J-1 Intern Program: Requirements for Students and Recent Graduates, DS-7002, and Intern vs. Trainee

The **J-1 Intern** category is designed for international students studying at post-secondary institutions outside the United States and certain recent graduates who want structured practical experience related to their academic field.

It is not a general employment visa or a direct route to permanent work in the United States. The internship must form part of a structured educational exchange program administered by an approved **Designated Sponsor**, with an individualized Form DS-7002 completed before Form DS-2019 is issued.

For this reason, receiving an internship offer from a U.S. company is not, by itself, enough to qualify for J-1 Intern status.

## What is the J-1 Intern category?

Intern is an official category within the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program.

Its purpose is to bridge the gap between formal education and practical work experience by providing structured work-based learning in the participant's academic field.

The program should help interns develop new skills, knowledge, and competencies while gaining exposure to U.S. techniques, methodologies, technology, and culture.

Federal regulations specifically prohibit using the Intern program as a substitute for ordinary employment or as a way for businesses to meet general labor needs.

## Who can apply?

There are two main eligibility routes.

An applicant must be a foreign national who:

• Is currently enrolled full-time and actively pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or
• Graduated from such an institution **no more than 12 months before the exchange visitor program start date**.

The 12-month period is therefore linked to the **start date of the J-1 exchange program**, not simply the date on which the applicant submits a visa application.

The internship must also relate to the participant's academic field.

Applicants need sufficient English-language ability to function effectively on a day-to-day basis in the training environment. The Designated Sponsor is responsible for verifying this proficiency.

The Intern regulation does not impose a universal minimum age comparable to certain other J-1 categories. Eligibility centers primarily on the applicant's academic status and the proposed internship.

## What types of internships are permitted?

The internship must be:

• Structured and guided.
• Based on practical learning.
• Related to the participant's academic field.
• Designed to develop skills, knowledge, and competencies.
• Subject to genuine supervision and mentoring.
• Consistent with the individualized DS-7002.

The Department of State authorizes Intern and Trainee programs in occupational categories including:

• Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing.
• Arts and Culture.
• Construction and Building Trades.
• Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling, and Social Services.
• Health Related Occupations, subject to patient-care restrictions.
• Hospitality and Tourism.
• Information Media and Communications.
• Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance.
• Public Administration and Law.
• Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations.

The sponsor must itself be designated for the occupational category in which it administers the internship.

## What is prohibited under the Intern program?

The regulations are specifically designed to prevent J-1 Intern from becoming ordinary employment.

Interns may not be placed in:

• Unskilled or casual labor positions.
• Positions involving childcare.
• Positions involving elder care.
• Clinical positions involving patient care or patient contact.
• Positions in which more than 20% of the duties consist of clerical or office support work.

Patient-care restrictions include work involving the provision of therapy, medication, or other direct clinical or medical services.

An intern also cannot displace a full-time, part-time, temporary, or permanent U.S. worker or simply fill a labor shortage.

For Hospitality and Tourism internships lasting six months or longer, the regulations require at least three departmental or functional rotations.

## How many hours per week is a J-1 internship?

Intern programs must be **full-time**.

The current regulatory minimum is:

**At least 32 hours per week.**

This is a minimum rather than a universal schedule. A specific host organization may establish a longer schedule when consistent with the training plan, program rules, and applicable law.

## What is Form DS-7002?

Form DS-7002 is the:

**Training/Internship Placement Plan – T/IPP**

It is one of the central documents in a J-1 Intern program.

Rather than merely naming a position, the form describes the actual educational structure of the internship.

It addresses matters such as:

• Program goals and objectives.
• Skills and knowledge to be learned.
• The intern's role in the host organization.
• Departments or functional areas involved, where applicable.
• Specific tasks and activities.
• Supervision.
• Methods used to evaluate the participant.

The sponsor must complete the DS-7002 process and obtain all required signatures **before issuing Form DS-2019**.

Intern and Trainee visa applicants must also present Form DS-7002 as part of the J visa application documentation.

## DS-2019 vs. DS-7002

| DS-2019 | DS-7002 | | ------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status | Training/Internship Placement Plan | | Issued by the Designated Sponsor | Training plan completed by the required program parties | | Shows J-1 category, sponsor, and program dates | Explains training goals, tasks, supervision, and evaluation | | Required to apply for J-1 status | Mandatory for Intern and Trainee programs | | Does not constitute visa approval | Is not a visa or independent work authorization |

Neither form guarantees visa issuance. The consular decision remains separate.

## What is the difference between the Sponsor and Host Organization?

### Designated Sponsor

The sponsor is the organization authorized by the Department of State to administer the J-1 program.

