U.S J-1 Intern and Trainee Program
The U.S. J-1 Internship and Trainee Program is a prestigious cultural exchange initiative by the U.S. Department of State.
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Designed for students, recent graduates, and young culinary professionals, the program offers the opportunity to live, learn, and train in the United States for up to 12 months. Gain hands-on experience at some of America's leading hotels, resorts, and restaurants while developing your skills alongside industry professionals.
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More than just training, the J-1 Program is an opportunity to experience American culture, share your own traditions, build lifelong friendships, earn while you learn, and take your career to the next level!
Benefits of doing a U.S. J-1 Program?
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Live in the United States for up to 12 months
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Receive in-depth training in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Rooms Division or Food & Beverage
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Earn an hourly wage
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At least 32 hours per week of training
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Make friends from around the world
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Housing assistance is provided as part of our services
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Learn about U.S. culture
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Improve your English communication skills
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Placements in 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts, private members clubs, country clubs or fine dining restaurants
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Option to travel for 30 days before and after your program
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Program lengths from 4 months to 12 months
Visa Requirements
There are two J-1 visa categories for our internship and training programs. Please find the requirements for both visas below:
J-1 Intern visa:
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Candidates must currently be enrolled in a college or university OR have graduated within the past 12 months
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The course candidates study or have studied is relevant to the J-1 program (for example: your studies are a Diploma in Culinary Arts and you're applying for a Culinary internship program)
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The college you study at is accredited by your own national government or local authority
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​The candidate has access to emergency funds ($2,000 or more) through personal finances or by having a financial guarantor
J-1 Trainee visa:
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Candidates must have graduated longer than 12 months ago AND have 12 months of full time work experience in their field of training (for example: you have worked as a commis chef and are applying for a Culinary training program) OR candidates have 5 years of full time work experience
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The work experience was gained outside the United States
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The course candidates have studied is relevant to the training program (for example: your studies are a Diploma in Culinary Arts and you're applying for a Culinary training program)
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The college you studied at is accredited by your own national government or local authority
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​The candidate has access to emergency funds ($2,000 or more) through personal finances or by having a financial guarantor
Our Application Process
We keep the application process as simple as possible for your convenience.​ The average application takes around 3 months to complete, from the moment you apply to the moment your visa is approved. Please find the application steps here:
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Submit your application using the online application form
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Have a Teams interview with us
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Pay your $400 program registration fee and send your CV in our format
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Pick your top 3 preferred placements and have placement interviews
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After a successful hotel interview, receive an offer letter confirming your placement
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Settle your remaining program fees and collect documents for the visa sponsorship process
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Your visa forms (DS2019 and Training Plan) are issued after we have received your documents
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Visit the U.S. embassy. After a successful visa interview you receive your J-1 visa within a 5 business days
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Secure housing, book your flight and start an amazing adventure in the United States!
Program Costs
The program costs below outline all the costs associated with the J-1 Intern or Trainee Program in the United States:
4 Month Program​
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Program registration fee: $400
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Program fees: $1,695
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SEVIS fee: $240
6 Month Program​
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Program registration fee: $400
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Program fees: $2,695
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SEVIS fee: $240
1 Year Program​
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Program registration fee: $400
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Program fees: $3,850
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SEVIS fee: $240
The program registration fee is payable after a screening interview with us has taken place. The program fees and SEVIS fee are payable after a placement has been secured, and before your visa documents are issued.
Exclusions:
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Embassy processing fee: $185 (payable directly to the U.S. embassy)
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Flight to and from the United States
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Living costs, such as food, rent, transportation etc.