Internship Training USA

Eligibility

In order to be considered for a J1 intern visa, candidates must:
• Be currently enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S.;
  OR
  Have graduated from such an institution within 12 months of program start date;
  OR
  Hold a degree or professional certificate from a foreign postsecondary academic institution and at least one year of related professional experience acquired outside the U.S.;
  OR
  Have five years of related professional experience acquired outside the U. S.;
• Be between the ages of 21-35 and 18-35 for hospitality placements;
• Thoroughly complete the application packet and send supporting documents;

How to Apply for a Programme?

Stage 1:

Complete the Pre-Application form and attach your CV/Resume. If you have a special request beyond the boundaries of the programme, such as an unusual career field focus, or you meet some but not all programme requirements (for example the age limit), add your special request in the message box.

Stage 2:

We will review your profile and if you are qualified for the program we will contact you to forward us more information and documentation for further screening.

Stage 3:

We will contact you to schedule an interview.

Stage 4:

When you have been accepted by Global Choices, you will need to submit the booking fee of $300 and we now check available positions, according to your individual profile. During the placement process we will request additional documents to be submitted for successful placement. In case we cannot offer you a placement within the period agreed upon between the applicant and Global Choices you will be refunded the booking fee.

Stage 5:

Depending on the position and sector, we will contact you to arrange another interview with the potential employer in the United States.

Stage 6:

If the interview was successful, and you wish to accept the position we will send you all necessary documentation to finalize your placement. After the documents have been returned and the placement has been confirmed you are officially placed in the internship program. At this stage the outstanding program fee needs to be paid and the DS form will be issued. We will start to assist you with your pre-departure preparations.

Stage 7:

With your DS form you can now schedule an appointment with the US Embassy to obtain your J1 visa. Once your visa appointment has been confirmed you will need to inform Global Choices about the date and time of your appointment.

Stage 8:

If your visa has been granted, participants must provide Global Choices with complete arrival flight details 7 days prior to the arrival date (in accordance with the original planned start date). Participants must arrive at least 1 day before the program start date stated on the DS form. Before departure, each participant must attend a Global Choices orientation session unless agreed otherwise.

Deadlines

All applications for Global Choices arranged placements should be submitted 16 weeks prior to preferred start date. All applications for self-arranged placements (J1 visa sponsorship only) must be submitted 4- 8 weeks prior to preferred entry date.

Required Documents

• Completed Internship Program Application Packet;
• Two Photographs – 1 passport-size and 1 professional demeanour photos;
• Letter of Introduction to the Host Business, if requested;
• Letter to the host family, if applicable;
• Curriculum Vitae/resume;
• Letters of Recommendation from a previous employer or professor, if requested;
• Proof of university attendance or diploma and any other relevant certificates;
• Copy of passport

Work Permits and Visa

Once a placement has been finalised, the participant will receive the DS-2019 form, which is called a “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status”. This document shows the name of your sponsor and the purpose of the programme, and specifies its duration. The DS-2019 is not a visa application form.

In order to apply for the J-1 visa, you must take the DS-2019 form, proof of payment of the US$180 SEVIS fee, and your passport to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. Once the form is processed, the visa is issued and attached to your passport. It is extremely important to retain a copy of the DS-2019 form throughout the remainder of the programme.

As a reminder, Global Choices is not responsible for final visa authorisation decisions and visa issuance. The U.S. embassies and consulates abroad each have their own guidelines relative to issuing U.S. visas; Global Choices has no control or say regarding an embassy or consulate’s final visa decision.

Please note: The DS-2019 Form will only be issued once the participant’s program fee is paid in full.

J1 Trainee Status

Must have a university degree or professional certificate from a foreign institution AND at least one year of additional related experience outside of the U.S after graduation OR five years of experience outside of the U.S, in the field of training. Trainees will be allowed to stay in the U.S for up to 18 months, with the exception of hospitality trainees who are limited to programs of 12 months or less. Exchange visitors who will be pursuing training in business management at a hotel will be allowed to train for up to 18 months. (For example, Human Resources or Marketing Training Programs at a hotel or restaurant would qualify as 18-month business training as long as the trainee has prior management experience).