FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1) Do
I apply as an "Intern" or a "Trainee"?
2) Why do I need a visa sponsor and the DS2019 form?
3) How long does it take to get the J-1 Visa?
4) What is "SEVIS?"
5) I am currently doing Optional Practical Training
(OPT) on the
F-1 Student Visa. Can I apply for the J-1 Trainee/Intern Visa?
6) In which subject fields does Interswop´s partner
sponsor trainees/
interns on the J-1 Visa Program?
7) What are the application requirements and the DS-7002
form?
8) Do I really have to apply for the J-1 Visa in my
home country?
9) How long can my training or internship last?
10) Can Interswop find a training/internship for me in
the U.S.?
11) Can I bring my wife, husband and/or children?
12) Can I extend my training/internship?
13) Can I apply for a second J-1 Trainee/Intern
Visa?
14) What is the refund if I do not get my J-1 Visa?
15) What should I do if there are problems during
my training?
16) Can I work and/or accept another job outside
my training?
17) Do I need to have health insurance for my training/internship?
18) Can I buy insurance through Interswop?
19) How will I pay for my living expenses during
my program?
20) How long may I stay in the U.S. after I finish
my program?
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1) Do I apply as an "Intern" or a "Trainee"?
Apply
as an "Intern" if you are foreign national
who (1) is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree-or
certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution or (2) graduated
from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to the program
begin date, and intend to enter the United States to participate in
a structured and guided work-based internship program in your specific
academic field.
MAXIMUM INTERN PROGRAM DURATION: 12 MONTHS
Apply
as a "Trainee" if you are a foreign national
who has either: (1) A degree or professional certificate from a foreign
post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related
work experience in your occupational field acquired outside the United
States, or (2) Five years of work experience outside the United States
in your occupational field, and intend to enter the United States to
participate in a structured and guided work-based training program in
your specific occupational field.
MAXIMUM TRAINEE PROGRAM DURATION: 18 MONTHS
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2)
Why do I need a visa sponsor and the DS2019 form?
Only
U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors like the Interswop partner
organizations are authorized to issue and send to you the Certificate
of Eligibility, the DS2019 form. You need this form in order to apply
for the J-1 visa, which allows you to be a trainee/intern in the USA.
Sponsors
help ensure that your prospective host company's training or internship
program matches your education and experience and complies with U.S.
Department of State regulations. Sponsors also check whether you are
qualified for a training/internship on the J-1 Visa, monitor your program,
and provide you with important orientation materials as well as contracts
between you, your host company, and the sponsor.
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3)
How long does it take to get the DS-2019 form and then the J-1 Visa?
The
total time required to process your DS-2019 form sponsorship application
depends on how quickly you and your host company provide Interswop´s
partner with all necessary materials and information.
It lasts at least about 4 weeks to process your application and to issue
the DS-2019 form and to send the DS-2019 form to your home country by
FedEx or UPS or other postal mail service.
You should arrange your personal interview date at the US consulate
or embassy in your home country by time (up to 4-6 weeks in advance).
Once
you receive the necessary documents (DS-2019 form and DS-7002 form),
you will need to apply for the J-1 Visa in-person at a U.S. consulate
or embassy in your home country. This process may take anywhere from
a couple of days (if you can apply in person) to four or more weeks,
depending on the specific consulate or embassy where you apply.
We
recommend you submit to Interswop your application for DS-2019 form
sponsorship well in advance of the desired start date of your training
to avoid possible delays. Please remember that securing sponsorship
for the J-1 Visa does not guarantee that you will actually be granted
the J-1 Visa by a U.S. consulate or embassy.
You should not book your flight to the U.S. before getting back your
passport from the U.S. consulate or embassy with the granted J-1 Visa.
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4)
What is "SEVIS?"
On
February 15, 2003, the Department of State introduced the Student and
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in an effort to improve
the tracking of J and F Visa holders during their stay in the U.S. When
Interswop´s partner approves sponsorship for you, the partner
will issue to you the DS-2019 Form by registering you in SEVIS.
