply.
Learn the culture, gain work experience in the United States
J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the U.S. Internship and Trainee programs are designed to allow foreign college and university students or recent graduates to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.
J-1 Internship & Trainee Program in the USA?
Working in a field related to your studies and receiving reference letters from organizations in the United States gives you a significant advantage when applying for future jobs.
In an increasingly interconnected world, having a global POV is essential. You’ll get exposure to different business practices and cultural environments – showing that you’re adaptable, culturally sensitive, and willing to take on new challenges.
Representing every industry and sector, America is the leading place to intern. Living overseas, you’ll grow personally as well as professionally. Plus, you have the option to travel for 30 days either side of your placement.
Be Age 20-34 years
Different major field: 5-10 years of work experience required
Current status: Graduated
Same major field: At least 1 year of work experience required
*For J-1 Trainee applicants only. Please inquire about details and application fees with KPB consultant.
Be aged 18+
Be at least halfway through your degree before beginning your internship
Have funds to support you for the duration of your stay
Be either a current full-time degree level student outside of the USA. Or if you have already graduated, you must enter the USA within 12 months of graduating
Have a 1-12 month internship offer before we can start the process of sponsoring you
Your placement must be related to your academic field of study
- US sponsorship to work for 1-12 months
- Pre-arranged 6, 9 or 12 month hospitality internship via our placement partner*
- 30 days to travel before or after
- J-1 legal work papers (DS-2019)
- US medical insurance for your stay
- Step-by-step J-1 visa guidance
- US Embassy interview prep (not required for Canadians)
- SEVIS US Government fee
- Training plan (DS-7002) guidance
- Online orientation to prep for the US
- Bank account + Social Security assistance
- 1-on-1 advice before you go
- 24/7 support on the ground
- *The cost is the same irrespective of the duration of your placement + visa sponsorship
- Registration & Placement Admin Fee USD $300 (Fees include initial English language skills assessment, profile screening, resume preparation according to US Hospitality standards, and coordination of interview scheduling with US Placement Partners/employers.)
- US Embassy fee This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185
- Visa integrity fee We're anticipating the US will bring in a refundable USD $250 visa integrity fee for future departures. More info to follow
- I-94 arrival fee This is paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and currently costs USD $24
- Site visit (if required) Check our FAQs for the cost and scenarios of when a site visit will be required
- Travel insurance Medical cover is included, but you must buy travel insurance to cover against the rest of your trip
- Flights We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved
- Support funds You must be able to show you have USD $2,000 proof of funds when entering the US or USD $1,500/month for Canadian passport holders
- Accommodation Chat with our team about accommodation options over the summer
Handles check-in/check-out, guest inquiries, booking reservations, resolving immediate issues, and managing luggage services.
Prepares and cooks dishes while maintaining strict food safety, quality control, and visual presentation.
Manages, Plans, sets up, and executes food and beverage service for hotel restaurants and bars, takes orders, recommends food/beverage pairings, and ensures top-tier table service.
Maintains cleanliness, hygiene, and room standards across guest rooms and public areas, ensuring all amenities are stocked.
Develop
professional career
Create international
networking
Experience in the
US workplace
Enhance resume
Improve English
proficiency
Travel in the U.S.
You can apply and travel at any time of the year. If you’ve already graduated, you must have your visa approved and enter the USA within 12 months of graduation. Once you’ve found your internship, it can take up to 12 weeks to get through the sponsorship, internship vetting and visa process so we advise applying as early as possible.
1. Apply + book your compliance call
Duration : 1+ days
Duration : 1+ days
Check the visa eligibility on this page, hit ‘Apply Now’ and create your profile. You can then access your online account anytime from the top of this page. Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll need to book a non-scary camp consultation with the BUNAC team. This is a visa requirement and is to check your eligibility and make sure that the camp program is right for you. You can then move onto your sponsorship application – ready for your camp consultation.
2. Secure your position (Hospitality Placement)
Duration : 7-30 days
Duration : 7-30 days
The first step is to complete your US style resume in our resume format template. We’ll then set up a video interview with our US placement provider who will go over your degree and experience, what type of internship you are looking for, and discuss your options for roles, hotel groups and locations. They will then set up a video interview with employer(s) relevant to your skills, career path and preferences.
