USA J1 Programmes - How to Apply...


Once you have secured your Internship or Trainee position in the USA, you will need to complete and submit the Application form to IST Plus. We know there is lots of information to read, but please take the time to do so - this will make it far easier for you (and us!), and will avoid unecessary delays to your application. In the end this is about trying to do this for you as fast as possible, and there is much you can do to help us acheive this....

REMEMBER - an incorrect application takes FAR longer to process, and this will in the end delay your trip to the USA!


If you haven't yet found a Host Company in the USA, please take a look at http://www.ciee.org/trainee/applicants/ (page will open in new window) for help and advice on approaching US companies - here you'll find downloadable examples of a US style resume, cover letter etc - THIS IS AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE!
The CIEE Internship and Trainee Program Application consists of two separate sections, one to be completed by you and one by a representative at your proposed Host Company. If you have found your position through Trainee Select, the Host Company portion of the application has already been completed. You should request a copy of this directly from the Host Company contact person.
If you found your Host Company independently and they would like assistance in completing their portion of the application, please direct them to www.ciee.org/trainee/newHC, where they will find all relevant application materials and detailed instructions for completing these.

The Program Application should be completed in its entirety before you submit it to IST Plus. Once we have reviewed the application for completeness and basic suitability, it will be forwarded on to CIEE for final review and processing. For assistance in how to complete the application, please download the "Application Instructions" either here or from the download page of this website (see the menu to the left).

For security purposes (remember we will have personal data such as passport details etc) once we receive your application, all requests for an update must be made via email from the email address you provided us with on your original application. We can not respond to requests made via phone!

For instructions on how to complete the Internship Application please go to our download section and download the Instructions PDF file!
In order to allow sufficient time for application processing and for the mandatory visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate, we recommend that applicants submit materials to IST Plus at least six weeks prior to their intended travel date. We strongly recommend you try to allow as much time as possible for this process!
Please note that applications for Host Companies that require SITE VISITS may take up to 4 weeks longer - please allow for this when applying. Full information on this and other new regulations can be found here.
Under new US regulations all new US Host Companies will require a site visit by a CIEE representative unless they fulfill one of three requirements:
  • The US Host Company has more than 25 full time employees
  • The US Host Company generates more than $3,000,000 (3 million US dollars) in annual revenue
  • The US Host Company has previously hosted either a J1 Intern or Trainee through CIEE
  • Please note that application to companies requiring this visit by a CIEE staff member will be subject to an additional £150 charge to offset the costs involved in making the visit. You may want to speak to your potential Host Company in the US regarding possible reimbursement for this additional cost!

Please send your completed application and supporting documentation to:


USA Programmes
IST Plus
Rosedale House
Rosedale Road
Richmond
TW9 2SZ