Kustberg

First time poster, long time reader...

I am looking into using the J1 visa to gain work experience in the USA. Finally, after months of searching I have found a position through a family friend which I will be applying for.

For the J1 visa, obviously I am there to get work experience but does the position have to be classified as an "internship"? if i get the position, I will be working with a financial planner at Northwestern mutual and im hoping this matches the requirements for J1. It will relate to my university degree as I am getting a BSc in business this summer.

Also, final question. If I get offered the position, do I apply for a J1 via my embassy and bring the written job offer with me.

I have read the stickys etc but feel free to educate me if Im getting fundamental issues wrong.
Thanks everyone

Ray

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html

Rearviewmirror

To get a J-1 visa you need a sponsoring organization - are Northwestern Mutual willing to sponsor you with a DS-2019?

Kustberg

From the research that I have done, I can get sponsorship via a 3rd party.
globalchoices.co.uk or interexchange.org who provides DS-2019. This seems like the best choice of action if I get a job offer or am I missing something important?

Rearviewmirror

You can get 3rd party sponsorship, it just might be pretty pricey.

ian-mstm

You are seriously missing something important! Here's a hint: do a search on said companies, then report back what you find.

Ian

Kustberg

Ian, I am trying not to be rude but if you were to be more specific then perhaps I would be able to do a search and come back with an appropriate response. I do not mind learning by myself if I knew what I was to look for. Unfortunately I do not have the vast knowledge which you do, which is obviously why I am on these forums.
Regards

ian-mstm

It's okay, I don't mind. I'm rude all the time!


Fair enough... research the reputations of said companies - and not just the happy, satisfied stories of those whose experiences they choose to post online. Dig a bit deeper!

Ian

Rose tea

Gotta say, globalchoices.co.uk instantly set alarm bells ringing for me. It doesn't really look legitimate at all. Many of these sites are scams. Not saying this one necessarily is, but just that I would do a lot of research before given them a pound of my money.

(This obviously directed at the OP and not Ian, who I get the feeling isn't exactly in the market for a J1)