Empower Global Talent with CETUSA’s J-1 Intern & Trainee Programs

Cultivate talent and EMBRACE DIVERSITY

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Benefits of Hosting a J-1 Intern or Trainee

Discover the numerous advantages of hosting a J-1 intern or trainee at your company.

  • Access to a Diverse Talent Pool

  • Promotion of Cross-Cultural Understanding and Collaboration

  • Long-Term Positive Impact on Your Organization

  • Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

  • Streamlined Visa Process

  • No Fees to Host Companies

Program Objectives

Offer foreign nationals valuable educational and cultural experiences in the U.S.

Establish a global network of individuals who appreciate American values and culture. 

Provide structured and guided work-based training and internship programs to Exchange Visitors from around the world. 

Expose U.S. residents to fresh ideas and perspectives from around the world. 

Encourage educational and cultural exchanges between the U.S. and other nations. 

Foster mutual understanding among individuals from different countries through cultural and educational exchanges. 

Occupational Categories

CETUSA can sponsor training or internship programs in a variety of industries and businesses, within the following occupational fields: 

Program Durations

The J-1 Visa offers a variety of exchange visitor programs, each with specific durations to suit different educational and professional development needs:

  • J-1 Intern Programs: These programs can last for up to 12 months. They are designed to provide current students or recent graduates from foreign post-secondary institutions with practical experience in their field of study.

  • J-1 Trainee Programs: These programs can extend up to 18 months. They are intended for professionals with a degree or professional certificate and at least one year of work experience, or those with five years of work experience in their field. However, for hospitality and tourism training programs, the maximum duration is limited to 12 months.

These durations ensure that participants have ample time to gain valuable skills and knowledge that they can bring back to their home countries, fostering international understanding and cooperation.

Program Options

For program applicants who do not have a confirmed training/internship in the U.S. and are seeking placement assistance from CETUSA.

Below outlines the steps involved in completing the application process for the CETUSA Placement program, based on the assumption of applicant eligibility, approvable application documents, and visa approval.

For program applicants who have a confirmed training/internship in the U.S. and are seeking a program sponsor.

Below outlines the steps involved in completing the application process for the Self Placement program, based on the assumption of applicant eligibility, approvable application documents, and visa approval.

Host Company Eligibility

To be eligible as a host company, you must: 

  • Regulatory Compliance: Follow all U.S. Department of State and CETUSA guidelines.
  • Safety Laws: Abide by all occupational health and safety laws.
  • Tax Compliance: Report and pay required employment taxes.
  • Insurance: Provide a valid Worker’s Compensation Policy and renew it as needed. Provide evidence of exemption if applicable.
  • Site Visits: Allow CETUSA to conduct site visits if needed.
  • Training Hours: Offer 32-40 hours of training per week.
  • Professional Roles: Ensure positions have no more than 20% clerical duties.
  • Structured Training: Provide training through activities like classroom sessions and on-the-job training.
  • Unskilled Positions: Do not place participants in unskilled or casual labor roles.
  • Onsite Supervision: Offer continuous onsite supervision and mentoring.
  • Training Plan: Complete and follow the Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002).
  • Evaluations: Submit Midpoint and Final Evaluations on time.
  • Communication Support: Assist CETUSA in communicating with participants if needed.
  • Issue Notification: Inform CETUSA of any concerns or changes to the Placement Plan.
  • Emergency Reporting: Notify CETUSA in case of emergencies or if participants leave the program.
  • Outside Work: Inform CETUSA if participants accept outside work.
  • Safety Concerns: Immediately report any safety concerns to CETUSA staff.
  • Program Integrity: Do not use the program to replace regular employment or displace workers.
  • Cultural Activities: Organize cultural activities like holiday celebrations and team-building events.

Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other hospitality establishments capable of providing comprehensive training in food and beverage service, including dining room/restaurant management, banquets/events, and fine dining. CETUSA cannot approve placements in fast-food service restaurants, convenience stores, and similar counter service positions*

  • Room Attendant
  • Dining Room Attendant
  • Public Area Attendant
  • Busser
  • Bartender
  • Laundry
  • Valet
  • Bell Staff
  • Steward
  • Line Cook
Regulations and Work in Counter Service Positions

 

This directive emphasizes the importance of ensuring that program participants benefit fully from their training or internship programs and that these programs are not used as substitutes for ordinary employment or to displace American workers. Specifically, placements in fast-food service restaurants, convenience stores, and similar counter service positions are contrary to the program’s intent, which aims to enhance participants’ skills and expertise in their academic or occupational fields through structured and guided work-based training. Click here to access the full Guidance Directive.

 
 Regulatory Prohibition of Unskilled and Casual Labor Positions

 

This directive underscores the importance of adhering to the regulations that prevent the misuse of training and internship programs for ordinary employment of displacement of American workers. It emphasizes the distinction between bona fide training and mere work experience for trainees, and between work-based learning and unskilled labor for interns. Click here to access the full Guidance Directive.

 
Annex to Regulatory Prohibition of Unskilled or Casual Labor Positions (includes specific examples)

 

The annex provides examples of acceptable bona fide training or work-based learning under 22 CFR 62.22. Example scenarios illustrate the distinction between permissible activities and unskilled labor, emphasizing the importance of aligning program activities with participants’ academic fields and goals. The examples provided offer practical guidance for sponsors to ensure compliance with program regulations and facilitate meaningful learning experiences for participants.

 

Important Information about F&B Server Positions: For instance, trainees or interns in restaurant management may undertake server training as part of learning overall restaurant operations, but being a server for an entire phase would constitute unskilled labor. Similarly, activities listed in Appendix E, which defines unskilled occupations, may be included as part of observational activities, but phases solely comprised of such activities are not permitted. Bona fide training or work-based learning may involve entry-level activities, but these must be interspersed with the acquisition of advanced-level skills.

 

Click here to access the full annex and additional examples. 

There are three distinct types of hospitality programs that are typically offered as part of our J-1 Intern/Trainee Program: Food and Beverage (F&B), Front Office, and Culinary. Each program is uniquely tailored to provide participants with specialized training and hands-on experience in key areas of the hospitality industry.

What We Offer

CETUSA brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every aspect of the program. Our extensive history ensures a well-established and reliable framework for successful program experiences.

Supervisor Orientation

CETUSA provides host company supervisors with a comprehensive orientation to help ensure a successful program experience.

Insurance Coverage

CETUSA obtains Sickness & Accident Insurance coverage for each program participant in accordance with U.S. government requirements

Clear Guidance and Resources

CETUSA provides comprehensive guidance and resources for host companies throughout a participant’s program. 

24/7 Program Assistance

CETUSA provides a toll-free, 24-hour program assistance hotline.

Swift Application Processing

Expect prompt turnarounds and straightforward application processing.

CETUSA Placements

Customized Candidate Recommendations
Efficient Virtual Interview Scheduling
Streamlined Offer Letter Extensions

Welcome J-1 Intern/Trainees to Your Company

Submit your inquiry now, and our dedicated team will guide you through the process every step of the way.

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