Interns- must be current students or recent graduates of a post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. that grants degrees or professional certificates.  If they’ve completed their studies, they must start the internship program within one year of graduating.  Interns are permitted to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months, and their field of training must be related to their field of study.

Trainees -must have earned a degree or professional certificate from an overseas post-secondary academic institution and have at least one year of related professional experience acquired outside the U.S.  Alternatively, if they do not have a degree or certificate, they must have at least five years of related professional experience acquired outside the U.S.  Trainees are permitted to work in the U.S. for up to 18 months, unless they are participating in a Hospitality/Tourism program, which cannot exceed 12 months.  Their field of training must be related to their professional experience but not necessarily to their degree.