When should we begin the J-1 visa application process?

The sooner the better! We suggest starting the J-1 visa application two months before the desired internship start date. CDS processes complete applications within five business days and also offers 24-Hour Express Service; however, delays may occur at other points in the process such as when trying to schedule a consular interview. CDS is unable to facilitate the appointments made with each consulate and has no influence over their schedules.

What is your standard turn-around time for issuing Form DS-2019?

Our standard turn-around time for issuing Form DS-2019 is only five business days. All applications must be complete at the time of submission to be eligible for a five day turnaround. Documents are shipped via FedEx directly to the applicants in their home country at no additional cost.

What is Express Service?

For time-sensitive cases, consider the CDS Express Service option with a turnaround time of one business day. Applications submitted for Express Service must comply with the same U.S. Department of State regulations that govern standard CDS J-1 visa processing. Learn more about Express Service.

What kinds of visas can CDS sponsor?

CDS has a J-1 visa designation by the U.S. State Department for both the Intern and Trainee categories. Learn more about the J-1 visa.

In which professional fields can CDS sponsor an intern or trainee on the J-1 visa?

Which eligibility requirements must be met?

Who pays the SEVIS fee?

CDS collects this money at the time of application and pays it on your behalf. We will send you/your client the receipt of payment which will be needed during the interview at the consulate.

Who pays the consular fee?

Typically, J-1 visa applicants pay the U.S. Consular fee themselves. In most countries, this payment may be made online via credit card.

When is a host company site visit required?

Site visits are mandated by the U.S. State Department to ensure that smaller host companies are legitimate entities and have the resources necessary to fulfill the terms of the training plan.. Site visits are required to all host companies that are new to CDS and have either fewer than 25 full-time employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue.

What does a host company need to prepare for a site visit?

During (or prior to) the visit, a host company needs to provide CDS with proof of a workers’ compensation policy and some of the company’s marketing materials (if available). The company should also be prepared to give a quick tour of the office and to answer a few additional questions related to the proposed training/internship program.

Is there an extra charge for a site visit?

No, CDS does not charge for site visits. A one-time US$200 new host company fee is however added to all host companies working with CDS for the first time, regardless of whether a site visit is required. This fee is designed to offset the costs associated with the additional vetting process required by new host companies. Non-profit organizations and educational institutions may be exempt.

Can an intern/trainee come earlier to the US or stay longer than stated on the DS-2019 and the DS-7002?

Yes, interns/trainees may enter the United States up to 30 days before the official start date and are allowed to stay 30 days after the end date; however, interns/trainees should only work during the program dates that appear on Form DS-2019.

Why does an intern/trainee have to attend an orientation?

Do interns/trainees have health insurance?

Yes. Interns are enrolled in health insurance prior to arrival in the U.S. Learn more about your intern’s insurance coverage.

When can interns/trainees apply for a Social Security Number?

Can an intern/trainee be put on payroll before s/he has received a Social Security Number?

Yes. Once an intern has applied for a Social Security Number, he/she will receive a receipt showing proof of application. With this, you can file Form W-4 and enter “Applied for” in the box asking for a Social Security Number. Once your intern receives a Social Security Number, you can file the number through Form W-4C, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement.

Can interns/trainees work after the end date listed on the Training/Internship Placement Plan?

This is possible in some cases; however, they must first contact CDS to apply for an extension to the program. Extension applications must be submitted to CDS at least two weeks before the scheduled end date. Learn more about how to extend a program.

What needs to be done if an intern/trainee leaves his/her position early?

If an intern/trainee will be leaving the host company before the program end date on the Training/Internship Placement Plan and DS-2019, immediately notify your CDS representative and give the reason for the early departure. We will then make updates to the relevant documents and to SEVIS, the government database. Failure to do so may result in the visa holder encountering difficulties should he/she return to the U.S. in the future.