What Qualifies as 'Training'

Skilled vs. Unskilled Training

The J-1 Trainee Visa was designed to provide qualified international candidates with an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the US in their field of endeavor. Upon completion of training program in the US, Trainees should have deepened their core knowledge and skills and have an understanding of the American techniques and methodologies that drive their field. Given this overall aim, the US Department of State has determined that certain occupational categories are not appropriate for this specific program.

In general terms, this means that Trainees are only permitted to engage in skilled activities at their Host Companies. A skilled activity is defined as something that requires some form of educational and/or theoretical base knowledge in order to be performed. Unskilled occupations, on the other hand, such as work as 'receptionists,' 'clerks,' 'cashiers,' or 'bartenders,' are in most circumstances not acceptable elements of a training program. These types of occupations involve repetitive activities that do not necessarily utilize higher level professional skills.

Certain skilled occupations do, however, demand a familiarity with unskilled activities. Hotel managers must be able to appreciate the difficulty of housekeeping and concierge, and future chefs need to learn that basics of their trade such as food preparation and line cooking before moving on to more advanced areas. Thus, in industries such as these where training in unskilled areas constitutes an industry standard, Trainees are allowed to engage in unskilled activities at their Host Company, so long as these are limited in duration and part of a structured training plan.

For a complete listing of unskilled occupational categories, please visit the US Department of State website.

If you are looking for part-time or seasonal help of a more casual nature at your company, consider CIEE's Work and Travel Program. This program allows international students eighteen years or older to work in the US during their summer vacations in nearly any type of job. For more information on the CIEE's Work and Travel program, please click here.

Who is eligible to train?

In order to be eligible to participate in the Trainee Program, applicants must meet certain standards of eligibility.

Students at least 18 years of age who are enrolled as full-time students at an accredited university or post-secondary institution are eligible to participate in CIEE's Internship USA program.

Young professionals between 20 and 40 years old who have at least two years experience in their field of interest, are eligible to participate in CIEE's Professional Career Training USA program.