When
you submit your J Visa application to a U.S. consulate or embassy, the
consular officer handling your application will have access to the data
that Interswop´s partner entered into SEVIS.
Whenever
there is a change in your U.S. contact information or in your program
or visa status (e.g. when Interswop´s partner approves a program
extension or when you finish your program early), Interswop´s
partner updates your SEVIS record. If you are terminated from the J
Program, your SEVIS record will reflect this and may have a negative
impact on future visa applications.
To
maintain your visa status and SEVIS record, it is very important that
you inform Interswop´s partner in advance of any potential changes
to your original program as well as your and your supervisor’s
U.S. contact information.
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5)
I am currently doing Optional Practical Training (OPT) on the F-1 Student
Visa. Can I apply for the J-1 Trainee/Intern Visa?
Yes,
but only if you otherwise comply with Department of State regulations
and definitions regarding Trainees and Interns (Please
see FAQ #1 above.).
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6)
In which subject fields does Interswop´s partner sponsor trainees/interns
on the J-1 Visa Program?
Click
here for detailed information about the subject fields in which Interswop´s
partner sponsors trainees/interns on the J-1 Visa Program.
Detailed list of sponsored fields and which fields are not sponsored
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7)
What are the application requirements?
To
be eligible for Interswop´s partner Sponsorship on the J-1 Trainee/Intern
Visa, you need to:
Have
secured a training or internship position with an organization or company
in the USA.
Have qualifications for Training or Internship according to FAQ #1 above
regarding university level education and previous work experience in
a field directly related to the proposed program.
Know English well enough to perform successfully in the proposed training/internship
position.
Plan
to leave the U.S. within 30 days after the completion of your training/internship.
Your
Host Organization / Host Company needs to:
Offer
to you internship for up to 12 months or training for up to 18 months
in one of the following subject fields: Information, Media, Communications,
Management, Business, Commerce, Finance, the Sciences, Engineering,
Architecture, Mathematics, Industrial Occupations, Public Administration
or Law. Click here for more information about the subject fields Interswop´s
partner sponsors.
Provide
you with a structured training/internship program and "Training/Internship
Placement Plan," 'TIPP' DS-7002 form, that must be approved by
Interswop´s partner and be suitable to your qualifications and
background. (You are required to submit the TIPP DS-7002 to the US consulate
or embassy with your DS-2019 form at the time of your in-person visa
appointment.)
Ensure
that you are engaged in training/internship activities and not in work
that a part-time or full-time staff member of the organization would
otherwise be responsible for. As a J-1 Trainee/Intern you are not allowed
to make final decisions about, or assume full responsibility for major
tasks, assignments or projects. However, you may assist in such matters
since on-the-job participation is encouraged as an important learning
tool.
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8)
Do I really have to apply for the J-1 Visa in my home country?
You
can apply for the J-1 Visa only at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside
the U.S. If you have secured documents for Interswop´s partner
sponsorship for the J-1 Visa but are unable or unwilling to apply for
your visa in your home country, you may be able to do so in another
(third) country. For example, if you are already in the U.S., you may
apply for the J-1 Visa at a U.S. consulate in Canada. However, Interswop´s
partner discourages visa applications in third countries since your
chances of obtaining the J-1 Visa can be considerably lower there (and
consular policy on such applications may change without notification).
You should make every effort to plan to apply in your home country for
your visa.
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9) How long can my training or internship
last?
Training
on the J-1 Visa Program may last between 3 weeks and 18 months.
Internships are limited to 12 months.
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10) Can Interswop find a training/internship
position for me in the U.S.?
Yes,
if you are German, Swiss or Austrian and if you like to participate
in our full service internship placement package. Please find information
at: http://www.interswop.de/IS_Ger_USA.htm
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11)
Can I bring my wife, husband and/or children?
