The U.S. Department of State changed the trainee regulations in 2007 and presented a new sub-category of the J-1 visa. AIPT will also sponsor this category; the Internship category.  Learn more about these changes .

What is the J-1 Visa?

The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant cultural exchange visa issued by the U.S. Department of State. The objective of the J-1 visa is to facilitate exchanges that allow individuals from around the world to gain a first-hand understanding of U.S. culture and institutions and to foster a better understanding of the American perspective on a variety of issues. 

Exchange visitors under the J-1 visas include secondary school and college students, business participants, participants in flight aviation programs, primary and secondary school teachers, college professors, research scholars, medical residents or interns receiving medical training in the United States, certain specialists, international visitors, and Government visitors. 

AIPT is authorized by the U.S. Department of State as an Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor for two categories of the J-1 visa: Trainee and Summer Work/Travel. The Trainee category allows international students and professionals to receive on-the-job training with a U.S. employer for a period not to exceed 18 months. The Summer Work/Travel category allows international post-secondary students to work with a U.S. host employer during their summer semester break for a period not to exceed four months.

AIPT's authorization by the U.S. Department of State permits our organization to issue the “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form DS-2019) to qualifying individuals who want to participate in either of these categories on the J-1 visa.

To learn more about the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, attend one of our seminars online or in person.  For a schedule, please visit our calendar of events .

The information provided within this Web site is only intended to be a general summary of information available to the public. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The content of this Web site is intended as a service to the public only. AIPT disclaims all responsibility for any and all mistakes or inaccuracies in the information. Further, AIPT disclaims all liability for loss or damage, which may result form the use of information from this Web site.