International Students and Scholars Office

J-1 Student Intern

The J-1 Student Intern category is for students participating in an internship program in the United States that fulfills the educational objectives of their current degree program. Students must be enrolled and pursuing a degree in an academic institution outside the United States.

Beginning July 1, 2023, exchange visitors in the Student Intern, Intern, Professor, Research Scholar, and Short-term Scholar categories may participate remotely no more than 40% of their program (e.g., two out of five days per week) when their host organizations have instituted partial remote policies and their sponsor has approved their hybrid program participation.

All ECA exchange programs are expected to comply with category regulations of 22 CFR Part 62 as explained in this Guidance Directive and, as of July 1, return to predominantly in-person program activities.

Internship

  • The internship must be a minimum of 32 hours per week; 3 weeks in duration and no more than 20% clerical work.
  • All tasks assigned during the internship must be "necessary for the completion of the student internship program.”
  • The internship must expose the participant to "American techniques, methodologies, and technology," expand upon the participant's existing knowledge and skills, and "not duplicate the student intern's prior experience.”
  • The internship does not have to be in the student's field of study, but it does have to "fulfill the educational objectives for their current degree program at their home institution.

Effect on Future J-1 Eligibility

See information on the 12-month bar on repeat participation and the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement.

Sponsoring Department 

  • The sponsoring department must verify the student's English language ability by completing and submitting an English Language Proficiency Form for the student.
  • The sponsoring department must secure the requisite signatures on Form DS-7002 and provide an executed copy of Form DS-7002 to each signatory. Sponsors can digitally sign the Form DS-7002.
  • The sponsoring department must develop procedures for evaluating all student interns and conduct such evaluations for each Student Intern. 
    • All programs must do a concluding evaluation
    • Programs lasting more than six months must do a midpoint and concluding evaluation. 
    • The sponsor must retain these evaluations for at least three years following the completion of the student's internship program. 
    • See a sample evaluation form here.
  • The sponsoring department must ensure the student intern has sufficient finances to support themselves and their dependents for the entire stay in the United States. 

Student Eligibility

The student must:

  • Be currently enrolled, in good academic standing, and pursuing a degree at an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the United States. 
  • Return to their institution outside the U.S. to obtain a degree.
  • Provide proof that they have sufficient funding for their stay in the U.S. during their internship program, including housing and living expenses.
  • Be primarily in the U.S. for the internship program rather than employment.
  • Not have participated in a student internship program for more than 12 months for any degree/major.

Process

Any Brandeis department considering sponsoring a Student Intern should consult with the ISSO before taking any action to verify eligibility. 

  • The sponsoring department issues an appointment letter to the Student Intern.
  • The sponsoring department works with the ISSO staff member to make sure that Form DS-7002 is signed by appropriate individuals. The ISSO will coordinate competition of the Form DS-7002 by providing a template and instructions.
  • The Student Intern completes the “ISSO Online Application” and provides a copy of their passport ID page, financial support documents, signed Form DS-7002, and a signed “Academic Advisor Form” from their home institution.
  • If all documentation is complete and in order, the ISSO will then issue a Form DS-2019 for the Student Intern to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

After Arriving in the U.S.

  • The student must complete the ISSO check-in and meet with an ISSO Advisor for a brief orientation.
  • The sponsoring department must complete an evaluation.
    •  Programs exceeding 6 months in duration require midpoint and concluding evaluations.