Your spouse and/or children should be able to obtain the J-2
Visa to accompany you to the U.S. or join you later. Each dependent
(spouse and/or unmarried child under the age of 21) wishing to enter
the U.S. together with you must apply for Interswop´s partner
sponsorship for the J-2 Visa at the same time you are submitting to
us your application for Interswop´s partner sponsorship for the
J-1 Visa. If a dependent wishes to join you in the U.S. later, they
may apply for Interswop´s partner sponsorship separately. The
application fee is 300 U.S. dollars per dependent. Please contact us
about discounts for families with small children.
You
and your dependents must bring sufficient funds to cover all living
expenses in the U.S., pay for round-trip air travel, and purchase adequate
health insurance, both for yourself and your spouse and/or children.
Interswop´s partner -sponsored dependents on the J-2 Visa are
not allowed to accept any employment while in the U.S. (unless under
exceptional circumstances).
Please
note that securing sponsorship for a J-1 or J-2 Visa does not guarantee
that you or your dependents willactually be granted the J-1 or J-2 Visa
by a U.S. embassy or consulate.
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12)
Can I extend my training/internship?
If your original training program lasts less than 18 months and
if your host organization supports your request for additional training,
it may be possible to extend your program up to a maximum program duration
of 18 months.
If
your original internship program lasts less than 12 months and if your
host organization supports your request for additional intern activities,
it may be possible to extend your program up to a maximum program duration
of 12 months.
Whether training or interning, you must be currently "in status"
on your J-1 Visa and Interswop´s partner must receive all necessary
documentation and application forms at least 30 days prior to the program
end date indicated on the Training/Internship Placement Plan 'TIPP'
and contracts. If an application is received less than 30 days prior
to the program end date and Interswop´s partner decides to consider
the request, a US$200 nonrefundable late fee must be paid to Interswop´s
partner in addition to the US$550 extension application fee. Please
see Interswop´s partner fee and refund policy for details. To
request an extension of training/internship, please contact Interswop´s
partner, so Interswop´s partner can send the necessary application
materials to you and your host organization.
If
your spouse and/or children are with you in the U.S. on the J-2 Visa,
they may request an extension of their stay at the time you submit your
application to Interswop´s partner. If all extensions are approved
by Interswop´s partner, your dependents may remain with you for
the period you are allowed to stay in the U.S.
Travel
outside the U.S. is restricted during your program extension, unless
you obtain a new J-1 Visa that is valid for the appropriate dates and
duration. You must contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) to check whether your travel plans comply with current
laws, and regulations.
Please
note that there is never a guarantee that Interswop´s partner
will accept any application for training/internship extension. If Interswop´s
partner denies an application, the denial is final and Interswop´s
partner is not required to provide explanations.
We
strongly suggest you and your prospective U.S. host organization make
a realistic estimate of how much time will be necessary to complete
all aspects of the training/internship program in advance of submitting
the initial program proposal to Interswop´s partner.
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13)
Can I apply for a second J-1 Trainee/Intern Visa?
Yes.
Applicants who have previously participated in a traineeship may be
eligible to participate in additional training and internship programs
under the following conditions:
Additional training and internship programs must address the development
of more advanced skills or a different field of expertise.
Interns may participate in additional internship programs as long as
they maintain student status or begin a new internship program within
12 months of graduation.
Trainees may participate in additional training programs after a period
of at least two years residency outside the U.S. following their previous
training program.
Participants who have successfully completed internship programs may
participate in a subsequent program after a two-year residency outside
the U.S.
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14)
What is the refund if I do not get my J-1 Visa?
If
you have not previously violated U.S. visa regulations and your J-1
Visa application is denied by the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction
over your place of permanent residence, you may be eligible for a $250
refund (of your payment of the $550 application fee) after Interswop´s
partner has received back from you the DS-2019 Form that was issued
to you. Please see Interswop´s partner fee and refund policy for
details at the DS2019 Information.
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15)
What should I do if there are problems during my training/internship?
As
your J-1 Visa sponsor, Interswop´s partner acts as your advisor
and liaison between you and your host organization. You are required
to notify us immediately if you encounter any problems during your program.
When informed early, Interswop´s partner has been very successful
in helping participants and host organization to resolve most problems
and misunderstandings.