Its responsibilities include:

• Verifying Intern eligibility.
• Verifying English proficiency.
• Screening the Host Organization.
• Reviewing and executing DS-7002 requirements.
• Issuing Form DS-2019.
• Maintaining required SEVIS records.
• Confirming that the participant has enough finances for the entire stay.
• Monitoring and evaluating the program.

### Host Organization

The Host Organization is the company or institution where the intern carries out the day-to-day training.

Its responsibilities include:

• Signing Form DS-7002.
• Delivering the approved training plan.
• Providing continuous on-site supervision and mentoring.
• Maintaining sufficient resources and qualified staff.
• Informing the sponsor about concerns or deviations from the training plan.
• Complying with occupational health, safety, and program rules.

The **Host Organization does not issue the J-1 visa or Form DS-2019**.

## Does the Host Organization require a Site Visit?

Sponsors must screen all potential Host Organizations.

The screening includes information such as:

• Employer Identification Number.
• Verification of address, telephone number, and professional activities.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance or evidence of an applicable exemption.

An additional Site Visit is required when a Host Organization:

• Has not previously participated successfully in that sponsor's training and internship programs; and
• Has fewer than 25 employees **or** less than US$3 million in annual revenue.

Placements at academic institutions and federal, state, or local government offices are specifically excluded from this Site Visit requirement.

The purpose is to verify that the organization can genuinely provide the structured training described in the DS-7002.

## How long can a J-1 Intern program last?

The regulatory maximum for an Intern program is:

**12 months.**

A specific internship may be shorter, and the duration must be established before the sponsor issues Form DS-2019.

The authorized dates appear in the participant's program documentation.

An extension may be possible within the maximum authorized period when permitted by the sponsor's designation and supported by a newly completed DS-7002.

The 12-month maximum does not mean every participant automatically receives a one-year internship.

## Is a J-1 internship paid?

Some Intern programs may provide wages or a stipend, while others may use different financial arrangements.

The J-1 Intern regulation does not establish one universal federal salary specifically for all participants.

However, before Form DS-2019 is issued, the sponsor must ensure that the participant has **sufficient financial resources** to support the entire stay in the United States, including housing and living expenses.

Host Organizations must also comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Receiving compensation does not turn the J-1 Intern category into an unrestricted employment visa. The primary purpose must remain structured learning and training.

Applicants should review their DS-7002 and program agreement to determine the actual compensation arrangements.

## Can an Intern work another job?

The J-1 Intern category **does not provide open employment authorization**.

Permitted activities are tied to the approved Host Organization and the training described in Forms DS-7002 and DS-2019.

Working for another employer or engaging in unauthorized employment may violate the participant's J-1 status.

Any material change to a placement or training plan should be handled through the Designated Sponsor before the change occurs.

## How to apply for J-1 Intern

A typical process is:

1. Identify an eligible internship related to your academic field.
2. Work with a Designated Sponsor authorized for the Intern category and occupational field.
3. Verify current-student or recent-graduate eligibility.
4. Complete Host Organization screening.
5. Prepare and sign Form DS-7002.
6. Receive Form DS-2019.
7. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.
8. Complete Form DS-160.
9. Pay the J visa application fee.
10. Schedule and attend the visa interview.
11. Present DS-2019, DS-7002, and other required documentation.
12. Wait for the consular decision.

Neither the company nor the sponsor can guarantee that a J-1 visa will be issued.

## Fees and costs

### Visa Application Fee

The current J visa application processing fee is:

**US$185**

Certain qualifying U.S.-government-sponsored exchange programs may be exempt, but this does not automatically apply to every J-1 Intern.

### I-901 SEVIS Fee

The current I-901 SEVIS fee for the Intern category is:

**US$220**

### Visa Issuance Fee

An additional issuance or reciprocity fee may apply after approval depending on the applicant's nationality.

There is therefore no single issuance fee applicable to every applicant.

### Sponsor and Program Fees

The sponsor may charge separate fees for program administration, Host Organization screening, and related services.

Participants may also need to budget for:

• Health insurance.
• Travel.
• Housing.
• Transportation.
• Living expenses.

These should not be combined with the U.S. government visa and SEVIS fees when calculating costs.

## Insurance and English requirements

All Exchange Visitor participants must maintain health insurance meeting the J-1 program requirements for the required period.

Interns must also have sufficient English proficiency to function effectively in the training environment.

Sponsors verify English proficiency through an accepted language test, appropriate documentation from an academic institution or language school, or a documented interview as permitted by the regulations.

## Can a spouse or children obtain J-2 status?

Yes. Intern is not one of the J-1 categories that categorically prohibits J-2 dependents.

An eligible spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may apply for J-2 status when the program permits dependents and the sponsor approves them.

Each eligible dependent receives a separate Form DS-2019.

J-2 employment and study rights have separate rules and are better covered in a dedicated J-2 guide.

