Cultural Vistas is one of the largest sponsors for Canadian interns in the U.S. and an official partner for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), the leading organization for work-integrated learning in Canada. CV offers streamlined processes for all Canadian students and discounted rates for students attending CEWIL member schools—making us the preferred partner for universities across Canada.

I had the opportunity to attend the CEWIL annual conference that took place last month in Calgary. After years of working closely with Canadian students and their university advisors, it was a fantastic opportunity to meet with stakeholders and learn more about the structure of the work-integrated learning (WIL) system in Canada—more commonly referred to as co-ops or internships here in the U.S.).

And let me tell you, Canadians take WIL seriously. While co-ops are not particularly well developed in the U.S., in Canada, WIL is highly organized and encouraged, if not required, for most graduates. This means that Canadian students graduate from university future-ready, with the work experience that they need to succeed in the workforce.

Not only that, but many students are eager for international work experience, with the majority looking to the U.S. for internships in companies ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups. However, many students are intimidated by the prospect of reaching out to U.S. companies, and if they do have a prospect, these companies often do not understand how to bring them to the U.S.

Well, I am here to tell you that it is easier than you might think! Whether you are a student eager to intern in New York City, Silicon Valley, or anywhere in between; or a company interested in recruiting a talented and eager student from our northern neighbor, then here are a few tips that might help you along the way!

3 Tips for U.S. Companies

1. Work with an experienced designated J-1 visa sponsor (such as CV!)
   Cultural Vistas is designated by the U.S. Department of State to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for international interns (as well as 5 other categories!) When you work with CV, you are working with J-1 visa experts who can advise you on regulations, issue the necessary paperwork, provide in-country support, and answer any/all questions that you may have. Typically, it takes around 1.5 hours to complete all the necessary steps to host your first intern (including a 45-minute onboarding call); after that, subsequent applications can take as little as 30 minutes to submit. Once your intern arrives, you work with them like you would a domestic intern.
   
2. Start the process around 2-3 months in advance.
   The first time you host an intern, CV recommends that you begin the process at least 2 months in advance of the program start date. The process is two-phased. During phase one (approximately one month), you will be asking your preliminary questions, completing your onboarding call, and submitting your application. Then in phase 2 (again, approximately one month), CV will review your application, follow up with you should we have any clarifying questions, and issue the necessary documents. Once this is done, it’s time for your and your intern to prepare for their arrival.
   
3. Don’t sweat it!
   I speak to many companies every week and talk them through the process, and the most common response I receive it, “This is a lot easier than I thought it would be!” My response is always the same, “We try to make it as easy as possible!” And it is easy. You provide us with the details about your company and the internship, and we do the rest. We provide continuous support for you before, during, and after the program.

Companies who have questions or who already have an intern they want to hire to contact the Cultural Vistas Business Development Team.

3 Tips for Canadian Interns

1. Apply for the job, even if it isn’t specifically recruiting international interns.
   Although it can be hard to measure, it is estimated that over 4 million internships are available for students in the U.S. every year. While some roles, especially at major Fortune 500 companies, have well-established international internship programs, the vast majority do not. However, we advise that you don’t limit yourself to applying only for these positions. In a survey of our host companies, we found that many employers hired an international intern even though that was not their initial intention. Why? Because they were the best fit for the job! You can find plenty of U.S. internships on LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and other job boards.
   
2. Network! Network! Network!
   In the same survey, we also found that 40% of companies that have worked with CV reported that they offered an intern a position because the intern contacted them directly. This is especially effective for small to mid-sized companies that do not already have well-established internship programs. The most popular means of reaching out was via email and LinkedIn. Have you met someone at a conference or during your studies that you connected with? Is there a company in the U.S. doing work in a specific field that is of interest to you? Connect with this and ask if there might be an opportunity available for you. You might find that they say yes.
   
3. Be proactive and informed.
   Companies start the recruitment process early. Begin looking for an internship at least six months before you would like to start. Be professional in your communications and ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Ensure your resume is up to date and, if possible, have it reviewed by a career advisor. You should also be informed about the J-1 visa sponsorship process (in case your employer is not). And, if you attend a CEWIL member school, let the know that you are eligible for a discount on our processing fees.

Interns who have questions or who already have an offer and want to begin the application process can contact the Global Talent Development Programs Team.

The Ultimate J-1 Visa Roadmap

Once a student has secured an offer, the next step is to apply for J-1 Visa Sponsorship from CV. Follow the steps on the Roadmap linked here and included below for an efficient and streamlined process to the internship of your dreams in the US.

Cultural Vistas is excited to be working with you! Click here for more information and to start the process!