Many host organizations provide their trainees/interns with a monthly stipend that helps them pay for rent and other living expenses.

Whether or not your training/internship is paid or unpaid, it is your responsibility to have sufficient funds to cover all living expenses for the duration of your program in the U.S., pay for round-trip air travel, and purchase adequate health insurance, both for yourself and any dependents who accompany you.

We recommend that you come to the U.S. with a minimum of 1,200 U.S. dollars (plus 600 U.S. dollars for each accompanying dependent) in order to be able to pay for living expenses during the first month of your stay It is
likely that you will receive your first paycheck at least 4 weeks after the starting your program.

In addition, you must ensure that you have at least 900 U.S. dollars for yourself and 450 U.S. dollars per dependent per month to cover basic living expenses for the remainder of your and your dependents’ stay in the U.S.

Please note that your actual living expenses may be significantly higher, depending on your life style, the location of your training/internship, and other factors.

When you apply for your J-1 visa, you will be required to show to the U.S. consular officer proof that you have sufficient personal funds at least in the amount stated in item 5.g. on the DS-2019 Form that CICD issues you; e.g. we suggest that you bring a copy of your most recent bank statement, or copies of other financial documents “proving” your financial
responsibility.