J-1 Visa Clinical Counselor Jobs
Clinical Counselor roles in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship, typically under the Trainee or Specialist program category. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019, while the counseling practice, hospital, or community mental health center serves as your host employer.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Nurse Clinical/UKHC / PERIOPERATIVE CAS OR INTERNSHIP
Requisition Number: NR15046
Working Title: RN/PERIOPERATIVE INTERNSHIP/UK Center for Advanced Surgery
Department Name: H3140:Center for Advanced Surgery
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 10
Salary Range: $28.00-39.10/hour
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education
ADN
Required Related Experience
No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification
Active Kentucky Registered Nurse (RN) license, Temporary Work Permit (TWP), Provisional License or active compact state Registered Nurse (RN) license that is in good standing and American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support certification for the Healthcare Provider valid for at least 6 months after employment date.
Physical Requirements
The essential functions for this position include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50-100 pounds on a daily basis and 25-50 pounds frequently; as well as stand, walk and sit for long periods of time. The conditions of work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, hazards of radiation, and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments.
Shift
7:00 am – 3:30pm working a 1.0 fte throughout the internship. Will be assigned available shift based on department needs upon completion of internship.
Job Summary
The Perioperative Nurse internship is a six-month on the job training to perform limited scrub duties and extensive circulation duties in perioperative services. Previous RN experience excluding the OR is preferred, but new graduate RN’s are also encouraged to apply. Must agree to work a minimum of 18 months following completion of the perioperative internship. Hours of employment may be on any shift and on any day of the week.
Registered Nurses in the Center for Advanced Surgery (CAS) Operating Room (OR) at UK Chandler Hospital provide operating room care to pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. The Center for Advanced Surgery focuses on providing safe and efficient outpatient surgical care and treats patients in a variety of specialty areas including: ophthalmology; sports medicine and orthopedics; otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat); oral and maxillofacial; pain management; dental; as well as plastic, pediatric and general surgery.
The primary responsibilities for this position consist of providing total, comprehensive, continuous and patient centered care which includes: assessing, documenting, planning, implementing, teaching, developing, and evaluating a comprehensive nursing plan of care; delivering direct patient care; ensuring patient satisfaction; training and delegating duties for Nursing Care Technicians (Nursing Assistant); and adhering to University policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations. Furthermore, this environment supports collaborative efforts among the nursing staff and the team of physicians to increase communication and enhance expected patient outcomes. This includes utilization of the nursing process in conjunction with a comprehensive patient-centered plan of care, ensuring patient satisfaction.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
The ideal candidate will have the following: knowledge of Maslow’s eight Basic Human Needs and the priority within Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns Frame Work as well as Swanson’s Caring model; superb direct patient care and critical thinking skills; basic computer navigation skills and working knowledge of the internet; ability to communicate in a professional and respectful manner with patients and their families, co-workers and physicians; and strong organizational, prioritization, and delegation skill. The candidate will be highly motivated, pro-active and confident in advocating for patients and their family members. Will also enjoy working in a strong team environment and provides open, honest communication with fellow staff and physicians. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical skills and a proven ability to work in a team as well as independently.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
BSN + AT LEAST 1 YEAR OF RN EXPERIENCE PREFERRED
Deadline to Apply
05/11/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Nurse Clinical/UKHC / PERIOPERATIVE CAS OR INTERNSHIP
Requisition Number: NR15046
Working Title: RN/PERIOPERATIVE INTERNSHIP/UK Center for Advanced Surgery
Department Name: H3140:Center for Advanced Surgery
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 10
Salary Range: $28.00-39.10/hour
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education
ADN
Required Related Experience
No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification
Active Kentucky Registered Nurse (RN) license, Temporary Work Permit (TWP), Provisional License or active compact state Registered Nurse (RN) license that is in good standing and American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support certification for the Healthcare Provider valid for at least 6 months after employment date.
Physical Requirements
The essential functions for this position include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50-100 pounds on a daily basis and 25-50 pounds frequently; as well as stand, walk and sit for long periods of time. The conditions of work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, hazards of radiation, and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments.
Shift
7:00 am – 3:30pm working a 1.0 fte throughout the internship. Will be assigned available shift based on department needs upon completion of internship.
Job Summary
The Perioperative Nurse internship is a six-month on the job training to perform limited scrub duties and extensive circulation duties in perioperative services. Previous RN experience excluding the OR is preferred, but new graduate RN’s are also encouraged to apply. Must agree to work a minimum of 18 months following completion of the perioperative internship. Hours of employment may be on any shift and on any day of the week.
Registered Nurses in the Center for Advanced Surgery (CAS) Operating Room (OR) at UK Chandler Hospital provide operating room care to pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. The Center for Advanced Surgery focuses on providing safe and efficient outpatient surgical care and treats patients in a variety of specialty areas including: ophthalmology; sports medicine and orthopedics; otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat); oral and maxillofacial; pain management; dental; as well as plastic, pediatric and general surgery.
