The International Career Development (ICD) program is designed for students to acquire relevant professional experience while participating in work opportunities in the U.S. ICD has helped many students to navigate their career options. Both programs are designed for overseas participants outside of the U.S. The main differences between the programs are the program duration and their eligibility. ICD: J-1 Intern is a 1-year program for currently enrolled university students or recent graduates, while ICD: J-1 Trainee is a 18-month program for those who graduated college more than 2 years ago or young professionals who had more than 5 years of working experience.

The approximate total processing time after submitting an application is four months. Typically, it takes three months to complete the visa and placement processes, two weeks for the visa interview, and two weeks to prepare for departure. Please make every effort to apply at least four months in advance of your intended start date.

The intention for the preliminary interview is for Stanley Prep to gain a clear understanding of the applicant’s professional goals, interests, and commitment to the program, as well as to assess the level of English proficiency. Interviews are conducted via video conference and the typical interview duration is 15-20 minutes. Applicants can expect questions that include but are not limited to, the following: self-introduction, the reason for interest, intention for the program, and plans after the program.

The Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) is a non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Department of State that provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the U.S. There are 15 categories of the J-1 visa, one of which is the Intern category. This visa allows foreign students and recent graduates to train with a U.S.-based host organization for up to 12 months.

Each candidate must be interviewed in order to obtain a visa. Interviews are conducted at U.S. consulates in the home countries of the candidates. Once an applicant submits the required documents, including the DS-2019 and DS-160, the applicant can be interviewed. When making reservations for visa interviews, applicants must provide the program number stated on the DS-2019, as well as the SEVIS code.

During the visa application process, you must provide evidence that you will have adequate finances to cover your costs during your stay in the U.S. Though you may be earning money while in the U.S., the purpose of the J-1 visa is for cultural exchange, rather than generating income. Therefore, you must be able to show that you are not relying on the income from your host organization to support your living expenses while in the U.S. Financial proof includes bank statements, salaries, and the monthly income of the financial guarantor. If you are able, you can serve as your own financial guarantor. If not, you may list parents or legal guardians as financial guarantors. If your financial guarantor is someone other than yourself, be prepared to provide official documents verifying the family relation.

You may not work a second job during your ICD program. The J-1 visa for on-the-job learning allows participants to legally earn a wage only from the organization listed on the DS-2019 form. Participants cannot legally earn a wage at any other organization during their program, and would not be authorized to be at a workplace other than the one for which the program is approved, as indicated on the Certificate of Eligibility.

Participants of both ICD programs should carry a form of identification, as well as their I-94 at all times. Your I-94 can be obtained on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. The I-94 is the document that confirms participants have legally entered the U.S.

Participants who do not have a Social Security number/card will need to apply for one in order to be added to the host organization’s payroll. This does not necessarily mean that they must be issued the card before they begin working at the host organization. Participants can be added to their host organization’s payroll with a temporary number as long as they show the receipt of having applied for the Social Security card. Participants must give the host organization their Social Security number as soon as they receive it. For information pertaining to applying for a Social Security number/card, please refer to the Social Security website.

ICD: Standard: If you are traveling to the U.S. on a J-1 visa, you will be required to carry medical health insurance for the full duration of your program. The U.S. Department of State has the following minimum J-1 health insurance requirements that your insurance plan must meet.

ICD: Standard clients can travel for up to 30 days outside of the U.S. with a valid and signed Form DS-2019. Your visa sponsor must sign off on your travel to avoid any issues with re-entry. It is important to discuss travel plans with your host organization and receive approval for time away from the office.

It is very important to exit the U.S. within the allotted grace period after your program has concluded. Staying even one day past the departure deadline can have detrimental effects on your standing with the U.S. government and may prevent you from being permitted entry to the U.S. for future visits. The grace period varies depending on your visa type.

Stanley Prep’s ICD programs were designed to help students and recent graduates with the process of securing a placement with a host organization. It can be very challenging to manage studies, the visa application process, and job searching. Many students and recent graduates apply for J-1 Intern visas each year. It can be quite time-consuming to search for available opportunities within one’s academic field and, with so many interested parties, the market is very competitive. Additionally, it can be difficult to navigate a U.S. job search from a foreign country. Stanley Prep has partnerships with organizations in a broad array of industries, allowing us to locate available positions in your field of interest and granting you the opportunity to remain focused on your studies and on applying for your visa. Additionally, Stanley Prep works with candidates to maximize their professional presentation and put them above the competition. We have a record of success and our careful matching process ensures that each placement will be mutually beneficial for our participants and our host organizations. With Stanley Prep’s placement guarantee, ICD program participants can rest assured that they will be granted a position at an organization in the U.S. and will be able to remain in the U.S. for up to one year of professional development.