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Become an Intern/Trainee

OVERVIEW

Our Career Advancement Program offers international university students, recent graduates, and young professionals the opportunity to Intern or Train with a U.S. business.

These structured and guided training programs offer the chance for cultural immersion in the U.S. and professional development in a specific academic or occupational field.

The main purpose of this exchange visitor program is to foster global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All Interns and Trainees are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program.

ELIGIBILITY

Our Career Advancement Program works with applicants for both the Intern program and Trainee program. We carefully review each prospective Intern and Trainee on a case-by-case basis. Take a look below to learn more about eligibility for each program.

Intern Eligibility
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited university or certificate program outside of the U.S. in their occupational field.

OR

  • Graduated from an accredited university or certificate program outside of the U.S. in their occupational field no more than 12 months prior to their requested program start date.
  • Graduated from an accredited university or certificate program outside of the U.S. in their occupational field more than 12 months before their requested program date AND has at least 1 year of related full-time work experience outside of the U.S.

OR

  •  Has at least 5 years of related full-time work experience outside of the U.S.

Program Options

We provide two (2) program options:

Self-Placement (SP) program: Participants arrange their own Intern or Trainee placement with a U.S. business. Once a training or internship opportunity has been secured, we work with the participant to get their experience in the U.S. started.

Full-Placement (FP) program: We assist participants in finding an Intern or Trainee placement with a U.S. business. We work with the participant throughout the placement process and their entire time in the U.S.

Intern and  Trainee positions are typically in the following occupational fields:

  • Business, Management, Commerce & Finance
  • Hospitality & Tourism (including culinary arts)
  • Arts & Culture
  • Information Media & Communications
  • Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
  • Public Administration & Law
  • Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics & Industrial

On the Program

On the Program

If you have received your J-1 visa from your local Embassy, it means that you are ready to start your journey as an Intern or Trainee in the U.S.

Our team is happy to know that you have chosen Starlight Capital and we are here to assist you. This page contains important information for you while you are on your Intern or Trainee program.

 

Program Options

If you have received your J-1 visa from your local Embassy, it means that you are ready to start your journey as an Intern or Trainee in the U.S.

Our team is happy to know that you have chosen Starlight Capital Exchange to work with you and we are here to assist you. This page contains important information for you while you are on your Intern or Trainee program.

Coming to the United States

Before leaving for the United States from your Home Country-

Make sure that you:

  • Have contact information for your host organization
  • Know the address of where you will be staying
  • Plan how you will get to your host organization
  • Review your Starlight Exchange program resources
  • Have our contact information:

Entering the U.S.
To pass through customs at the airport you will need the following documents:

  • Valid passport with J-1 visa
  • Original, signed DS-2019 form
  • Signed DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (available on your Starlight Capital Online account)
  • For additional items please refer to U.S. Customs and Border Protection website

 

SEVIS Validation

Validate your Intern or Trainee program once you arrive in the U.S. Once your validation has been received by Starlight Capital, we will submit the validation to SEVIS.

  • Make sure to notify us in advance if you are scheduled to arrive in the U.S. more than 1 week after your DS-2019 start date
  • Once your program validation is successfully processed, your program will become active in your Starlight Capital Online  account and SEVIS

Social Security Number

Apply for your Social Security card once your program has been validated.

  • Be sure to wait until your program validation is successfully processed before you apply for your Social Security card
  • To apply, visit Social Security website and visit the nearest Social Security office
  • Monthly Check-ins: Complete a monthly check-in via your starlight online account every 30 days. The purpose of the check-in is to keep us updated on the status of your health and safety, your program conditions, and your cultural activities
  • Mid-Point Evaluation: If your program is 6 months or longer, you and your supervisor are required to complete midpoint evaluations
  • Health Insurance: We provide you with insurance coverage through Medical Insurance Services. You will have insurance coverage for the dates listed on your DS-2019 form
  • International Travel: If you intend to leave the U.S. at any point during your Intern or Trainee program, you must notify us as soon as possible
  • Volunteering: Join the  Starlight Club to learn about volunteer opportunities
  • Final Evaluation: You and your supervisor are required to complete a final evaluation
  • 30 day grace period: If your I-94 card does not have any limitations, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. to travel for up to 30 days after the end date indicated on your DS-2019 form
  • U.S. Tax Return:  You will be required to file a tax return for any wages received in the previous year. We can direct you to relevant resources to help you through this process

