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

Mihailo Bozic
Mihailo Bozic
Updated September 13, 2026 · 4 min read

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 814 live J-1 jobs across these 10 metros as of September 13, 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 170 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
    • Project & Program Management
    • Software Engineering
    Open J-1 roles in Austin
    Postdoctoral Fellow
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Leadership Development Program Point Leader
    Austin, Texas · Hybrid
    Apply
    Business Intelligence Analyst I
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Global Supply Chain Rotational Program
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Sales and Leadership Trainee
    Austin, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    See all 170 J-1 jobs in Austin
  2. 02

    Memphis, Tennessee

    Memphis has 156 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
    • Software Engineering
    Open J-1 roles in Memphis
    Research Associate
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Scholar-Anatomy and Neurobiology
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    Classroom Teacher
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    Special Education Teacher
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Scholar
    Memphis, Tennessee · On-site
    Apply
    See all 156 J-1 jobs in Memphis
  3. 03

    New York, New York

    New York lists 108 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in New York concentrates in Science & Research, Teaching & Instruction, and Compliance & Legal 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
    • Compliance & Legal
    • Project & Program Management
    • Data Science & Analytics
    Open J-1 roles in New York
    Postdoctoral Fellow
    New York, New York · Hybrid
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Associate
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    Visiting Assistant Professor
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    Research Scholar
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    Middle School ELA Teacher
    New York, New York · On-site
    Apply
    See all 108 J-1 jobs in New York

  4. Unlock every J-1 job in these cities

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  5. 04

    Miami, Florida

    There are 93 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 Walgreens posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Nursing
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    Open J-1 roles in Miami
    Leadership Development Program
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Senior Research Associate 1
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Senior Research Associate 3
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate 1
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    Senior Research Associate I
    Miami, Florida · On-site
    Apply
    See all 93 J-1 jobs in Miami
  6. 05

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    Pittsburgh shows 50 open J-1 roles on Migrate Mate.

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

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Pharmacy
    Open J-1 roles in Pittsburgh
    Postdoctoral Research Associate
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate I
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Corporate Partnerships & Business Development Intern
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Hybrid
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Fellow
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    See all 50 J-1 jobs in Pittsburgh
  7. 06

    Houston, Texas

    Houston has 49 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Houston concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Engineering (Non-Software) roles, with employers like Spring Independent School District, Harmony Public Schools, and Rice University posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Science & Research
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • Construction
    • Data Science & Analytics
    Open J-1 roles in Houston
    ELA Teacher
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Postdoctoral Associate
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Middle School Classroom ELA Teacher
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    INTERN
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    Concrete Management Trainee
    Houston, Texas · On-site
    Apply
    See all 49 J-1 jobs in Houston
  8. 07

    Raleigh, North Carolina

    Raleigh lists 49 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Raleigh concentrates in Science & Research, Teaching & Instruction, and Project & Program Management roles, with employers like North Carolina State University, Heidelberg Materials, and IXL Learning posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Science & Research
    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Project & Program Management
    • Marketing
    • Construction
    Open J-1 roles in Raleigh
    Postdoctoral Research Scholar
    Raleigh, North Carolina · On-site
    Apply
    Assistant Learning Specialist
    Raleigh, North Carolina · On-site
    Apply
    Aggregates Management Trainee
    Raleigh, North Carolina · On-site
    Apply
    Educational Postdoctoral Research Scholar
    Raleigh, North Carolina · On-site
    Apply
    Research Associate
    Raleigh, North Carolina · On-site
    Apply
    See all 49 J-1 jobs in Raleigh

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

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  10. 08

    San Jose, California

    There are 47 live J-1 jobs in San Jose on Migrate Mate.

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

    Roles hiring now

    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Software Engineering
    • Science & Research
    • Engineering (Non-Software)
    • AI & Machine Learning
    Open J-1 roles in San Jose
    Research Intern
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    Research Intern: Computational Social Science
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    Research Intern: Vehicle Dynamics and Simulation for Marine Robotics
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    PreK & Lower Elementary Math Teacher
    San Jose, California · On-site
    Apply
    G1-G2 Math Teacher
    San Jose, California · Remote
    Apply
    See all 47 J-1 jobs in San Jose
  11. 09

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia shows 46 open J-1 roles 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
    • Allied Health
    Open J-1 roles in Philadelphia
    Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Post-Doctoral Fellow
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    French Teacher
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Lead Teacher
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    Special Education Teacher
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · On-site
    Apply
    See all 46 J-1 jobs in Philadelphia
  12. 10

    Indianapolis, Indiana

    Indianapolis has 46 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate.

    J-1 hiring in Indianapolis concentrates in Teaching & Instruction, Science & Research, and Nursing roles, with employers like Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana University, and Nexstar Media Group posting openings now.

    Roles hiring now

    • Teaching & Instruction
    • Science & Research
    • Nursing
    • Mental & Behavioral Health
    • Data Science & Analytics
    Open J-1 roles in Indianapolis
    System Finance Team Summer Internship
    Indianapolis, Indiana · On-site
    Apply
    Science and Social Studies Teacher
    Indianapolis, Indiana · On-site
    Apply
    Spanish Teacher
    Indianapolis, Indiana · On-site
    Apply
    Elementary Spanish Teacher
    Indianapolis, Indiana · On-site
    Apply
    High School Math and Science Teacher
    Indianapolis, Indiana · On-site
    Apply
    See all 46 J-1 jobs in Indianapolis

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.

Related on Migrate Mate

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Top J-1 Cities: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Austin leads, with 170 live J-1 jobs on Migrate Mate, followed by Memphis (156) and New York (108). Across the 10 metros on this list, Migrate Mate is tracking 814 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 3,800+ J-1 jobs