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J-1 intern and trainee programs: how to find a sponsor and a host company

In a J-1 intern or trainee program, the Form DS-2019 comes from a sponsor designated by the State Department — not from the company — and the U.S. host company must sign a training plan (Form DS-7002). Interns are current students or recent graduates (within 12 months) of a foreign post-secondary school; trainees need a foreign degree plus one year of related experience abroad, or five years of experience abroad. Federal rules cap internships at 12 months and training programs at 18 months.