Since Donald Trump's return to the White House in early 2025, many questions have arisen about U.S. visas. Some young French professionals are hesitating to apply for internships, training programs, or work experiences in the U.S. due to what’s seen as an “uncertain” political climate.
👉 However, the J-1 visa is still fully operational, and thousands of young internationals continue to travel to the U.S. every month.
In this article, we explain why you can confidently go ahead with your plans.
🔍 What exactly is the J-1 visa?
The J-1 is a cultural exchange visa designed to allow students, recent graduates, or professionals to gain temporary experience in the U.S. through internships, training programs, or apprenticeships in a structured setting.
⏱ Duration: 6 to 18 months.
🎯 Goal: Develop skills, discover a new culture, and return to your home country.
📌 It is not an immigration visa—it's a regulated, temporary program.
✅ In 2025, the J-1 visa is still valid
Since Trump’s election, no official measures have suspended or restricted the J-1 visa for French citizens.
U.S. embassies in France continue issuing these visas. U.S. sponsors (organizations authorized by the State Department) are still running their programs.
And American employers are still actively recruiting through the J-1 program—especially in fields like:
- Marketing / Business
- Accounting / Finance
- French Bakery / Pastry
- Logistics / E-commerce
- Tourism / Hospitality
🛡️ What about political announcements?
Yes, the Trump administration has taken firm stances on some immigration topics in 2025.
But these measures mostly target:
- Irregular border entries,
- Certain long-term visas,
- Specific cases (e.g., students involved in political protests)
👉 As of now, no policy has targeted the J-1 program as a whole. It continues to be viewed as a structured, useful, regulated, and politically uncontroversial program.
🤝 Why do U.S. employers support it?
Because the J-1 visa is:
- Fast to set up (a few weeks)
- Flexible (no long-term sponsorship)
- Non-migratory
- A way to bring in highly motivated, skilled international profiles
It’s a valuable tool to attract international talent without bureaucratic hurdles—especially in labor-strapped sectors like hospitality or skilled trades.
💡 Key Takeaways for Candidates
✅ You can still apply for an internship, training, or temporary job in the U.S. through the J-1 visa.
✅ You can get your visa normally by working with an accredited sponsor.
✅ If you follow the visa rules (duration, conditions, status), you will not be affected by current immigration policies.
👉 So, don’t let alarming headlines stop you from seizing a life-changing opportunity.
📣 At lejob.us, we support you from A to Z
Every week, we help young French professionals work or train in the U.S. through the J-1 visa—with trustworthy employers and in structured environments.
We guide you through:
- Finding the right opportunity
- Preparing your application
- Navigating the process with your sponsor and the U.S. embassy
🌎 Ready for a one-of-a-kind professional experience in the U.S.?
Now is the right time. And yes—it’s absolutely possible.