Internship Training USA

Eligibility

In order to be considered for a J1 intern visa, candidates must:
• Be post-secondary students currently studying outside of the United States or university graduates who have been out of school for no more than 12 months. This programme can be repeated as long as you maintain student status or begin the internship within 12 months of graduation. Internships must be related to your field of study;
• Be between the ages of 22-35;
• Thoroughly complete the application packet and send supporting documents;
• Submit a recognised English language test score (i.e. TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.), an evaluation letter from a certified English instructor and/or any certification indicating intermediate to advanced level of English language ability. 550 TOEFL equivalent required for Paid Internship option (not applicable to native speakers of English);
• Submit proof of university attendance or a diploma;
• Submit proof of sufficient health and accident insurance for the length of stay in the US.

How to Apply for a Programme?

Stage 1:

You are required to complete a special enquiry form in order to initiate the Internship Training Programme booking. 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), submit your CV (resume), letter of intent, and proof of level of English, as well as the booking/inquiry form and any other information requested by Global Choices. You will be instructed whether or not the inquiry is acceptable and if you have to forward more information for review.

It is extremely important that the booking/enquiry form is as detailed as possible. Particular attention should be given to your career focus and programme options. When indicating the duration dates, you should consider set-up time for Internship Training Programme placement.

A curriculum vitae and a letter of intent are required when submitting the booking/inquiry form. The CV should be typed, as should be the letter. The letter must indicate your expectations in the workplace – and what you specifically want to achieve. Goals and objectives must also be included in this letter.

Stage 2:

Global Choices will confirm your booking within a week of receipt of the inquiry form. You will be required to submit the completed Internship Training application packet along with the payment of the deposit within 7 days of notification of a confirmed booking. Before completing the Internship Training application packet, you should thoroughly read, understand and agree with terms and conditions set forth in the Programme Participant Handbook. This handbook contains the programme guidelines and policies.

Global Choices will conduct a one-on-one verbal interview with each applicant.

Stage 3:

Upon placement confirmation you must apply for J1 visa at the US Embassy. Participants must provide Global Choices with complete flight details on both arrival and departure 7 days prior to the arrival date (in accordance with the original booking). Before departure, each participant must attend a Global Choices orientation session.

Important: The placement process begins at the time of receiving the original application not at the time of Booking. During the placement process, Global Choices will notify the participant of the placement status as well as confirm the final airport destination.

Deadlines

Global Choices requires 18-26 weeks to arrange your placement following receipt of the original application at our office. The placement process begins at the time of receiving the original application, not at the time of booking. The application packet should be completed and mailed within 10 days of the booking in order to ensure proper handling. Faxed applications are not accepted.

Required Documents

• Typed and signed application form – make sure it is completely filled out;
• 6 passport-sized pictures;
• Letter of Introduction to the host business;
• Letter to the host family, if applicable;
• Curriculum Vitae/resume;
• 3 Letters of Recommendation written or translated into English from a previous employer or professor;
• Proof of university attendance or diploma;
• Learning and training plan agreement;
• Proof of insurance and policy number.

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$100 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).

Do not hesitate to contact our staff should you have any questions.