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16)
Can I work and/or accept another job outside my training/internship?
No.
As a J-1 Trainee/Intern you are strictly prohibited from accepting any
employment in the U.S outside your training/internship and/or performing
any work in the U.S. If you are found to engage in unauthorized employment
and/or work, you are in violation of federal regulations, subject to
immediate termination from the J-1 Visa Program, and may face deportation
and/or other penalties through the United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS).
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17)
Do I need to have health insurance for my training/internship?
All
trainees and their dependents on the J Visa must be covered by a health
insurance plan that satisfies the insurance requirements of the U.S.
Department of State for the entire duration of the training program.
Before Interswop´s partner can approve sponsorship, you and your
dependents must show evidence of such coverage or purchase insurance
through Interswop or Interswop´s partner (see details in the next
item).
To
satisfy the requirements of the Department of State, your and your dependents'
insurance coverage must:
Provide,
at a minimum, up to 10,000 U.S. dollars in case of medical evacuation.
Provide, at a minimum, up to 7,500 U.S. dollars in case of repatriation
of remains.
Provide, at a minimum,
EITHER: up to 50,000 U.S. dollars of regular and customary medical expenses
per accident or sickness
OR: 75% of regular and customary medical expenses per accident or sickness
Have a deductible that does not exceed 500 U.S. dollars per accident
or sickness.
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18)
Can I buy health insurance through Interswop? Yes, you can!
If
you need general health insurance coverage, you can purchase the insurance package from Interswop´s partner at only € 1,60 per day.
This plan:
Provides
ulimited regular and customary medical expenses per accident or sickness.
Has no deductible amounts per accident or sickness or Emergency Room
Visit
Interswop recommends that you purchase health insurance for the period
you spend in the U.S. before your J-1 training begins as well as for
the "grace period" (the 30 day period which you may spend
in the U.S. after you have completed your J-1 training program.) Please
find all information on the offered insurance
here.
Or click on the insurance banner below.
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19)
How will I pay for my living expenses during my program?
Many
host organizations provide their trainees/interns with a monthly stipend
that helps them pay for rent and other living expenses. However, regardless
of whether your training/internship is paid or unpaid, it will be your
responsibility to have sufficient funds to cover all living expenses
in the U.S., pay for round-trip air travel, and purchase adequate health
insurance, both for yourself and your dependents (any spouse and/or
unmarried children under the age of 21 who entered the U.S. on the J-2
Visa to stay with you).
As
a Interswop´s partner-sponsored J-1 Trainee/Intern you are required
to come to the U.S. with a minimum of 1,200 U.S. dollars (plus 600 U.S.
dollars for each dependent accompanying you) in order to be able to
pay for living expenses during the first month of your stay (you may
not receive the first paycheck from your host organization until five
or more weeks after the beginning of your training/internship). In addition,
you must ensure that you have at least 900 U.S. dollars for yourself
and 450 U.S. dollars per dependent per month to cover basic living expenses
for the remainder of your and your dependents' stay in the U.S. Please
note, however, that your actual living expenses may be significantly
higher, depending on your life style, the location of your training/internship,
and other factors.
When you apply for your visa, you will be required to show to the U.S.
consular officer that you have available personal funds at least in
the amount stated in item 5.g. on the DS-2019 Form issued by Interswop´s
partner.
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20)
How long may I stay in the U.S. after I finish my program?
After
you have successfully completed your J-1 program, you are permitted
by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to
remain in the U.S. for another 30 days. During this 30-day period, which
is often referred to as the "Grace Period," you are under
the jurisdiction of the USCIS and no longer entitled to train or intern
at an organization. The USCIS grants this period to allow you to settle
your affairs and to prepare your return to your home country. You may
neither continue nor complete your program, nor work during this 30-day
period. Although you may travel inside the United States, we recommended
that you do not travel beyond the borders of the U.S. as you will not
be permitted re-entry on your expired J-1 Training/Internship visa.
For your own safety we also suggest you purchase health insurance for
this period either independently or through Interswop.
