J-1 cultural exchange · United States

6–12 months

J1 Intern & Trainee Program Hospitality

Work with prominent US hotel and travel employers as a chef, server or front desk agent, gaining hands-on experience and current industry practice while you earn.

Duration
6 Months (Can extend to another 6 Months) - 12 Months (Cannot extend after a year).
Programme cost
Program Fee $3,500 USD I Other Cost: Insurance Fee, SEVIS Fee and Visa Fee
Guidance
Before departure and while abroad

Overview

This program is designed to allow recent graduates, and young skilled adults with 5 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry (Chefs, Servers and Front Desk Agents) to visit the United States.

This visit will allow you to earn and gain exposure to the U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience while learning the latest industry trends and best practices from some of the most prominent hotel chains and branded Travel and tourism corporations, while earning.

Who can apply

Must have a degree or five (5) years professional experience in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts field.

To participate one must:

  • Be proficient in English to successfully interact in an English-speaking environment.

  • Be able to provide a certificate/degree or five (5) years' experience in the field of Hospitality and Culinary Arts.

  • Have completed High School.

  • Must be 18-30 years (in some cases to 35)

Checklist:

  • Passport

  • Birth Certificate

  • Resume

  • Job letter of years of experiences

  • Copy of Certificate/Degree

  • Passport size picture

What you’ll be doing

This experience will allow you to learn the American hospitality culture, and allow you to improve your skills by training with some of the hospitality and culinary head chefs and other experts in the field.

What’s included

  • Guaranteed PlacementPosition secured before arriving so you know exactly where you are going and you begin earning right away.
  • Medical Insurance CoverageMedical insurance coverage for the duration of your program
  • Emergency Support24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support teams
  • OrientationWe work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure and provide you with an orientation about what to expect.

How to apply

Every program has different requirements, but your Polaris journey follows a clear, guided path.

  1. Step1

    Start here

    Choose and assess

    Review the programs, submit your interest form and complete an initial eligibility assessment.

  2. Step2

    Build your file

    Apply and document

    Complete the current online application and upload the requested passport, school, work and reference documents.

  3. Step3

    Find your fit

    Interview and placement

    Prepare for required interviews. Eligible profiles move into sponsor and placement review.

  4. Step4

    Make it official

    Visa preparation

    Once the required sponsor documentation is issued, complete the current visa application and prepare for the embassy interview.

  5. Step5

    Ready to go

    Orient and depart

    Attend pre-departure orientation, confirm travel arrangements and keep all emergency contacts accessible.

Frequently asked

Questions

Contact us
1. Apart from the Program Fee of $3,500 USD, are there other fees?

Yes. The $3,500 USD is the Program Fee. There are additional required fees: Insurance Fee – covers the duration of your program. SEVIS Fee U.S. Visa Fee The insurance fee may vary depending on the program sponsor and the duration of your program.

2. Do I have to pay all the fees at one time?

No. Payments are made in stages as your application is being processed. You are not required to pay all program-related fees at once.

3. What is the first payment required to begin my process?

After registration and once you are ready to proceed, your payments will be made according to the payment schedule outlined in your Program Agreement.

4. Will I receive a breakdown of all my fees?

Yes. You will receive a Program Agreement that clearly outlines your Program Fee and the additional fees applicable to your program and sponsor.

5. What does the $3,500 USD Program Fee cover?

The Program Fee covers the services associated with processing and facilitating your participation in the Intern & Trainee Program, including your program placement and sponsor processing for your work permit.

6. Can the fees be different depending on my sponsor?

Yes. While the Polaris Program Fee is $3,500 USD, certain additional costs, particularly insurance, may vary depending on the sponsor and length of your program.

7. Who can I contact if I have questions about my fees or payments?

You will be assigned an agent once you register and you will be provided with the agent's contacts.

Ready to apply?

Start your assessment and Polaris will confirm current availability, the requirements and the documents you need.

Eligibility, availability, fees and visa requirements can change. Polaris confirms current information during your assessment. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant government authority.