We are your main point of contact in the U.S, We are responsible for your safety and well-being while you are on your program. You are required to notify us promptly of any situation that impacts your ability to participate in your Intern or Trainee program including, but not limited to:

  • You expect to arrive in the U.S. more than 1 week past your DS-2019 start date
  • You are concerned about your health, safety, or well-being
  • You intend to travel internationally while on your program
  • You are having issues processing your Social Security card application
  • You are having issues with your wages or taxes
  • You wish to leave, quit, or are fired from your host organization
  • Any changes that are made to your DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), including:
    • Your host organization changes locations
    • Your supervisor changes
    • You are training in areas not listed in your T/IPP or your T/IPP is not being followed
    • Your housing address, phone number, and/or phone number change
    • You are training less than 32 hours per week

Interns and Trainees are prohibited from engaging in the following activities ( other restrictions may apply depending on individual program ):

  • Casual, manual, and unskilled labor
  • Unauthorized employment ( including second jobs) at any organization not listed on the DS-2019 form
  • All activities outlined in 22 C.F.R. Part 62 Appendix E 
  • Roles that fill a labor or employment need for the host organization
  • Roles that should be filled by a regular employee
  • Programs that do not meet FLSA requirements
  • Roles that receive commission based compensation
  • Activities that endanger the Intern or Trainee’s health, safety, or well-being
  • Activities that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program under notoriety or disrepute
  • Roles that involve child care, elder care, patient contact (including animals), or clinical activities
  • Roles that require more than 20% clerical work
  • For Trainees, roles that duplicate previous professional experience
  • Check out your Starlight Capital Online account. The Home Page and Resource Page of your account have numerous resources to help you throughout your program
  • Review your Welcome Pack, provided with your DS-2019 shipment
  • Read your Intern/Trainee Handbook, available on your starlight account

Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

At Starlight Capital Exchange, we strive to strengthen the quality and consistency of our program administration. The information on this page will provide you with up-to-date program regulations and rules that govern Starlight Intern and Trainee programs. Please contact us directly with any questions, we are happy to assist in any way we can.

Starlight Capital Notification Requirements

Interns, Trainees, and host organizations are required to notify Starlight Capital Exchange of the following situations (other requirements may apply depending on individual program):

  • The Intern or Trainee will arrive in the U.S. more than 1 week past the DS-2019 start date.
  • There is any concern for the  Intern or Trainee’s health, safety, or well-being.
  • The Intern or Trainee is unable to actively train with the host organization on the DS-2019 form for any reason.
  • Any changes are made to your DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), including:
    • The host organization changes location
    • A supervisor changes
    • The Intern or Trainee is training in an area not listed in the T/IPP or the T/IPP is not being followed
    • The Intern or Trainee’s housing address and/or phone number change
    • The Intern or Trainee is training less than 32 hours per week
  • The Intern or Trainee is the victim of a crime or is accused of/arrested for the commission of a crime
  • The Intern or Trainee leaves, quits, or is fired from the host organization for any reason
  • The Intern or Trainee intends to travel internationally
  • The Intern or Trainee has issues processing a Social Security card application
  • The Intern or Trainee has issues with wages or taxes
  • The Intern or Trainee processes a change of status or adjustment of status
  • The Intern or Trainee fails to leave the U.S. by the end of the 30 day grace period

Interns and Trainees on a J-1 visa are prohibited from engaging in the following activities (other restrictions may apply depending on individual program):

