J-1 Student Intern Visas

J-1 intern requirements

Student interns must meet the following requirements:

  • They must be full-time students who are enrolled in and pursuing a degree at an accredited postsecondary academic institution outside the United States.
  • They must be in good academic standing at the home institution.
  • They must have verifiable English language skills that are sufficient for the internship’s day-to-day responsibilities.
  • They must have sufficient finances to cover housing expenses, living expenses, and other needs during the entire stay, for themselves and any dependents (spouse or children). The intern must demonstrate $1,200 per month in financial support for himself or herself, $500 per month for the first dependent, and $300 per month for each additional dependent.
  • They must work with the department to complete the DS-7002 form.
  • They must maintain adequate medical insurance while they are in the United States.
  • After the internship is over, they must return to the home institution to finish their degree.

Internship requirements

The internship must meet these criteria:

  • It must fulfill an educational objective for the J-1 intern’s degree program at the home institution.
  • It must be full time (at least 32 hours per week).
  • It may last up to 12 months.
  • All tasks must be necessary for the completion of the internship. No more than 20 percent of the tasks can be clerical work.
  • It must expose the intern to American techniques and methodologies.
  • It must expand upon the intern’s existing knowledge and skills, but it cannot duplicate his or her prior experience.