Intern USA

The Adventure

What is Intern USA

Intern in the U.S. and enjoy the experience of a lifetime! This experience allows you to bridge the gap between your education and your professional career. CCUSA is a designated visa sponsor for the BridgeUSA J-1 Intern Visa. CCUSA’s program, Intern USA, is designed to allow foreign university students or recent graduates to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field. Internship programs can last from 3 months to a maximum length of 12 months and can start at any time of the year. We typically require at least two months before you wish to begin your internship, to allow for interview and visa processing time. However, we can also assist in expediting this process for an additional fee. As an Intern, you are required to follow the approved internship plan, and you can only intern with the approved host company.

This program is year-round. You may intern in any U.S. state, on a CCUSA-approved internship program, in the following occupational categories:

Hospitality and Tourism
Information Media and Communications
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations

Interns cannot train in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve childcare or elder care, or in any kind of position that involves medical patient care or contact. Nor can interns train in positions with more than 20 percent clerical or office support work.

The Details

Eligibility

You must meet all the following requirements to be eligible for the Intern USA program:

Proficient in English.
Currently enrolled in and pursuing studies in a degree or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution, outside the US, and taking an approved gap year off (university documentation required).
or
Have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to your internship program start date (a copy of a university degree or certificate is required). *
Have enough funds to cover miscellaneous expenses until you receive your first stipend. The suggested amount is US$3,000.
Have the intent to pursue, as a career, the field in which the internship will take place or a similar field.
Have an internship position already arranged; or eligible and pre-screened for a direct placement opportunity.

If you meet the above requirements and are interested in the Intern USA program, start your application, start your application now. After we receive your application, you will be contacted by a CCUSA representative to schedule your interview. Note: Interns may return to the U.S. for additional training if they meet the selection requirements.

*If you have already graduated with a degree from a college, university, or post-secondary academic institution and have one year of applicable work experience in your field of education or a related field, or you don’t have a degree but have five years of applicable work experience in your field, you may be eligible for the Practical Training USA program where you can train in the U.S. for up to 18 months.

Program Options

The Intern USA programs offers two different options for your convenience.

You are responsible for finding a host company to offer you an internship program in one of the approved categories. Once a host company is located and the information is given to CCUSA, we will contact the host company to verify the suitability of the host company. We will review their obligations and determine if the training program meets the appropriate requirements.

CCUSA is required to conduct site visits of host organizations that:

Have not previously participated in a CCUSA program.
Have fewer than 25 employees.
Have less than $3 million in annual revenue.

If a site visit is required, there will be an additional fee. Fees for site visits are determined on a case-by-case basis. If a site visit is necessary, CCUSA will notify you and the host company of the costs to do such a visit.

You are responsible for making all arrangements with the host company offering the internship, including negotiating compensation, if applicable. You are also responsible for accommodation and living expenses. CCUSA will review all agreements as part of the application process.

Independent Option

With the placement option, you would apply for one of CCUSA’s approved internships.

You submit your application and CV/Resume. When accepted to the program, CCUSA will forward your application to the host company, and the host company will set up an interview.

If you are offered the internship, CCUSA will sponsor you and guide the host company in completing the DS-7002 Form (Internship Plan), and CCUSA will prepare the visa paperwork and assist you in preparing for the visa interview.

Placement Option

CCUSA Benefits

During CCUSA’s Intern USA program, you can expect to gain valuable skills through participation in a structured training program. You will learn about American business techniques and methodologies. You will be given opportunities to network and make friends with professionals from all around the world. Most importantly, you will gain confidence, independence, maturity, improved communication, and valuable lifelong skills that will broaden your horizons and your future career.

The benefits of participating in the CCUSA Intern USA program:

Support and advice for interns and host companies every step of the way throughout the process.

Economy or premium travel insurance.

Pre-departure Orientation to support to help you prepare for your experience.

Arrival Orientation and packet – includes practical information and tips to ease your intern experience.

24-hour emergency support while in the U.S. and in the program.

Access to the CCUSA tax service for easy tax refund processing.

Exceptional customer service.

A completion certificate to help enhance your CV/Resume.

Fees and Expenses

Program Fees

Program fees vary, please contact your local CCUSA office for more information.

Additional Fees

The following costs are not included in your program fees and set by independent bodies.

Insurance: Choice between Economy or Premium Insurance (check with your local CCUSA office)
SEVIS Fee: $220 USD
Visa Appointment Fee: $185 (for most countries)
Suggested Startup Money: US$3000 (Suggested amount to bring to the U.S. in case of an emergency.)

Applying

The Application Process

Follow the steps below if you would like to be participant in the Intern USA program or if you would like to be a host company in the USA for foreign participants.

Participant

To be a participant on the Intern USA program, follow these simple steps.

Host Company

To be a Host Company for the Intern USA program, please visit our dedicated section on becoming a host for CCUSA.