USTrainee™ Program Fees & Services
Begin your U.S. professional journey with our transparent, all-inclusive fee structure. From visa sponsorship and compliance to 24/7 support, we take care of everything—so you can focus on your future.
- Application Term: Year-round
- Program Duration: 1–18 months
- Insurance: Sickness and accident insurance required ($140/month)
- Housing Assistance: Provided
- Compensation: Stipend negotiable with host company
- Minimum Weekly Training Hours: 32 hours
- Outside Employment: Prohibited
- Unskilled Work/Clinical Roles: Not eligible for sponsorship
- Change of Host Companies: Rare, case-by-case only
Who qualifies? Bachelor’s degree + 1 year experience, or 5 years work experience in the trainee field. English proficiency required.
Standard J-1 Trainee Program Fees
Participation Fees
- 1–6 months $2,500
- 7–12 months $3,800
- 13–18 months $4,200
Mandatory Additional Costs
- Medical Insurance $140 / month
- SEVIS I-901 Fee $220
- Placement Fee $690
- Host Company Setup $350
Customized Placement Program (Unpaid positions only)
- 1–6 months $2,500
- 7–12 months $3,800
- 13–18 months $4,200
- Placement Deposit (non-refundable, to start search) $1,000
- Selected City/State Placement $700/$500
Includes up to 3 professional interviews within 2 months. Balance due after placement acceptance.
Optional / Special Fees
- J-2 Dependent Application $600 + $140/month per dependent
- Priority Application Processing $500 (within 3 working days)
- Site Visit Fee $300
- Program Extension / Company Transfer $795
- Adjustment after DS-2019 Issuance $200
- DS-2019 Replacement $200
- Re-entry without Travel Authorization $200
- Housing Placement (optional) $200
Refund Policy:
If you cancel your program or are denied a visa, you may receive a refund of your program and insurance fees (except SEVIS fee). Notification of visa denial must be received in writing within 5 business days, and the original DS-2019 and DS-7002 must be returned within 20 days. A $250 cancellation/visa denial fee applies. SEVIS fee is non-refundable.
If you cancel your program or are denied a visa, you may receive a refund of your program and insurance fees (except SEVIS fee). Notification of visa denial must be received in writing within 5 business days, and the original DS-2019 and DS-7002 must be returned within 20 days. A $250 cancellation/visa denial fee applies. SEVIS fee is non-refundable.
All fees are in USD and are subject to change to offset changes in U.S. Department of State regulations and/or insurance premiums. Fees cover document issuance (DS-2019), compliance, orientation, monitoring, emergency assistance, and cultural programming.
For more information, visit ustrainee.org.