3. Training plan + placement vetting
Duration : 7-30 days
Duration : 7-30 days
Your US employer will need to fill out your DS-7002 Training Plan – this details company information, your training goals and information about your role. All the instructions and links to the form are provided in your online account. Once completed, we send this to our US sponsor for approval to ensure it meets US Department of State requirements. Please note, if a site visit to your host employer’s workplace is required, this can take an additional 21 days. Check our FAQs for the scenarios and cost.
4. Sponsorship + visa application
Duration : 3 - 30+ days
Duration : 3 - 30+ days
Once your internship is approved and you’ve paid your balance, your work papers (DS-2019), training plan (DS-7002) and SEVIS receipt will be sent to you electronically. You’ll need these to apply for your J-1 visa. This involves an online application (DS-160) and in-person appointment at the US Embassy or consulate in your home country – you’ll find all the locations in your account. It’s hard to put an exact timeframe on this as it is dependent on appointment availability.
5. Attend your US Embassy interview
Duration : 10 days
Duration : 10 days
We recommend booking your embassy appointment the day you receive your DS-2019, as it’s not unusual for embassy appointments to run out – especially in the lead up to US summers (Jun-Sep) and over Thanksgiving and Christmas (Nov-Dec). The embassy will keep your passport for up to 10 days, returning it by post along with your visa stamp. Unfortunately, we don’t have control over the availability of visa appointments or the outcome of your appointment.
6. Book flights + pre-departure orientation
Duration : 1 day
Duration : 1 day
Once you have your J-1 visa, it’s safe to book your flights, travel insurance, and confirm any accommodation you have sourced. Make sure you book a return ticket – as you’ll need this to get through US immigration. Once you’ve had your online orientation to make sure you’re perfectly prepped for life in the USA – you’re good to fly!
7. Arrive in the USA
Once you have your J-1 visa, it’s safe to book your flights, travel insurance, and confirm any accommodation you have sourced. Make sure you book a return ticket – as you’ll need this to get through US immigration. Once you’ve had your online orientation to make sure you’re perfectly prepped for life in the USA – you’re good to fly!
Many jobs from J-1 are waiting for you to go out and meet new cultures, best experience working in a global level. This kind of good opportunity, invite each other to apply.
What are the J-1 Internship and J-1 Trainee programs, and how are they different?
The J-1 Internship and J-1 Trainee programs are cultural exchange initiatives sponsored by the U.S. government. Their objective is to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to come to the United States to develop professional skills and engage in cultural exchange.
The main difference lies in the applicant’s qualifications:
- J-1 Internship: This program is suitable for individuals who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or have graduated within the last 12 months. The field of the internship must be directly related to their field of study.
- J-1 Trainee: This program is suitable for individuals who have graduated more than one year ago and have at least one year of work experience related to their desired training field, or for those who do not hold a degree but have at least five years of relevant work experience.
What are the basic qualifications for applicants?
Interested applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Age: Generally, applicants should be between 20 and 34 years old.
- Education and Experience: Must meet the specific requirements for either the Internship or Trainee visa category (as detailed in question 1).
- English Proficiency: Must be able to communicate effectively in English, as it is required for the visa interview, the workplace, and daily life in the U.S.
- Intent: Must have a strong commitment to learning and developing skills in their professional field, along with a desire for cultural exchange, and must intend to return to their home country to contribute after the program ends.
What is the duration of the program?
The program duration varies depending on the visa type and the agreement with the host company in the United States. In general:
- J-1 Internship: The maximum program duration is 12 months.
- J-1 Trainee: The maximum program duration is 18 months.
After completing the program, participants have a 30-day grace period to travel within the United States before returning to Thailand.
Is this a paid program?
Yes, participants in the J-1 Internship & Trainee program receive compensation (a stipend or wage) from their host company in the United States. The rate of pay varies depending on the type of work, position, and the state of employment. This compensation must comply with federal or state minimum wage laws and is sufficient to cover daily living expenses while in the U.S.
What is the role of KPB International Corporation, and what assistance do they provide?
KPB International Corporation acts as a consultant and facilitator, providing assistance and support to applicants through every stage of the process, from beginning to end. This includes:
- Consultation: Assessing initial qualifications and providing detailed program information.
- Host Company Placement: Assisting in finding and matching applicants with suitable host companies that fit their qualifications and needs.
- Document Processing: Helping to prepare and submit necessary documents for the program, such as the Form DS-2019 and Form DS-7002.
- Pre-Departure Preparation: Conducting orientation sessions and offering guidance on the visa interview, travel arrangements, and adjusting to life in the U.S.
- Support During the Program: Serving as a liaison and providing support if any issues arise during the training period in the United States.
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