Top 10 U.S. Cities With the Most J-1 Jobs
The U.S. cities with the most J-1 jobs are led by Austin, Memphis, and New York, the metros with the highest concentration of live J-1 openings. Migrate Mate is tracking 715 live J-1 jobs across these 10 metros as of October 28, 2026, updated daily. J-1 runs through a designated exchange sponsor, so the category and sponsor matter as much as the metro.
Which U.S. cities have the most J-1 jobs?
Ranked by live J-1 jobs in each metro on Migrate Mate, updated daily
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.
- 01
Austin, Texas
Austin leads with 164 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 Data Science & Analytics roles, with employers like Austin Independent School District, The University of Texas at Austin, and University of Texas at Austin posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Teaching & Instruction
- Science & Research
- Data Science & Analytics
- Engineering (Non-Software)
- Software Engineering
Open J-1 roles in AustinSee all 164 J-1 jobs in AustinApplySocial Science/Humanities Research Associate IVAustin, Texas · On-siteApplyOperations Management TraineeAustin, Texas · On-siteApplyClinical Research Associate IIAustin, Texas · On-siteApplyResearch Associate IAustin, Texas · On-siteApplyINTERNAustin, Texas · On-site - 02
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has 119 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.
J-1 hiring in Memphis concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Data Science & Analytics 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
- Data Science & Analytics
- Nursing
- Design (UX & Creative)
Open J-1 roles in MemphisSee all 119 J-1 jobs in MemphisApplyClassroom TeacherMemphis, Tennessee · On-siteApplyPostdoctoral Scholar-PharmacologyMemphis, Tennessee · On-siteApplyPostdoctoral Scholar-Anatomy and NeurobiologyMemphis, Tennessee · On-siteApplyPostdoctoral ScholarMemphis, Tennessee · On-siteApplyPostdoctoral Scholar-Pediatrics ResearchMemphis, Tennessee · On-site - 03
New York, New York
New York lists 95 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.
J-1 hiring in New York concentrates in Science & Research, Teaching & Instruction, and Data Science & Analytics roles, with employers like New York University, Bank of China USA, and Zeta Charter Schools posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Science & Research
- Teaching & Instruction
- Data Science & Analytics
- Project & Program Management
- Compliance & Legal
Open J-1 roles in New YorkSee all 95 J-1 jobs in New YorkApplyPostdoctoral AssociateNew York, New York · On-siteApplyPost-Doctoral AssociateNew York, New York · On-siteApplyEmpire Postdoc Fellow in Self Improving AINew York, New York · On-siteApplyPost-Doctoral Associate/Research ScientistNew York, New York · On-siteApplyHigh School Science Teacher ApprenticeNew York, New York · On-site Unlock every J-1 job in these cities
Find 3,400+ J-1 jobs- 04
Miami, Florida
There are 84 live J-1 jobs in Miami 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 Restaurant Brands International posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Science & Research
- Data Science & Analytics
- Healthcare Administration
- Teaching & Instruction
- Nursing
Open J-1 roles in MiamiSee all 84 J-1 jobs in MiamiApplyPostdoctoral AssociateMiami, Florida · On-siteApplyResearch Associate 2Miami, Florida · On-siteApplyResearch Associate 1Miami, Florida · On-siteApplySenior Research Associate 2Miami, Florida · On-siteApplyResearch Associate IIMiami, Florida · On-site - 05
Houston, Texas
Houston shows 52 open J-1 roles on Migrate Mate.
J-1 hiring in Houston concentrates in Science & Research, Teaching & Instruction, and Engineering (Non-Software) roles, with employers like Rice University, Spring Independent School District, and Harmony Public Schools posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Science & Research
- Teaching & Instruction
- Engineering (Non-Software)
- Construction
- Data Science & Analytics
Open J-1 roles in HoustonSee all 52 J-1 jobs in HoustonApplyPostdoctoral AssociateHouston, Texas · HybridApplyPostdoctoral Research AssociateHouston, Texas · On-siteApplyScience TeacherHouston, Texas · On-siteApplyHealth Care Science TeacherHouston, Texas · On-siteApplyMath TeacherHouston, Texas · On-site - 06
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis has 43 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.