The primary responsibilities for this position consist of providing total, comprehensive, continuous and patient centered care which includes: assessing, documenting, planning, implementing, teaching, developing, and evaluating a comprehensive nursing plan of care; delivering direct patient care; ensuring patient satisfaction; training and delegating duties for Nursing Care Technicians (Nursing Assistant); and adhering to University policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations. Furthermore, this environment supports collaborative efforts among the nursing staff and the team of physicians to increase communication and enhance expected patient outcomes. This includes utilization of the nursing process in conjunction with a comprehensive patient-centered plan of care, ensuring patient satisfaction.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
The ideal candidate will have the following: knowledge of Maslow’s eight Basic Human Needs and the priority within Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns Frame Work as well as Swanson’s Caring model; superb direct patient care and critical thinking skills; basic computer navigation skills and working knowledge of the internet; ability to communicate in a professional and respectful manner with patients and their families, co-workers and physicians; and strong organizational, prioritization, and delegation skill. The candidate will be highly motivated, pro-active and confident in advocating for patients and their family members. Will also enjoy working in a strong team environment and provides open, honest communication with fellow staff and physicians. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical skills and a proven ability to work in a team as well as independently.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
BSN + AT LEAST 1 YEAR OF RN EXPERIENCE PREFERRED
Deadline to Apply
05/11/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Clinical Counselor
Verify your credentials transfer to U.S. licensure
State licensing boards for counselors often require CACREP-accredited training or equivalent foreign credentials. Get your degree evaluated by a NACES-approved credential evaluation service before applying, so host employers see a clear path to supervised practice.
Distinguish Trainee from Specialist category early
Trainee status fits professionals within five years of their degree or last full-time employment in counseling. Specialist status suits established practitioners with a distinctive skill set. Your category determines DS-2019 duration limits and training plan requirements, so confirm eligibility before contacting hosts.
Target host employers with supervision infrastructure
Community mental health centers, university counseling centers, and VA-affiliated outpatient clinics routinely supervise unlicensed clinicians, making them better positioned to host J-1 Trainees than private solo practices, which often lack the compliance infrastructure a designated sponsor requires.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned counseling roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter Clinical Counselor openings at organizations already familiar with exchange visitor hosting. Targeting employers with a documented history of J-1 placements shortens the sponsor coordination process and reduces the risk of a host withdrawing after an offer is extended.
Request a detailed training plan before the offer stage
Designated sponsors require a structured Training and Evaluation Objectives form before issuing a DS-2019. Ask the host employer whether they've completed this document with previous J-1 trainees. Employers unfamiliar with it will need your help drafting measurable clinical learning objectives.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement upfront
Counseling roles funded by a government agency or in a field designated as shortage-area may trigger the two-year home-country residency requirement under INA section 212(e). Confirm with your designated sponsor whether your specific placement activates this obligation before accepting an offer.
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Find Clinical Counselor JobsClinical Counselor J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Clinical Counselor positions?
Most Clinical Counselor placements fall under the Trainee category if you're within five years of graduation or last relevant employment, or the Specialist category if you're an experienced practitioner with a specialized counseling background. The Trainee program allows up to 18 months, extendable to 24 in some cases. Your designated sponsor determines which category fits your profile based on your CV and the host employer's training plan.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Clinical Counselor role?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, not the counseling employer. The employer is the host. The designated sponsor reviews your training plan, issues the DS-2019, and monitors compliance throughout your program. Conflating the host employer with the visa sponsor is one of the most common misunderstandings in the J-1 process.
How do I find Clinical Counselor host employers open to J-1 placements?
Migrate Mate lets you search Clinical Counselor openings and filter for employers with demonstrated exchange visitor hosting experience. Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and university counseling services are the host types most likely to have an existing relationship with a designated sponsor, which significantly speeds up DS-2019 issuance once you have an offer.
Does a J-1 Clinical Counselor placement trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
It can. The two-year home-country physical presence requirement under INA section 212(e) applies if your program is government-funded, if counseling is on the exchange visitor skills list for your home country, or if you received government financing. You must complete two years in your home country before adjusting to most other U.S. visa statuses unless you obtain a waiver through a U.S. federal or state agency.
Can a host employer hire a J-1 Clinical Counselor without a clinical license?
Yes, in most states, but only under direct supervision. J-1 Trainee and Specialist placements are structured as supervised training programs, not independent practice. Your training plan must specify the licensed supervisor, the clinical competencies being developed, and the evaluation schedule. Some states have specific supervision hour requirements that your host must agree to fulfill before a designated sponsor will issue the DS-2019.
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