Who is eligible for business and IT J-1 internships in the USA?

The intern track is for current university students or graduates within 12 months of their degree in a business or IT-related field. The trainee track requires a degree plus at least 1 year of directly related professional experience, or 5+ years of field experience in lieu of a degree. All nationalities may apply.

How long can a business or IT J-1 internship last?

The intern programme runs up to 12 months. The trainee programme runs up to 18 months. Both include a 30-day grace period after the programme ends for travel within the USA. Extensions beyond these maximums require a new DS-2019 sponsorship form and are subject to additional fees and processing time.

What U.S. cities are business and IT placements available in?

Placements are available across the United States. The most active markets for business roles are New York (finance, marketing, management), California's Bay Area and Los Angeles (tech, design, start-ups), Chicago (operations, consulting), and Texas (energy, business development). We match candidates to available positions based on profile and preference.

What documents do I need for the J-1 visa application?

You will need your DS-2019 sponsorship form (we provide this), a completed DS-160 online application, the $35 SEVIS fee payment receipt, the $160 MRV embassy fee receipt, your valid passport, proof of financial resources, and a letter from your university or employer confirming your enrolment or professional background. We guide you through each step.

What programme fees apply to business and IT USA placements?

The programme fee is €1,800 for 2–6 month placements or €2,200 for 7–12 month placements, plus a €300 non-refundable registration fee. This includes DS-2019 sponsorship, placement matching, CV review, visa guidance, and in-country support. U.S. embassy fees ($160 + $35 SEVIS), flights, and health insurance (~$95/month) are additional.

Do unpaid business internship placements exist under J-1 rules?

Unpaid placements are permitted under J-1 rules only if the participant can prove sufficient personal funds to support themselves throughout the programme — typically at least $1,500/month. We recommend paid placements wherever possible. All our guaranteed-stipend placements meet this financial sufficiency requirement automatically.

What IT roles are available on J-1 internship placements?

Available IT roles include software development (front-end, back-end, full-stack), data analysis, UX/UI design, graphic design, digital marketing, and technology project management. Placements are concentrated in California, New York, Texas, and Washington State. A portfolio or GitHub profile significantly strengthens IT applications.

Work in the USA

Business & IT Internship and Traineeship Programs in the USA.

Q: What is the guaranteed stipend for business and IT placements in the USA?

Business and IT J-1 placements carry a guaranteed minimum stipend of $500/month for 2–6 month programmes and $1,000/month for 12-month intern placements. Many host companies pay above these minimums, and some provide housing allowances or transport support on top. Stipends are paid directly by the U.S. host company.

Develop your career in business or technology at leading U.S. companies. We provide placement, J-1 visa sponsorship, and everything you need to thrive in the American workplace.

Our J-1 business and IT programmes guarantee stipends of $500–$1,000/month for intern placements (up to 12 months) and up to 18 months for traineeships, with placements across New York, California, Chicago, and Texas, plus full DS-2019 visa sponsorship included.

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Updated March 2026

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What we handle for you

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Curated host-company shortlist matched to your profile
Learning Agreement & Erasmus+ paperwork end-to-end
Visa, NIE and insurance orientation
Accommodation guidance in every host city
Local coordinator from day one to evaluation
Mid-term and final reports for your university

A business or technology placement in the United States accelerates career development in ways that few other experiences can match. Working inside a U.S. company — navigating its culture, communication norms, and professional standards — builds the kind of international competency that multinational employers worldwide specifically seek.

Our J-1 business and IT programme provides full DS-2019 sponsorship, personalised placement matching with vetted U.S. host companies, and step-by-step guidance through every stage of the visa application. The intern track (up to 12 months) is open to current students and recent graduates; the trainee track (up to 18 months) is available to degree-holders with at least 1 year of relevant professional experience.

Stipends are guaranteed: $500/month for 2–6 month placements, $1,000/month for 12-month intern placements. Many host companies pay above these minimums. Placements are available in New York, California, Chicago, Texas, Washington State, and other major U.S. business hubs — matched to your specific background and goals.

Guaranteed 12-month intern stipend
Maximum traineeship duration
Major U.S. placement hubs
Programme eligibility: All nationalities

What the program includes

The programme fee covers DS-2019 J-1 visa sponsorship, DS-7002 Training Placement Plan, CV and cover letter preparation in U.S. format, personalised company matching, visa application guidance (DS-160, SEVIS, embassy interview tips), pre-departure orientation, and ongoing in-country support throughout your placement.

We also assist with finding compliant J-1 health insurance (~$95/month, required by U.S. law), housing research in your destination city, and cultural integration. If your J-1 visa application is denied, a partial refund of the DS-2019 fee is issued.

Personalised placement in business or IT matching your background and goals
CV and cover letter preparation to meet U.S. employer standards
DS-2019 J-1 sponsorship form and DS-7002 Training Placement Plan
Visa application guidance and embassy interview preparation
Pre-departure orientation and ongoing in-country support
Housing advice and cultural integration guidance

Fields available

Business placements span management, operations, finance, accounting, marketing, sales, and international trade — at companies ranging from boutique professional services firms to Fortune 500 corporations. IT placements cover software development, data analysis, UX/UI design, graphic design, and digital marketing at tech companies, agencies, and in-house digital teams.

The most active placement hubs are New York (finance, marketing, management), California (tech, design, start-ups), Chicago (operations, consulting), Texas (energy, business development), and Washington State (software, e-commerce). Candidates indicate location preferences during the application process.

Business & Management — corporate strategy, operations, and team leadership
International Trade — cross-border commerce and global supply chain roles
Sales & Client Services — account management and business development
Finance & Accounting — financial analysis, reporting, and U.S. GAAP exposure
Marketing & Communications — digital marketing, SEO, and brand strategy
IT & Graphic Design — software development, UX/UI, and visual design

Eligibility and duration

Intern programme (up to 12 months): current students or recent graduates within 12 months
Trainee programme (up to 18 months): degree + 1 year related experience, or 5+ years experience
Intermediate English proficiency required for professional communication
Unpaid placements require proof of $1,500/month in personal funds
30-day grace period for travel within the USA after programme end
Open to all nationalities; all fields of business and technology welcome

Compensation and fees

Guaranteed $500/month stipend for 2–6 month placements
Guaranteed $1,000/month stipend for 12-month intern placements
Programme fee: €1,800 (2–6 months) or €2,200 (7–12 months) + €300 registration
J-1 health insurance: ~$95/month (required by U.S. law)
U.S. embassy MRV fee: $160; SEVIS fee: $35 (not included in programme fee)
Partial DS-2019 refund if J-1 visa is denied

Frequently asked

Questions, answered.

Quick answers to what students, parents and partners ask most often. Don't see your question? Ask our team.

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