How to Host
Below is a basic guide to the process of hosting a CIEE-sponsored J-1 international intern, trainee, research scholar, short-term scholar, professor, and/or specialist. These are general guidelines only; your specific hosting process may differ slightly depending on your specific industry and/or your participant’s visa type.
CIEE advises host organizations to allow at least four to six weeks for application processing.
Interns & Trainees
STEP 1: Applicant Contacts CIEE International Representative
The applicant contacts a CIEE international representative, who provides application materials and login information to the online training plan – a form that describes what the intern or trainee will do during their program.
STEP 2: Agree On Training Plan
The host organization and applicant work together to develop and agree (by electronic signature) on the content of the training plan.
STEP 3: Submit Application And Training Plan
The applicant submits a completed program application, which includes the training plan, to their CIEE international representative. The applicant or representative may contact your host organization at this stage for more information.
STEP 4: Application Reviewed By CIEE
The international representative sends the completed application to CIEE headquarters for review. CIEE will contact you at this stage to confirm details of the training.
STEP 5: CIEE Approves Or Denies Application
While CIEE always looks to approve applications, we will objectively review the application to ensure it meets U.S. Department of State regulations and CIEE policies.
STEP 6: Applicant Receives DS-2019 And Applies For J-1 VISA Interview
The applicant receives Form DS-2019 from their international representative and schedules an interview for the J-1 Intern or Trainee visa with their nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
STEP 7: Applicant Receives J-1 VISA Or VISA Application Is Denied
The applicant receives their J-1 visa. Then they travel to the U.S. to begin their internship or training program. Get ready to globalize your workplace!
Scholars, Professors, & Specialists
STEP 1: Complete The Application
The applicant and host organization gather supporting documents and complete a CIEE Professional Exchange Programs application. The application should be submitted 4-6 weeks before the desired program start date.
STEP 2: International Applicant Interviewed By CIEE
A CIEE representative will contact the international applicant for a brief interview while the application approval process begins. This process may take up to eight business days.
STEP 3: CIEE Mails Required Documents To Applicant
Upon application approval, the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility and supporting documents (cover letter, SEVIS receipt, and Confirmation of Insurance) will be created on behalf of the international applicant and mailed to their confirmed home address.
STEP 4: Applicant Receives DS-2019 And Applies For A J-1 VISA Interview
The applicant receives Form DS-2019 from CIEE and schedules an interview for the J-1 Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, Professor, or Specialist visa with their nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
STEP 5: Applicant Receives J-1 VISA Or VISA Application Is Denied
The applicant receives their J-1 visa. Then they travel to the U.S. to begin their program at your organization. Get ready to globalize your workplace!
STEP 6: Applicant Receives DS-2019 And Applies For J-1 VISA Interview
The applicant receives Form DS-2019 from their international representative and schedules an interview for the J-1 Intern or Trainee visa with their nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
STEP 7: Applicant Receives J-1 VISA Or VISA Application Is Denied
The applicant receives their J-1 visa. Then they travel to the U.S. to begin their internship or training program. Get ready to globalize your workplace!
Important Note On J-1 Visa Applications
Our rigorous application process, careful vetting, and thorough preparation of applicants ensures that most international interns, trainees, research scholars, short-term scholars, professors, and specialists receive their J-1 visas. However, it is solely the decision of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to approve or deny an applicant’s visa application.