VISA
PROGRAMS

If you’re currently working or studying in the hospitality field outside the United States, the J-1 Exchange Visitor Training Program offers you the opportunity to gain experience working in Marriott hotels within the U.S.

Program guidelines

The J-1 visa can provide an opportunity for practical “on-the job” training in the U.S. for foreign nationals who are either interns or trainees. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering a career-enhancing J-1 opportunity with Marriott in the U.S.:

• To qualify as a J-1 intern, an individual must be either currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. OR have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his/her exchange program start date.
• To qualify as a J-1 trainee, an individual must have either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign postsecondary academic institution and at least one year of prior work-related experience acquired outside the U.S.; or, five years work experience outside the U.S. without the benefit a degree.
• J-1 programs in the “Hospitality and Tourism” category are limited to 12 months for both interns and trainees. Trainees may be approved for a J-1 program that is up to 18 months in length if the subject area for training is not hospitality and tourism
• As a J-1 intern or trainee, you may be placed in training programs in the Rooms Division, Front Office, Food & Beverage, Culinary or other programs as determined by the hotel.
• Once an employment offer has been accepted by an international trainee candidate, the individual must contact one of the below J-1 sponsorship organizations, authorized by the U.S. Department of State, to assist with the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility, and the J-1 visa application.

Below is a list of Sponsorship Organizations that are authorized to assist with placing J-1 visa holders in internship and training programs with Marriott. Please contact the organizations listed for information about qualifications and application procedures.

• Alliance Abroad Group
• American Hospitality Academy
• Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
• Cultural Homestay International
• Cultural Vistas (previously Association for International Practical Training (AIPT))
• Global Career Exchange
• Global Education Concepts
• HTP J-1 Visa Programs
• InterExchange (Marriott managed properties only use this sponsor for the Work & Travel program, not the Intern/Trainee program)
• International Educational Exchange, Inc.
• Intrax
• Odyssey International Exchange
• Pan Atlantic International (PAIT)
• Spirit Cultural Exchange
• Worldwide International Student Exchange (WISE)