Do you already have a Host Company in mind and just need assistance from Spirit with J-1 visa sponsorship?

Spirit’s Independent Placement option is right for you.  Independent Placement is designed for international students and young professionals who already received an internship or professional training offer from a U.S. based Host Company.

Are you looking for a Host Company to host your hospitality or culinary internship or professional training in the USA?

Spirit’s “Premium Placement” Internship Program option is designed for international hospitality students and professionals seeking a training program abroad. Spirit works with a network of luxury hotels and resorts across the USA to offer culinary training programs, as well as general hotel and food and beverage management internships. Spirit can assist with training placement and in the development of the required Training and Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP).

Cultural activities include the things you do outside of your internship that introduce you to the diverse life and culture of the United States. It is important that you participate in at least two cultural activities per month, so you are sure to get a real taste of life in the USA.  Examples of cultural activities include: 

• Attending an “after-work” event with American colleagues 
• Volunteering in the local community 
• Visiting a museum or historic site 
• Gathering with American friends for meals, games, or movies etc. 
• Touring a US city or visiting a tourist site in your host community 
• Visiting a national park 
• Attending an American sporting event 

The opportunities are endless! 

Don’t forget that your J-1 visa also provides up to 30 days of grace period travel time after your program end date on your DS-2019 form. You must return to your home country before the end of this grace period in order to comply with the terms of your J-1 visa.

Spirit’s Internship Program fees are as follows:

Independent Placement Option: $995 + $70/month

Premium Placement Option: $2,395 + $70/month

Program fees include regulatory compliant illness and accident insurance during program dates, emergency support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and required visa support paperwork (DS-2019).  Host Company placements are available upon request. Fees are subject to change.

There is no initial fee to start an application. Fees are only due to Spirit after we review your full application and you accept an internship offer approved by Spirit.

DS-2019: Official U.S. government form, provided by Spirit and required at visa interview. This official document must be kept with participant passport throughout the program, as it confirms authorized program dates.

Training/Internship Placement Plan: Also called a T/IPP or DS-7002. This document describes the content of the Internship or Training program. This form must be signed by Spirit, the Host Company and participant, and must state specific goals and objectives of the training, as well as detail the knowledge, skills or techniques to be learned by the participant during the course of the program.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS): U.S. Department of Homeland Security database used to manage the status of Exchange Visitors to the United States. Spirit uses this database to provide the U.S. government with important information on each participant’s status.

Validation: Within seven days of arrival in the US, all Spirit J-1 participants must submit their SEVIS “Validation” through Spirit’s online Support Center. Only once this has been completed and processed by Spirit is a program considered “Active” – allowing the participant to begin the program and apply for a Social Security number.

J-1 visa: The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs, such as Spirit’s Work & Travel, Intern, Trainee and Teacher Programs.

J-1 Intern: Current student at or recent graduate (within in the last 12-months) from a primarily academic (must issue degrees, such as Bachelors or Masters) institution outside the USA, which is recognized by that country’s Department of Education (or equivalent). Students or recent graduates from technical or vocational institutions do not qualify for the program. Degree must be in the same industry as requested Intern program.

J-1 Trainee: Graduate from primarily academic (must issue degrees, such as Bachelors or Masters) institution outside the USA, which is recognized by that country’s Department of Education (or equivalent) with at least one year of professional experience OR Professional with 5+ years of professional experience. Degree and experience must be in the same industry as requested Trainee program.

Support Center: Spirit’s online resource for participants and Host Companies to access important information about their program 24 hours a day/7 days a week.