Top 10 U.S. Cities With the Most J-1 Jobs

Mihailo Bozic
Mihailo Bozic
Updated July 30, 2026 · 4 min read

The U.S. cities with the most J-1 jobs are led by Austin, Chicago, and Memphis, the metros with the highest concentration of live J-1 openings. Migrate Mate is tracking 1,059 live J-1 jobs across these 10 metros as of July 30, 2026, updated daily. J-1 runs through a designated exchange sponsor, so the category and sponsor matter as much as the metro.

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Which U.S. cities have the most J-1 jobs?

Ranked by live J-1 jobs in each metro on Migrate Mate, updated daily

Editor’s note

How this list is ranked

These metros are ranked by how many J-1 jobs are live on Migrate Mate right now, so the list reflects where J-1 hiring is concentrated today rather than historical government filings. Counts change daily. A larger metro means more employers and more openings to work through, but confirm the specific role fits and that you are eligible before you apply.

  1. 01

    Austin, Texas

    Austin leads with 183 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate, the most of any metro on this list.

    J-1 hiring in Austin concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Engineering (Non-Software) roles, with employers like Austin Independent School District, The University of Texas at Austin, and IDEA Public Schools posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Science & Research
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Project & Program Management
    Open J-1 roles in Austin
    Honors Ambassador - Intern II
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Elementary Special Education Teacher
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Student Intern, Marketing Copywriter
    Austin, Texas · Hybrid
    Apply
    Fashion Design Intern
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Fellow
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    See all 183 J-1 jobs in Austin
  2. 02

    Chicago, Illinois

    Chicago has 167 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Chicago concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Healthcare Administration roles, with employers like Chicago Public Schools, Loyola University Chicago, and University of Illinois posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Science & Research
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Nursing
    • Business Analysis
    Open J-1 roles in Chicago
    Special Education Teacher
    Chicago, Illinois · On-site
    Apply
    Bilingual SPED Teacher
    Chicago, Illinois · On-site
    Apply
    Bilingual Teacher
    Chicago, Illinois · On-site
    Apply
    SPED Teacher
    Chicago, Illinois · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Research Associate in RNA Research
    Chicago, Illinois · On-site
    Apply
    See all 167 J-1 jobs in Chicago
  3. 03

    Memphis, Tennessee

    Memphis lists 131 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Memphis concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Nursing roles, with employers like Memphis-Shelby County Schools, University of Tennessee, and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Science & Research
    • Nursing
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Data Science & Analytics
    Open J-1 roles in Memphis
    Classroom Teacher
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Scholar
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Scholar-Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Scholar-Pediatrics Research
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    PHARMACY/PHARMCST-INTERN
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    See all 131 J-1 jobs in Memphis

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  5. 04

    Houston, Texas

    There are 122 live J-1 jobs in Houston on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Houston concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Engineering (Non-Software) roles, with employers like ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, Spring Independent School District, and Baylor College of Medicine posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Science & Research
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Executive Assistant & Personal Assistant
    Open J-1 roles in Houston
    Research Associate
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Associate
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    11th Grade AP Physics Teacher
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    10th Grade AP Environmental Science Teacher
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Middle School Classroom ELA Teacher
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    See all 122 J-1 jobs in Houston
  6. 05

    New York, New York

    New York shows 108 open J-1 roles on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in New York concentrates in Science & Research, Teaching & Instruction, and Compliance & Legal roles, with employers like Bank of China USA, New York University, and Zeta Charter Schools posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Compliance & Legal
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Project & Program Management
    Open J-1 roles in New York
    Postdoctoral Associate
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    Visiting Assistant Professor
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate / Postdoctoral Fellow
    New York, New York · Hybrid
    Apply
    Research Associate
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cognitive Neuroscience
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    See all 108 J-1 jobs in New York
  7. 06

    Miami, Florida

    Miami has 82 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Miami concentrates in Science & Research, Data Science & Analytics, and Healthcare Administration roles, with employers like University of Miami, Florida International University, and Mount Sinai Medical Center posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Nursing
    Open J-1 roles in Miami
    Research Associate 2
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate 1
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Sr. Research Associate 3
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Pharmacy Intern I
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Senior Research Associate
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    See all 82 J-1 jobs in Miami
  8. 07