  • Including but not limited to, bussing/food running, cleaning, valet, fast casual and counter services roles, and stocking/packing
  • Including but not limited to bartending (including barback), housekeepers and hotel cleaners, drivers, cashiers, service attendants, guards, stockroom/warehouse workers, and clerks
  • Casual, manual, and unskilled Labor
  • Unauthorized employment (including second jobs) at an organization not listed on the DS-2019 form
  • All activities outlined in 22 C.F.R. § 62 Appendix E
  • Roles that fill a labor or employment need for the host organization.
  • Roles that should be filled by a regular employee
  • Programs that do not meet FLSA requirements
  • Roles that receive commission based compensation
  • Activities that endanger the Intern or Trainee’s health, safety, or well-being
  • Activities that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program under notoriety or disrepute
  • Roles that involve child care, elder care, patient contact (including animals), or clinical activities
  • Roles that require more than 20% clerical work
  • For Trainees, roles that duplicate previous professional experience

 

All Exchange Visitors, including Interns and Trainees, are entitled to the same legal protections as U.S. residents and citizens. Please review the following resources regarding rights and protections of Interns and Trainees:

 

For tax purposes, Interns and Trainees on the J-1 visa are required to be on regular payroll, must be paid as regular employees, and must complete Form W-4 at the start of their program. Interns and Trainees receiving a stipend are required to pay federal, state, and local (if applicable) income taxes. However, Interns and Trainees are exempt from paying FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) and FUTA taxes (Unemployment). Additional resources can be found online:

Host organizations must provide W-2 forms to Interns and Trainees in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Interns and Trainees receiving a stipend are required to file an individual tax return in-line with Internal Revenue Service requirements. Additional resources can be found online:

Rules and Regulations

At Starlight Capital Exchange, we strive to strengthen the quality and consistency of our program administration. The information on this page will provide you with up-to-date program regulations and rules that govern Starlight Capital Intern and Trainee programs. Please contact us directly with any questions, we are happy to assist in any way we can.

U.S Department of State Rules

  • J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Regulations: Regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program are publicly available in the Code of Federal Register (22 C.F.R § 62). Specific Intern and Trainee program regulations can be found at 22 C.F.R § 62.22.
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure: The U.S. Department of State provides a Welcome Brochure to all Interns and Trainees.
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Website: The U.S. Department of State’s official website for the Intern Program and the Trainee Program provide a variety of resources.
  • Guidance Directive: U.S. Department of State may issue Guidance Directives to J-1 visa sponsors at any time. All Guidance Directives are publicly available. The following Guidance Directives are of particular importance to the Intern and Trainee programs:

 

Starlight Capital Notification Requirements

Interns, Trainees, and host organizations are required to notify  Starlight of the following situations (other requirements may apply depending on individual program):

  • The Intern or Trainee will arrive in the U.S. more than 1 week past the DS-2019 start date.
  • There is any concern for the  Intern or Trainee’s health, safety, or well-being.
  • The Intern or Trainee is unable to actively train with the host organization on the DS-2019 form for any reason.
  • Any changes are made to your DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), including:
    • The host organization changes location
    • A supervisor changes
    • The Intern or Trainee is training in an area not listed in the T/IPP or the T/IPP is not being followed
    • The Intern or Trainee’s housing address and/or phone number change
    • The Intern or Trainee is training less than 32 hours per week
  • The Intern or Trainee is the victim of a crime or is accused of/arrested for the commission of a crime
  • The Intern or Trainee leaves, quits, or is fired from the host organization for any reason
  • The Intern or Trainee intends to travel internationally
  • The Intern or Trainee has issues processing a Social Security card application
  • The Intern or Trainee has issues with wages or taxes
  • The Intern or Trainee processes a change of status or adjustment of status
  • The Intern or Trainee fails to leave the U.S. by the end of the 30 day grace period

Stories

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The warmest Experience in time

The warmest Experience in time

The warmest Experience in time