J-1 Visa Program
As a designated sponsor for the U.S. Department of State's J-1 Visa program for Interns and Trainees, BelCham is delighted to extend a warm welcome to applicants of all nationalities seeking internship and traineeship opportunities in a diverse range of fields, including Arts & Culture, Management, Business, Commerce & Finance, as well as the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations.
Our internships cater to students and recent graduates, while our traineeships are designed for candidates with more extensive experience.
At BelCham, we believe in empowering talented individuals by providing them with valuable international experiences and professional growth. With our comprehensive knowledge of the J-1 Visa program, we offer guidance and support throughout the eligibility verification and application process.
Discover more about the eligibility criteria and the seamless process of obtaining a J-1 Visa for your internship or traineeship adventure below. We are excited to help you embark on a transformative journey that will shape your career and broaden your horizons.
Jeanette Johnson, Director J-1 Visa Program at BelCham
“Getting to know young professionals with the bravery and ambition to embark on this kind of program is a huge inspiration. It is an honor to be a part of their journey and truly rewarding to support them through challenges and celebrate their triumphs.”
J-1 Interns and Trainees all over the United States
BelCham has proudly supported numerous Interns and Trainees in securing their J-1 Visa applications, enabling them to gain professional experience across the United States. From Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Texas, Utah and Virginia, BelCham has guided applicants through their J-1 journey across a wide range of fields and industries nationwide.
Cindy Ansong, Intern at Houston Youth Empowerment Services in Houston
“Uncertain about the internship process in the U.S., I reached out to BelCham for guidance, leading to my internship at Houston Youth Empowerment Services. It turned out to be an invaluable experience where I expanded my professional network, made lifelong friends, and gained insights that will undoubtedly benefit my future academic and professional endeavors. I am incredibly grateful to Jeanette, their J-1 specialist for her unwavering support throughout this journey.”
J-1 Internships and Traineeships
INTERNSHIP
Internships provide an excellent opportunity for current students or recent graduates, those who have graduated less than one year ago, to gain firsthand experience in the American professional work environment and culture. Eligible interns can participate in programs for up to one year.
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-You are at least 18 years old.
-Your English level is proficient.
-Your internship must align with your course of study.
-You are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States. - OR -
-You have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to the start date of your exchange visitor program.
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-Start with the pre-qualification inquiry. If you and your host company have already confirmed eligibility, please go directly to the steps below.
-Apply for a BelCham Brights Membership
-Collect the necessary documents.
-Fill out the Application form.
-Host Company submits their application and Internship Training Plan.
(These steps before the embassy appointment typically take 3 weeks, but can be expedited.)
-BelCham will issue the necessary paperwork for you to proceed with your U.S. embassy visa appointment. Estimated appointment wait times can be found here: Visa Appointment Wait Times (state.gov).
-Prepare to make your dreams reality!
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-BelCham Young Individual Membership: USD $50.00/year
-1-6 Months Internship: USD $950.00* -OR-
-6-12 Months Internship: USD $1350.00*
-Extension Fee: $150.00*
-Host Company Change Fee: USD $400.00*
-Optional: Placement service where our J-1 visa specialist finds you a host company: USD $3,000
*Applicants directly pay additional U.S. Department of State fees
TRAINEESHIP
Traineeships offer foreign professionals the chance to acquire valuable experience in the United States through programs lasting up to 18 months. These traineeships provide the perfect opportunity to enhance skills while immersing oneself in American culture.
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-You are at least 18 years old.
-Your English level is proficient.
-You have a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in your occupational field outside the United States. -OR-
-You have five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which you are seeking training. -
-Start with the pre-qualification inquiry. If you and your host company have already confirmed eligibility, please follow the steps below.
-Apply for a BelCham Brights membership
-Collect the necessary documents.
-Fill out the Application form.
-Host Company will submit its application and Internship Training Plan.
(The steps before the embassy appointment typically take 3 weeks, but can be expedited.)
-BelCham will issue the necessary paperwork for you to proceed with your U.S. embassy visa appointment. Estimated appointment wait times can be found here: Visa Appointment Wait Times (state.gov).
-Prepare to make your dreams reality!
-
-BelCham Young Individual Membership: USD $50.00/year
-1-6 Months Traineeship: USD $950.00* -OR-
-6-12 Months Traineeship: USD $1350.00* -OR-
-12-18 Months Traineeship: USD $1850.00*
-Extension Fee: $150.00*
-Host Company Change Fee: USD $400.00*
*Applicants directly pay additional U.S. Department of State fees
HOST COMPANIES
Hosting J-1 interns and trainees is an immense advantage for companies. These programs introduce fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and diverse cultural backgrounds into the workplace. They enrich the company's environment and contribute to its growth and success.
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-Company has existed as an American entity for at least 2 years.
-Company has sufficient means to supervise & train the Intern/Trainee.
-Company employs at least 2 full-time employees that are American citizens or green card holders.
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-Company joins BelCham as a Business Member.
-Company supervisor fills out the Host Company Application.
(You will be asked to upload
Proof of company Workers Compensation Insurance.)-You provide an Internship Training Plan
-A site visit will be conducted for companies that have not previously hosted with BelCham or if they have fewer than 25 full time employees or less than $3 million annual revenue.
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-BelCham Business Membership: USD $900.00/year
*Fees below may also be covered by the host company or shared with the candidate depending on the company/candidate agreement:
-J-1 Admin Fees
-1-6 Months Internship: USD $950.00
-6-12 Months Internship: USD $1350.00
-12-18 Month (Traineeships): USD $1850.00
-Extension Fee: $150.00*
-Host Company Change Fee: USD $400.00*
-SEVIS Fee: USD $220 & Embassy Fee: USD $185. J-1 Candidates directly pay these additional U.S. Department of State
It’s important to budget for expenses while living in the U.S. Here are a few helpful resources:
Cost of Living Calculator | City and Salary Comparison Tool - NerdWallet
Eli Aerden, Intern at West 8 in Philadelphia
“My internship in Philadelphia has broadened my worldview and opened doors I once thought were out of reach. I am incredibly grateful to BelCham for their support. As a member of BelCham Brights, I found a community of fellow professionals with aligned goals and dreams. The experience I gained and the expanding network I was able to build, ultimately guided me toward an academic journey at an Ivy League school. I'm grateful for the journey and the people I've met along the way!”
Oona De Grisse, Intern at Katoen Natie, in Texas
“My internship in the United States has not only enriched me professionally but also personally. I have grown as a person and learned how to adapt and thrive in a new business culture. Throughout the experience I felt respected and supported by everyone I have met. I am very grateful for BelCham to have aided me throughout the application process and for encouraging people to take the leap. It was undeniably a wonderful experience that will stay with me for life.”
BelCham Brights Foundation
BelCham Brights Foundation is a beacon of opportunity powered by BelCham, The National Lottery of Belgium and Ghent University. If you're a young soul, aged 20 to 30, with dreams of international experience, professional growth, and life-changing adventures, you've come to the right place.
Louise Welleman, Trainee at Neuhaus, in NYC
“When I began my New York adventure, warned of its difficulty, I faced harsh job rejections within hours. Visa-less, no company listened. Then, I got introduced to BelCham. They sponsored me after one meeting, signaling a new era. Companies finally heard me. I'm now training in business development at Neuhaus, my favorite Belgian chocolate brand. Grateful to BelCham for this opportunity.”