J-1 Program Overview

MyJ1Visa offers J-1 visa sponsorship and support for the Intern category of the Exchange Visitor Program. Our goal is to support meaningful cultural exchange and help emerging professionals gain hands-on experience in the United States. Through structured training plans and carefully selected host organizations, participants can build practical skills while experiencing life and culture in a new environment.

Everything you need to know about the J-1 program

To qualify for the Intern category, applicants must be foreign nationals who meet one of the following criteria:

  • They are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or
  • They have graduated within the past 12 months from such an institution.

Learn more about the Intern category on the official U.S. Department of State website:
https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/intern

We currently sponsor internships in the following occupational categories:

  • Management
  • Business
  • Commerce
  • Finance
  • The Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Mathematics
  • Industrial Occupations

Intern programs can last from 3 weeks up to 12 months, depending on the training goals and the host company’s needs.

  • Professional experience through structured, hands-on training
  • Cultural exchange opportunities to learn about U.S. society and share their own culture
  • Career development, enhanced skills, and international exposure

  1. Secure an internship with a host organization
  2. Submit initial registration form to MyJ1Visa and Confirm eligibility 
  3. Schedule J-1 language interview with a MyJ1Visa regional Case Manager
  4. Complete application documents and submit to MyJ1Visa
  5. Your Host Company completes the Training/ Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002) and Host Company Application and Agreement Form
  6. The MyJ1Visa team reviews all document
  7. Receive the DS-2019 form
  8. Pay fees and schedule and complete a J-1 visa interview
  9. Prepare for arrival in the US!

MyJ1Visa Visa Sponsorship Services Fees:
Visa Sponsorship fees are based on program length

  • Up to 3 months: $900
  • 3-6 Months: $100
  • 6-12 months: $1200

Additional services to support your J-1 journey:

  • Extension of program $500
  • J-2 Visa: $400
  • Replacement of lost DS-2019: $100
  • Amendment of DS-2019: $100
  • Late travel validation letter(less than 1 week before travel): $100
  • Expedited processing fees (less than 6 weeks): $250
  • Expedited amendment of DS-2019/DS-7002 (less than 4 weeks before program start date-includes amendment fee): $250 

Site Visit Fees:

  • Chicago: $100
  • Atlanta: $100
  • Other U.S. locations (travel costs not included): $150

Additional Fees paid directly to US government:

  • I-901 Fee (SEVIS Registration): $220
  • DS-160 Fee (US Consulate Interview): $185

Refund Policy In the event of a program cancellation:

  1. If a J-1 visa application has been submitted, but the DS-2019 has not yet been issued to the candidate, the J-1 visa regular service fee will be refunded minus a $200 administrative fee, upon written request.
  2. If a candidate has already received the DS-2019 form, GACC’s service fee is non-refundable, except in documented extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family or health concerns.
  3. If the DS-2019 has been issued to the candidate, but the J-1 visa was denied by the U.S. Consulate, 50% of the regular J-1 visa service fee will be refunded, upon written request.
  4. Expedited processing fees are non-refundable.

The MyJ1Visa team is here to support you. Please reach out to your case manager if you have any questions regarding refund eligibility and guidance.

A Seamless and Enriching Hosting Experience

“Hosting an intern from Germany was a rewarding experience for our research lab, and the process was made easy by the support provided by GACC Midwest’s J-1 Visa Services team. They kindly guided both the intern and our lab through every step of the application process, addressed all our questions along the way, and were always available to provide additional support when needed. Moreover, hosting an intern enriched our research environment—bringing new perspectives, fostering meaningful cultural exchange, and energizing our team’s collaborative efforts. Ultimately, partnering with GACC Midwest ensured a smooth internship hosting experience from start to finish. I would recommend them to colleagues and would gladly work with their team again in the future.”

– George Buzzell (Florida International University) 

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Experience Cultural Exchange. Expand Global Understanding.

As a designated J-1 Visa Sponsor, we support international students and recent graduates, as well as U.S. host organizations throughout the J-1 visa process, providing guidance and on-program support that foster professional growth, cultural exchange, and lasting global connections.

Start the Application Process NOW