Why is a J-1 sponsor necessary?

To pursue an internship or training opportunity in the USA, you’ll require both a suitable host company and a J-1 Visa. The U.S. State Department grants the J-1 Visa to individuals through a document known as the DS-2019, which can only be obtained through designated sponsors like GACC California. GACC California is an authorized J-1 Visa sponsor for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, endorsed by the U.S. State Department to sponsor interns and trainees.

As a sponsor, we provide comprehensive support to participants throughout their entire stay in the US and serve as the main point of contact for the duration of their internship or training. We ensure that participants’ internship or training complies with all relevant rules and regulations. Additionally, we conduct evaluations to assess the progress and quality of the training throughout the internship period.

Is it possible for my internship to be with a small company?

Typically, an internship can be arranged with a smaller company. However, if your company has not previously participated in our visa program and has fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in annual revenue, it will be subject to an on-site visit by U.S. authorities during the visa process.

The fee for this on-site visit is detailed in our current price list, accessible through your online account. Either the participant or the host company is responsible for covering this additional cost.

Can my internship be paid?

Certainly. If your host company provides you with a stipend or any form of compensation, you are allowed to accept it. However, it is strictly prohibited for participants to engage in any other form of employment or earn additional income while completing this internship. Failure to adhere to this restriction may lead to immediate expulsion from the U.S.

Am I required to provide a written internship agreement?

No. For the visa application, a conclusive commitment from your host company, in any form is sufficient.

When is an on-site inspection necessary for the host company?

In certain instances, a visit by U.S. authorities to your host company may be required to ensure that all necessary prerequisites for the internship are met. If your company has previously collaborated with us, this requirement is waived.

For new companies, an on-site visit is only necessary if the host company has fewer than 25 employees at the workplace and an annual turnover of less than $3 million.

During the site visit, the potential workplace is inspected, questions regarding the internship are addressed, and the workspace itself is photographed.

The fee for the on-site visit is detailed in the current price list accessible in your online account. Either the participant or the host company is responsible for covering this additional fee.

Specific Restrictions for Internships in Tourism, Hotel, and Gastronomy Sector

The maximum duration for internships in the hotel industry, as well as in the tourism sector (e.g., travel agencies), and gastronomy, is limited to 12 months in both the J-1 Intern and J-1 Trainee categories.

What criteria do host companies need to meet?

In order to receive a J-1 visa in the INTERN or TRAINEE category, your host company needs to fulfill the following:

• An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is mandatory.
• The host company’s website must display the postal address, email address, and telephone number.
• Worker’s Compensation coverage is compulsory and must extend to the trainee.
• If the company is new to our J-1 visa program and has fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in annual turnover, it must undergo a visit by relevant U.S. authorities.
• The ratio of trainees to full-time employees in the company must not exceed 1/3.

In which internships am I eligible to participate?

Your internship must directly correspond to your academic studies or career trajectory. For instance, if you have a degree in the media field and aspire to undertake an internship at a recruiting agency, but possess experience solely in the recruiting sector unrelated to your studies, such an internship would not be feasible. Instead, only an internship within the media sector would be viable.

Internships are possible in the following areas:

• Arts & Culture (theatre, cinema, fashion, photography, etc.)
• Management (business administration, hotel management, etc.)
• Business Administration (marketing, accounting, controlling, human resources, insurance, etc.)
• Economics and Finance (international trade, banking, stock market, etc.)
• Natural Sciences (biology, biochemistry, geology, organic chemistry, hydrology, aviation, etc.)
• Engineering (civil engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, etc.)
• Architecture (interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, etc.)
• Mathematics (mathematical analysis, statistics, algebra, applied mathematics)
• Industrial Activities (industrial engineering, economic relations, etc.)
• Public Administration and Law (public relations, international law, corporate law, labor law, civil law, environmental law, etc.)

Certain roles in the USA do not require vocational training. These “entry-level positions” are not suitable for J-1 visa internships. Examples include receptionist, accountant, clerk, among others.

Internships in the medical and social fields (e.g., human and veterinary medicine, psychology, social work, therapy, etc.) are permitted, albeit with certain limitations. Direct interaction with patients, children, or animals is strictly prohibited. However, administrative tasks, laboratory work, assistance with research projects, etc., are permissible. If you have queries regarding a specific scenario, please feel free to contact us.

Is it possible for me to begin another internship in the U.S. with a J-1 visa?

No, you cannot commence a second internship with another J-1 visa at a different company, as each J-1 visa is designated for a particular internship with a specific company for a defined period.

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