    East Lansing, Michigan

    East Lansing lists 68 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in East Lansing concentrates in Science & Research, Data Science & Analytics, and Engineering (Non-Software) roles, with employers like Michigan State University posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering
    • Teaching & Instruction
    Open J-1 roles in East Lansing
    Postdoctoral Scholar
    East Lansing, Michigan · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term
    East Lansing, Michigan · On-site
    Apply
    Intern-Fixed Term
    East Lansing, Michigan · On-site
    Apply
    Post-Master's Fellow
    East Lansing, Michigan · Hybrid
    Apply
    Post-Doctoral Resident/Clinical Fellow
    East Lansing, Michigan · Hybrid
    Apply
    See all 68 J-1 jobs in East Lansing

  9. See J-1 jobs across all 10 cities and thousands more

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  10. 08

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    There are 67 live J-1 jobs in Philadelphia on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Philadelphia concentrates in Science & Research, Teaching & Instruction, and Data Science & Analytics roles, with employers like University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health, and The Archdiocese of Philadelphia posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Software Engineering
    • Pharmacy
    Open J-1 roles in Philadelphia
    Postdoctoral Associate
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Research Fellow
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral fellow
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Hybrid
    Apply
    Visiting Assistant Professor in Industrial Design
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    See all 67 J-1 jobs in Philadelphia
  11. 09

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    Pittsburgh shows 66 open J-1 roles on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Pittsburgh concentrates in Science & Research, Data Science & Analytics, and Engineering (Non-Software) roles, with employers like Carnegie Mellon University, Giant Eagle, Inc., and SMS group USA posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Pharmacy
    Open J-1 roles in Pittsburgh
    History Postdoc
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate III
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Research Associate
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Post-Doctoral Fellow in Operations Research
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    See all 66 J-1 jobs in Pittsburgh
  12. 10

    San Jose, California

    San Jose has 65 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in San Jose concentrates in Data Science & Analytics, Software Engineering, and AI & Machine Learning roles, with employers like TikTok, Etched, and Honda Research Institute USA posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Software Engineering
    • AI & Machine Learning
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering
    Open J-1 roles in San Jose
    Special Education Teacher
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    Retail Management Trainee
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Researcher
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    Research Intern
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    Product Manager Project Intern
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    See all 65 J-1 jobs in San Jose

How the J-1 visa works

J-1 is an exchange visitor program run through a designated sponsor organization, not the employer directly. A sponsor issues Form DS-2019, and categories range from intern and trainee to research scholar and professor. Some J-1 holders face a two-year home-residency requirement afterward. Confirm which category fits and who the designated sponsor is before you commit.

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Top J-1 Cities: Frequently Asked Questions

Which U.S. cities have the most J-1 jobs?

Austin leads, with 183 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate, followed by Chicago (167) and Memphis (131). Across the 10 metros on this list, Migrate Mate is tracking 1,059 live J-1 jobs, updated daily.

Who qualifies for J-1 sponsorship?

J-1 exchange visitor status is open to foreign nationals participating in approved exchange programs across several categories, including intern, trainee, research scholar, professor, and specialist. Eligibility depends on the category: interns must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a post-secondary program, while trainees need a degree plus relevant work experience or five years of experience in the field. Every applicant requires a DS-2019 form issued by a designated J-1 sponsor organization before applying for the visa.

Can my spouse or family work on J-1?

A J-2 spouse can apply to USCIS for an employment authorization document and work; J-2 children cannot work.

How does J-1 compare to H-1B?

Unlike H-1B, J-1 has no lottery, so selection is not a barrier. The trade-off is eligibility: H-1B is open to any specialty occupation worldwide, while J-1 is limited to specific nationalities or roles. If you qualify for J-1, it is often the faster and more predictable route; if you do not, H-1B may be the only option.

How much does J-1 sponsorship cost?

J-1 runs through a designated exchange sponsor, not the employer directly, so the main costs are the sponsor's program fee and the SEVIS fee, plus the visa application fee paid at a U.S. consulate. Who covers each fee varies by program and sponsor, so confirm the breakdown with the designated sponsor before you commit.

How do I find a J-1 job in these cities?

Finding a J-1 job starts with identifying employers who work with a designated J-1 sponsor organization, since the sponsor issues the DS-2019 form required for the visa. Migrate Mate lists verified J-1 openings searchable by role and location. Roles listed in a specific metro may allow hybrid or remote arrangements, and many candidates relocate once an offer is confirmed. After securing an offer, the employer coordinates with a sponsor to issue your DS-2019, which you then use to apply at a U.S. consulate.

Find 4,800+ J-1 jobs