J-1 visa consultation and sponsorship for law firms

Intrax is a designated sponsor for the J-1 Intern, Trainee, and Research Scholar programs. Our goal is to simplify the J-1 visa application process so you can focus on your clients.

Trusted by law firms and their clients to provide expert advice and guidance on the J-1 program
Why Intrax

J-1 sponsor for work-based training programs since 2003

Intrax has been a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 visa sponsor since 2003. Each year, we help thousands of international students and graduates gain work experience in the United States across hospitality, education, research, and professional fields.

Our programs are built around one goal: making the J-1 process straightforward so you can focus on your internship.

Leader in the Industry

Intrax is a leader in the field with over 45 years of experience years of experience as a J-1 sponsor putting people at the heart of cultural exchange. In that time, we have helped shape the landscape of the industry, grown a community of satisfied Exchange Visitors, and host company alumni.

Dedicated Support

We believe that dedicated, quality support to our host companies and Exchange Visitors directly contributes to the success of our programs. Our commitment to client service is supported by our focus on good relationships with our host companies and partners abroad. We work together as a unified team, bound by strong communication, to ensure that our goals are aligned and that problems are solved effectively.

Professional Partnerships

We are fortunate to work with a skilled, professional network of partners from more than 80 countries around the globe. Our partners are highly trained in Intrax program policies and procedures, and we are confident in their abilities to effectively screen and assist us in recruiting well-qualified Exchange Visitors.

About the J-1 Intern and Trainee Program

The purpose of the J-1 Visa Program is to give foreign citizens training and experience in the United States with the expectation that J-1 Intern and Trainee participants will return to their home country, following program completion, to impart newfound skills and knowledge to benefit and advance local employment industries – and to foster continued international collaboration.

What is a J-1 visa?

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S Department of State (DOS) to exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange through professional development.  All applicants must meet eligibility requirements and be sponsored by a DOS designated J-1 visa sponsor.

What is a J-1 visa sponsor?

The J-1 sponsor is responsible for overseeing J-1 program compliance. The sponsor confirms program eligibility for J-1 participants and U.S. host companies; reviews and approves Training/Internship Placement Plans and monitors J-1 participant progress and welfare while on program in the U.S.

What's included

Service and support you can rely on every step of the way

No cost consultation and feedback

Reliably fast application document review and feedback

Dedicated team to support you and your clients

U.S. host company validation

DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility Form issuance

Pre-departure orientation for J-1 participant

On-Program support and emergency assistance

J-1 participant emergency medical & accident insurance (mandatory)

Steps to apply

Below are the steps involved in the J-1 visa application process. Once all required documents have been submitted to Intrax, the DS-2019 form or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status will be available to your client in their MyIntrax portal within two weeks.

A validation video call and phone call will be conducted with your client and the host company supervisor respectively. Full payment and a site visit to the U.S. host company (if required) must also be completed before the DS-2019 form is issued.

In order to ensure sufficient time for both Intrax and embassy or consulate processing, your client's J-1 Program start date should be no earlier than one month from the document submission date.

Our team will continuously monitor and keep you apprised of the application status throughout the entire process.

Step 1

Submit all complete documents to Intrax electronically

Step 2

Intrax reviews documents and if applicable, follows up with feedback

Step 3

Intrax initiates application, sends email to J-1 Applicant to e-sign Terms & Conditions, and schedules a video call

Step 4

After video call, email sent to J-1 Supervisor to schedule a phone call

Step 5

Intrax sends DocuSign email prompting e-signatures on final DS-7002

Step 6

The DS-2019 form is released and available for the J-1 Applicant to download from their MyIntrax portal along with next steps and pre-departure information

Step 7

Applicant applies for visa at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Key Program Information

Eligibility for Interns & Trainees
For Interns
Currently studying or recently graduated
Offer
Must have an internship offer from a U.S. host company
Field
Internship must be in your field of study
Education
Current full-time student with at least 2 semesters completed
Or recent graduate — within 12 months of graduation date. All obtained outside the U.S.
Age
18 years of age or older
English Skills
Speak English at an advanced level
Program Duration
Maximum program duration is 12 months
For Trainees
Degree plus professional experience abroad
Offer
Must have an internship offer from a U.S. host company
Field
Training must be in your professional field
Education
Degree or professional certificate plus at least 1 year of relevant work experience outside the U.S.
Or 5 years of work experience outside the U.S. in the field.
Age
20 years of age or older
English Skills
Speak English at an advanced level
Program Duration
Maximum program duration is 18 months
Qualifications for U.S. Host Company

At least 5 full-time employees located at the Site of Activity (SOA); but, will consider exceptions based on host company evaluation and proposed J-1 program responsibilities. If the SOA will host more than one J-1 participant simultaneously, a ratio of 5 full-time employees per J-1 participant is enforced.

J-1 Supervisor cannot be remote, cannot be part-time, and cannot regularly travel.

English must be primary spoken language at SOA, and the U.S. host company website must be in English.

Intrax must conduct a ~10-15 minute validation phone call with J-1 Supervisor listed on the DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan to go over proposed J-1 program, to gauge understanding of J-1 program, and to offer assistance and explanations.

U.S. host company must include J-1 participant on worker’s compensation coverage, OR provide comparable liability coverage, OR provide proof of exemption by state laws.

An on-site visit will NOT be required if the host company qualifies for any one of the following:

  • 25 or more full-time employees at SOA, OR
  • Annual revenue of $3,000,000 USD or more company-wide, OR
  • Previously hosted J-1 trainees or interns sponsored through Intrax at SOA.

FAQs for Attorneys

May I confirm eligibility for my clients before initiating an application?

Yes. Please email the J-1 Applicant resume along with a brief summary of the proposed responsibilities for the J-1 Intern or Trainee Program, confirming U.S. Host Company name if possible, to info@globalinternships.com to confirm eligibility, at no cost.

Will Intrax Global Internships provide feedback on application documents?

Yes. We will work with your law firm to make any necessary corrections to submitted application documents to ensure a compliant J-1 Program.

Does Intrax Global Internships sponsor J-1 Hospitality Programs?

Yes, on a case by case basis after reviewing the company/establishment and the proposed responsibilities. Please see above regarding confirming eligibility.

May I refer my clients to contact Intrax Global Internships directly?

Yes, on a case by case basis after reviewing the company/establishment and the proposed responsibilities. Please see above regarding confirming eligibility.

Can my clients opt out of the Intrax Global Internships insurance?

No. Intrax Global Internships provides insurance to all J-1 Participants (and J-2 Dependents) we sponsor which meets or exceeds minimum insurance requirements per J-1 Program regulations.

"Intrax offers training which is a key differentiator in the J1 global internship space."

"I have a great J-1 partner, and that is rare in this space!"

"Our experience has been wonderful"

Start building your intern and trainee program for global talent.

Partnering with host companies, attorneys, and universities to build a professional and diverse program for top talent.

Still have questions? Check our FAQ or contact us directly.

Alliances and Partnerships

Through our cultural exchange programs, Intrax seeks to build bridges of understanding and shape the world through citizen diplomacy.