J-1 hiring in Indianapolis concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Data Science & Analytics roles, with employers like Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana University, and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Teaching & Instruction
- Science & Research
- Data Science & Analytics
- Mental & Behavioral Health
- Marketing
Open J-1 roles in IndianapolisSee all 43 J-1 jobs in IndianapolisApplySTEM TeacherIndianapolis, Indiana · On-siteApplySpecial Education Teacher of RecordIndianapolis, Indiana · On-siteApplyMiddle School ELA TeacherIndianapolis, Indiana · On-siteApplyModel Risk InternIndianapolis, Indiana · HybridApplyAV & Creative Technology Design InternIndianapolis, Indiana · On-site - 07
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago lists 42 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.
J-1 hiring in Chicago concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Finance roles, with employers like Chicago Public Schools, University of Illinois, and Okta, Inc. posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Teaching & Instruction
- Science & Research
- Finance
- Accounting
- Civil & Structural Engineering
Open J-1 roles in ChicagoSee all 42 J-1 jobs in ChicagoApplyPostdoc Research AssociateChicago, Illinois · On-siteApplyResearch Associate IChicago, Illinois · On-siteApplyBIL SPED TeacherChicago, Illinois · On-siteApplyBilingual Teacher PreK BlendedChicago, Illinois · On-siteApplyResearch Associate IIChicago, Illinois · On-site See J-1 jobs across all 10 cities and thousands more
Find 3,400+ J-1 jobs- 08
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There are 40 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
- Marketing
- Software Engineering
Open J-1 roles in PhiladelphiaSee all 40 J-1 jobs in PhiladelphiaApplyPost-doctoral FellowshipPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyPost-Doc Fel Train/TaxedPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyLead TeacherPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyPostdoctoral FellowPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyPost-Doctoral Research FellowPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site - 09
San Jose, California
San Jose shows 39 open J-1 roles on Migrate Mate.
J-1 hiring in San Jose concentrates in Data Science & Analytics, Software Engineering, and Engineering (Non-Software) roles, with employers like TikTok, Etched, and Honda Research Institute USA posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Data Science & Analytics
- Software Engineering
- Engineering (Non-Software)
- Teaching & Instruction
- AI & Machine Learning
Open J-1 roles in San JoseSee all 39 J-1 jobs in San JoseApplyMiddle School Math TeacherSan Jose, California · On-siteApplyResearch InternSan Jose, California · On-siteApplyResearch Intern: Vehicle Dynamics and Simulation for Marine RoboticsSan Jose, California · On-siteApplyPreK & Lower Elementary Math TeacherSan Jose, California · On-siteApplyG1-G2 Math TeacherSan Jose, California · Remote - 10
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has 37 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.
J-1 hiring in Pittsburgh concentrates in Science & Research, Healthcare Administration, and Pharmacy roles, with employers like Carnegie Mellon University, Giant Eagle, Inc., and UPMC posting openings now.
Roles hiring now
- Science & Research
- Healthcare Administration
- Pharmacy
- Data Science & Analytics
- Allied Health
Open J-1 roles in PittsburghSee all 37 J-1 jobs in PittsburghApplyPostdoctoral Research AssociatePittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyResearch Associate IPittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyGraduate Nurse Rotational ProgramPittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyEngineering Outreach InternPittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-siteApplyResearch AssociatePittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
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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Find 3,400+ J-1 jobsTop J-1 Cities: Frequently Asked Questions
Which U.S. cities have the most J-1 jobs?
Austin leads, with 164 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate, followed by Memphis (119) and New York (95). Across the 10 metros on this list, Migrate Mate is tracking 715 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.