1. Have secured a training or internship with a company in the USA.
   Check our position listings for positions CICD offers placement service for.
   
   
2. Either:
   
   Apply as an "Intern" if you are foreign national who (1) is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree-or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside of the United States or (2) graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to the program begin date, and intend to enter the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based internship program in your specific academic field.
   MAXIMUM INTERN PROGRAM DURATION: 12 MONTHS
   
   Or:
   
   Apply as a "Trainee" if you are a foreign national who has either: (1) A degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in your occupational field acquired outside the United States, or (2) Five years of work experience outside the United States in your occupational field, and intend to enter the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based training program in your specific occupational field.
   MAXIMUM TRAINEE PROGRAM DURATION: 18 MONTHS
   
   
3. Know English well enough to perform successfully in the proposed training/intern position.
   
   
4. Plan to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of your program.
   
   

Your Host Company must:

1. Offer to you training for up to 18 months or an internship for up to 12 months in one of the following subject fields: Information, Media, Communications, Management, Business, Commerce, Finance, the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Industrial Occupations, Public Administration or Law. Click here for more information about the types of training that CICD sponsors on the J-1 Program
   
   
2. Provide you with a structured training/internship program "T/IPP" that must both be suitable to your qualifications and background and be approved by CICD (as required by J-1 Program regulations).
   
   
3. Ensure that you engage in a training or internship, and do not perform work that a part-time or full-time staff member of the company would otherwise be responsible for. As a J-1 Trainee/Intern you are not allowed to make final decisions about, or carry the full responsibility for, major tasks, assignments or projects. However, you may provide assistance in such activities since on-the-job training is encouraged as an important learning tool.

1. Complete and submit the CICD Online Registration.
   
   
2. CICD will e-mail to you further information and will send to your prospective supervisor all materials that your host company needs to complete and return to us. You must send to us your payment of the CICD Sponsorship fee as soon as we have confirmed your registration and sent your invoice. Please see the CICD fee and refund policy for details.
   
   
3. If we approve of your proposed program, we will send your application materials. We will also ask you to give us a call (at +1 206 985 2115) to discuss specific program arrangements, expectations, and background.
   
   
4. If your complete application is received and accepted by CICD, we will issue and send to you the DS-2019 Form along with visa application forms and important orientation materials.
   
   

The processing time at CICD is typically 4-6 weeks. However, the entire application process may take longer, depending on how quickly you and your host company provide CICD with all necessary materials and information.

1. Submit the DS-2019 Form and DS-7002 form along with your other application materials to the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence.
   
   
2. We suggest you keep your travel plans flexible while your visa application is being processed (e.g. by choosing a flight that allows you to change dates or obtain a refund in case of trip cancellation). The U.S. embassy or consulate provides no guarantee that the J-1 Visa will be issued to you, and the processing time may take up to four or more weeks in some countries. If your visa application should take longer than expected or be rejected, it may save you time and money if you have not finalized your travel arrangements.
   
   
3. Once you obtain your J-1 Visa, you may then travel to the U.S. to begin your training! CICD will be there to respond to any questions, concerns, or problems you may have in connection with your training.