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ELIGIBILITY
Welcome to American Journey's (AJ1) cultural exchange program. AJ1 will be your visa sponsor; this means we are designated by the U.S. State Department to issue DS Form 2019, the document necessary for you to apply for a J-1 visa. As your J-1 visa sponsor we will assist and guide you throughout the program. We are also responsible to monitor your program while you are in the U.S. ​​
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INTERN
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Be at least 18 years old
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Be enrolled in a post-secondary degree program related to the specific field of study of the potential internship or have graduated from such program in the last 12 months.
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The course leads to a degree or professional diploma
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The course has a minimum length of 2 years
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The course is accredited by the government of your country
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Have the English skills necessary to operate in an American workplace
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Regulations require all candidates to have sufficient financial funds upon entering the United States to cover travel, living and miscellaneous expenses.
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TRAINEE
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Be at least 18 years old
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You must have a degree or professional certificate from a college, university or post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. (as outlined above) and at least one year of related professional experience from outside the U.S. OR have at least 5 years professional experience from outside the U.S.
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All trainees must provide proof of current and past related work experience outside the U.S., showing they are actively pursuing their career abroad.
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Training program must be related to your current non-U.S. professional work experience.
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Can communicate effectively in English in a U.S. workplace.
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Regulations require all candidates to have sufficient financial funds upon entering the United States to cover travel, living and miscellaneous expenses.​
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PROGRAM FEES
NOT Included In Program Fee
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Insurance Outside Program Dates: Participants must purchase insurance coverage for any days in the U.S. before or after their program dates as listed on the DS-2019, including the 30-day grace period. Coverage may be purchased independently or through International Student Insurance (approx. $1.88/day).
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Visa Application and SEVIS Fee
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Round-Trip Airfare & Transportation
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Housing, Meals and Personal Expenses: Daily living costs such as food, entertainment, and personal items.
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Medical Costs Not Covered by Insurance
You will need to pay the following directly to U.S. government agencies:
SEVIS Fee: $220-paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security (nonrefundable) and subject to change
Embassy/MRV Fee: $185-paid directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This nonrefundable fee is set by the U.S. government and subject to change.
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Included In Program Fee​
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J-1 Visa Sponsorship, including the required insurance for the program dates listed on the DS-2019 form, as well as the issuance of the DS-2019 and all acceptance materials.
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Comprehensive program support, including an online orientation, “Life in the U.S.” resources, ongoing monitoring, and monthly online check-ins. Participants agree to check their email at least every other day and respond promptly to all communication from AJ1.
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Full access to the AJ1 online participant portal and network.
APPLICATION PROCESS
01
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Complete the Application: https://www.aj1.us/apply
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Select the Correct Program Type:
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Choose Full Placement-If AJ1 will assist in finding your host property.
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Choose Self-Placement-If you already have a confirmed host property.
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Indicate How You Heard About AJ1: Employer Name/School or Referral Name
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Complete Sections 2, 3, and 4
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After Submission: Watch your email for next steps and login details
03
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Pay Deposit
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If required, you will receive an email requesting the program fee deposit. This deposit is refundable if a placement is not secured and will be applied toward your total program fee, not added as an additional cost.
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Placement
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If you already have a placement, you may skip this step.
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AJ1 will share your resume with the host properties closest matching your preferences. If those employers do not have openings, your resume will be shared with other host properties currently offering training opportunities.
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Timeframes for this step vary depending on available openings and your flexibility with locations and properties.
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02
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American Journey Interview
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You will receive an email from AJ1 with the date and time for your interview. During the interview, an AJ1 representative will meet with you to discuss your goals and confirm they align with the program’s objectives.​
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04
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Document Validation
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As outlined above, you may begin uploading documents once your application has been accepted. Please remember to check your email and AJ1 account regularly to stay updated on your status and complete any required items.
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Visit: AJ1 Portal
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Enter your email address
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Enter your password
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Please allow 7–10 business days for document review. If additional items are needed, you’ll be notified by email.
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06
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Congratulations! A host employer has offered you an internship!
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Watch your email for next steps of the visa process.
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APPLICATION GUIDE
Cultural Exchange BridgeUSA
Internship and Training Program
VISA PROCESS
APPLY
Whether you have arranged your internship/trainee program (Self-Placement) or you would like American Journey to assist (Full Placement). The first step is to apply with American Journey
DOCUMENTS
You and the host employer submits application materials and eligibility documents for review and American Journey approval.
INTERVIEW
Eligible candidates interview with American Journey. This is a great opportunity to discuss your goals as well as learn more about the program. Full placement candidates will interview with host employers.
TRAINING PLAN
Once your host employer has been identified – you and your host employer develop and agree upon a training plan.
DS-2019 FORM
After all criteria have been met, American Journey will issue you Form DS-2019 a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Next you will schedule a J-1 interview at your local U.S. embassy.
VIEW AMERICAN JOURNEY RESOURCES FOR MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION