Work in the USA After You Graduate
DC Global College graduates can gain paid work experience in the United States through the J1 Exchange Visitor Programme — one of America's most prestigious cultural and professional exchange initiatives, authorised directly by the US Department of State.
Paid Work Experience in America — Authorised by the US Department of State
The J1 Exchange Visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States government specifically for individuals participating in approved work-and-study-based exchange programmes. It is one of the few US visa categories that allows international graduates to live and work legally in the United States for up to 18 months in their professional field.
Unlike tourist visas or most student visas, the J1 authorises genuine paid employment with US-based organisations — giving graduates direct exposure to the American workplace, professional networks, and the international credibility that comes with US work experience on a CV.
DC Global College works with approved J1 programme sponsors and partner organisations to match qualifying graduates with placements in their field of study. Our team assists with the entire process — from programme matching and sponsor documentation to DS-2019 issuance and visa application preparation.
Everything You Need to Know About the J1
The J1 Exchange Visitor Programme has a specific structure that makes it distinct from other US work visa categories. Here is what qualifying graduates need to understand.
Visa Category
J1 — Exchange Visitor Visa, authorised under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act. Sponsored by a US Department of State designated exchange programme sponsor organisation.
Duration
J1 work-based exchange programmes run for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 18 months, depending on the specific programme category and the partner organisation's requirements.
Remuneration
J1 participants are paid directly by the host organisation in US dollars at a rate commensurate with their role and experience. Federal and state employment laws apply, ensuring fair treatment and minimum wage protections.
Who Qualifies
Graduates of DC Global College programmes who have completed their qualification, meet the English language requirement, and have been selected by a partner organisation for a position in their professional field.
Locations
Placements are available across the United States — from major metropolitan centres including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago, to regional hubs with strong demand in hospitality, technology, and healthcare.
Insurance
All J1 participants are required to maintain health and accident insurance for the full duration of their programme. This is a US Department of State requirement and is coordinated through the programme sponsor.
Where DC Global College Graduates Can Work in the USA
Our partner organisations span a range of industries that align with DC Global College's programme portfolio. Placements are matched to your specific field of study and career goals.
Technology & IT
Software support, IT infrastructure, digital operations, and technology services roles with US technology companies and managed service providers. Aligned with AI, Cybersecurity, and IT Technical Support graduates.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotel operations, front office management, food and beverage, and guest experience roles with US hotels, resorts, and hospitality groups. One of the largest J1 placement categories in the United States.
Healthcare & Social Care
Care coordination, community health support, and social services roles with US healthcare organisations and care providers. Aligned with Social Care and Healthcare Management graduates.
Finance & FinTech
Financial operations, client services, and fintech support roles with US financial services firms and technology-driven finance companies. Aligned with FinTech graduates.
Marketing & Communications
Digital marketing, content, social media, and communications roles with US brands, agencies, and media organisations. Aligned with Digital Marketing and Sales graduates.
Cybersecurity & Digital Risk
Security operations, risk monitoring, and compliance support roles with US companies. Aligned with Cybersecurity graduates seeking hands-on experience in the world's most active cybersecurity market.
From Florianópolis to the USA — Step by Step
The J1 process begins with your admission application at DC Global College. By indicating your interest from the outset, we can begin matching you with partner organisations well before you graduate.
State Your Interest in Your Admission Application
To be considered for the J1 USA Work Experience Programme, you must indicate your interest when completing your DC Global College admission application. This is the first and most important step — it signals to our team that you wish to be considered and allows us to factor the programme into your academic planning from day one. Students who do not indicate interest at the application stage may not be considered for available placements.
Complete Your DC Global College Programme
The J1 is a graduate programme — it follows the completion of your DC Global College qualification. You must successfully complete your programme, meet the required academic benchmarks, and maintain satisfactory attendance throughout your course. Your performance during your studies forms the basis of the profile we present to partner organisations on your behalf.
Partner Matching and Selection
DC Global College works with partner organisations in the United States across a range of industries. Following graduation, the college presents your profile — including your qualification, academic results, English language level, and professional experience — to relevant partner organisations in your field. Selection is subject to the partner organisation's requirements and approval. DC Global College facilitates the matching process but cannot guarantee placement with any specific organisation or in any specific location.
DS-2019 Issuance and Visa Application
Once a placement is confirmed by a partner organisation, a J1-approved programme sponsor issues the DS-2019 form — the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This document is required to apply for the J1 visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in Brazil. DC Global College supports you through the visa application preparation process, including document guidance and interview preparation where required.
Travel, Arrival, and Placement Start
With your J1 visa issued, you travel to the United States and begin your placement with the partner organisation. DC Global College provides a pre-departure briefing covering what to expect in the US workplace, cultural adjustment, accommodation guidance, Social Security Number registration, and your rights as a J1 participant. You will not arrive in the United States without being fully prepared.
Complete Your Programme and Return
At the conclusion of your J1 programme, you return to your home country as required under the J1 visa conditions. Many J1 participants use their US experience as a platform for further career opportunities — including applications for other US visa categories, positions with multinational companies, or further academic study. DC Global College remains available to support your next steps after your return.
Understanding the J1 Programme Fee
The J1 programme involves costs that are set by the sponsoring organisation and the partner placement. DC Global College is transparent about what these costs cover and how they vary.
Programme Sponsor Fee
A fee is charged by the J1 programme sponsor — the US Department of State designated organisation that issues your DS-2019 form and provides programme oversight. This fee covers sponsor administration, compliance, and participant support throughout your placement. Fees start from USD 500 and vary depending on the sponsor organisation and programme category.
Partner Placement Fee
Some partner organisations charge a placement coordination fee. In other cases, particularly where the partner organisation is actively seeking qualified candidates, this fee is waived or covered by the host organisation. The exact cost depends entirely on the partner and the placement — some placements are completely free of charge to the participant.
What DC Global College Charges
DC Global College does not charge an additional coordination fee for the J1 matching and support service. Our role — connecting graduating students with partner organisations, preparing your profile, and supporting you through the sponsor and visa process — is provided as part of our commitment to student outcomes after graduation.
US Embassy Visa Fee
A non-refundable visa application fee is charged by the US Embassy or Consulate when you submit your J1 visa application. This is a government charge set by the US State Department and is separate from all programme costs. Current fees are listed on the US Embassy Brazil website.
Health Insurance
Health and accident insurance is mandatory for all J1 participants as required by the US Department of State. The cost and coverage is arranged through the programme sponsor and will be confirmed at the time of your placement offer. This is a non-negotiable requirement that cannot be waived.
Summary: Cost Range
Total programme costs — excluding the US visa fee and insurance — range from free of charge (where the partner covers all costs) to approximately USD 500 to USD 1,500 for the sponsor and placement fee combined, depending on the programme category and partner organisation. DC Global College discloses all costs clearly before you commit to any placement.
Which DC Global College Programmes Qualify
The J1 Work Experience Programme is open to graduates of all DC Global College diploma and graduate diploma programmes. Your field of study determines the types of US placements you are eligible for.
AI and Machine Learning
Cybersecurity
IT Technical Support
Digital Marketing and Sales
FinTech
Social Care and Healthcare Management
University Pathway Programme
Language Programmes
State Your Interest — Starting From Your Admission Application
The J1 USA Work Experience Programme is not automatically available to all DC Global College graduates. Selection is competitive and based on academic performance, English language level, professional conduct, and suitability for the available placements.
To be considered, you must state your interest in the J1 programme when completing your DC Global College admission application. This is a mandatory first step — it allows our team to factor the programme into your academic journey from enrolment and begin building your candidate profile well before graduation.
Students who do not indicate interest at the admission stage may still enquire about the programme during their studies, but priority will be given to those who expressed interest from the outset.
How to Register Your Interest
On the DC Global College admission application form, there is a section where you can indicate interest in post-graduation opportunities including the J1 USA Work Experience Programme. Tick this option and provide a brief statement explaining why you wish to participate. Your statement will form part of the profile we present to partner organisations.
Terms, Conditions & Eligibility Requirements
Please read the following carefully before applying for or expressing interest in the J1 USA Work Experience Programme.
Programme Completion is Mandatory
Participation in the J1 USA Work Experience Programme is only available to students who have fully completed and passed their DC Global College programme. Students who withdraw, are withdrawn, or who do not meet the minimum academic requirements for their qualification are not eligible to participate, regardless of prior interest expressed.
Placement is Not Guaranteed
DC Global College facilitates the matching process between graduating students and US partner organisations, but cannot guarantee a placement for every eligible graduate. Placements are subject to availability, partner requirements, and individual selection decisions made by the host organisation. DC Global College's role is to present your profile and support the process — final selection rests with the partner.
J1 Visa Approval is Subject to the US Embassy
Issuance of a J1 visa is the exclusive decision of the US Embassy or Consulate. DC Global College and the programme sponsor can prepare and support your application, but cannot guarantee visa approval. Applicants with prior US visa refusals, immigration violations, or criminal convictions should seek specialist legal advice before proceeding.
Two-Year Home Country Residence Requirement
Most J1 visa participants are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This means that after your J1 programme concludes, you must return to your home country for at least two years before you can apply for certain US immigration benefits. This requirement applies to most J1 participants sponsored by government funding. Your specific situation should be assessed by a qualified immigration attorney.
Interest Must Be Stated at Admission
To be considered for the J1 programme, you must indicate your interest when completing your DC Global College admission application. Expressing interest does not guarantee participation, does not commit you to the programme, and does not affect your admission decision. It simply ensures that you are included in the candidate pool that DC Global College presents to partner organisations upon graduation.
Costs and Fees
Programme sponsor fees, partner placement fees (where applicable), US Embassy visa fees, and mandatory health insurance costs are the responsibility of the participant. DC Global College does not charge an additional fee for its matching and support role. All fees will be clearly communicated and agreed before any commitment is made. DC Global College does not accept payment for any J1-related fees on behalf of participants.
English Language Requirement
All J1 participants must demonstrate English language proficiency at a level acceptable to both the programme sponsor and the partner organisation. Completion of DC Global College's English Language programme at the appropriate level, or an equivalent qualification, will be considered as evidence of English proficiency for programme eligibility purposes.
Terms Apply
Participation in the J1 USA Work Experience Programme is subject to the full terms and conditions of DC Global College, the programme sponsor, and the partner organisation. DC Global College reserves the right to withdraw a student's candidacy at any point prior to placement commencement if conduct, academic standing, or eligibility criteria are not met. Terms and conditions are available on request from the DC Global College admissions team.
Start Your Journey — Study in Brazil, Work in the USA
Apply to DC Global College today, complete your programme in Florianópolis, and gain paid work experience in the United States. The J1 programme is one of the most exciting opportunities available to our graduates — and it starts with your admission application.
Terms and conditions apply — see above for full eligibility requirements