As with summer employment, you may find internships for a period of 6, 12 to 18 months and a J1 visa is also required once you're in possession of a contract from the company in the US. As an intern your salary will be considerably less than an employee and some companies may opt not to pay their interns. The benefit of interning is to improve your English while working in the American marketplace and is an invaluable cultural experience.

J1 visas are required for internships and can be secured once you've been confirmed with an exchange program or sponsor company and have completed a DS-2019 form. You must be between the ages of 18 and 28, at the end of your internship you will be allowed an additional 30 days to visit the country at your leisure.

JI visa holders are exempt from income taxes and spouses are also eligible for J2 visas, which enables them to work as well. You also have the option of changing your status to H1 at the end of a year but this does not include spouses. Check with an attorney to verify your status visa or change your visa.