## Can INA 212(e) apply to a J-1 Intern?

Yes, but **it does not automatically apply to every Intern**.

The Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement may apply because of factors including:

• Direct or indirect funding from the U.S. government or the participant's home-country government.
• Application of the 2024 Exchange Visitor Skills List to the participant's country and field.

Each participant's 212(e) position should therefore be checked individually.

## J-1 Intern vs. J-1 Trainee

The distinction is primarily based on the participant's academic status and professional experience.

| J-1 Intern | J-1 Trainee | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Designed for current students and certain recent graduates | Designed for professionals with qualifying education and work experience | | Current full-time foreign student or graduate within 12 months of program start | Foreign degree/professional certificate plus at least one year of related work experience abroad, or five years of relevant work experience abroad | | Training relates to the participant's academic field | Training relates to the participant's occupational field | | Focuses on entry-level work-based learning and experience | Builds on existing professional skills and experience | | Maximum duration generally 12 months | General maximum 18 months, with shorter limits for some occupational fields | | Requires DS-7002 | Requires DS-7002 |

A person who graduated more than 12 months ago and is no longer a student does not automatically qualify as a Trainee. The separate Trainee experience requirements must still be met.

## What happens when the internship ends?

The authorized internship ends on the program end date shown on Form DS-2019 unless a permitted extension within the regulatory maximum has been processed in advance.

After **successful completion** of the exchange program, participants generally receive a:

**30-day travel grace period.**

This period is intended for settling personal affairs, travelling within the United States, and preparing to depart.

It is not an additional period in which the participant may continue the internship or work.

Completing a J-1 Intern program also does not create an automatic right to future U.S. employment or permanent residence.

## Common mistakes to avoid

### Applying as an Intern without meeting the academic requirement

The participant must be a qualifying current student or a recent graduate within the 12-month rule.

### Confusing Intern with Trainee

The two categories have different eligibility criteria.

### Treating the internship as an ordinary job

Its principal purpose must remain structured work-based learning.

### Ignoring Form DS-7002

The sponsor cannot issue Form DS-2019 for an Intern until the individualized DS-7002 has been completed and properly signed.

### Working outside the approved training plan

Unauthorized employment can jeopardize J-1 status.

### Assuming the company can issue J-1 documentation

The Host Organization delivers the internship; the Designated Sponsor administers the J-1 program and issues DS-2019.

### Treating DS-2019 as guaranteed visa approval

Visa issuance remains a separate consular decision.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Who can qualify for J-1 Intern?

A qualifying full-time student at a post-secondary institution outside the United States or a graduate who completed such a program no more than 12 months before the J-1 program start date.

### Can recent graduates apply?

Yes, provided no more than 12 months have passed between graduation and the exchange program start date.

### How long can a J-1 internship last?

The maximum regulatory duration is **12 months**, although a participant's actual program may be shorter.

### Are J-1 internships paid?

Some are paid and others may use different funding arrangements. The Intern regulations do not establish one universal salary, but participants must have sufficient funding to support their stay and applicable laws must be followed.

### What is Form DS-7002?

It is the Training/Internship Placement Plan describing the program's goals, tasks, training methods, supervision, and evaluation. It must be completed before DS-2019 is issued.

### Can I work outside my internship?

No. J-1 Intern is not open employment authorization. Work must remain within the authorized exchange program.

### What is the difference between Intern and Trainee?

Intern primarily serves qualifying current students and recent graduates. Trainee requires qualifying professional education and experience or a longer record of occupational work experience.

## Conclusion

The J-1 Intern category is a **structured educational training and cultural exchange program**, not an ordinary employment visa.

Eligibility depends primarily on being a current qualifying student outside the United States or a recent graduate within 12 months of the program start date, and the internship must relate to the participant's academic field.

A suitable Host Organization, individualized Form DS-7002, and an approved Designated Sponsor are all central to the process before Form DS-2019 can be issued.

An internship offer from a U.S. company alone is therefore not sufficient; the entire program must satisfy the J-1 Intern regulations.

## Official Sources Used for This Article

**U.S. Department of State – BridgeUSA – Intern** Used to verify student and recent-graduate eligibility, occupational categories, prohibited positions, Host Organization requirements, Site Visits, and evaluations.

**22 CFR §62.22 – Trainees and Interns** Used to verify the 12-month recent-graduate rule, 32-hour minimum, 12-month maximum duration, Form DS-7002, prohibited activities, Site Visit requirements, and differences between Intern and Trainee.

**U.S. Department of State – BridgeUSA – Interviews & Documents** Used to verify the DS-7002 requirement for Intern and Trainee visa applicants.

**U.S. Department of State – BridgeUSA – About DS-2019** Used to verify the purpose of DS-2019 and that receiving it does not guarantee visa issuance.

**U.S. Department of State – Exchange Visitor Visa** Used to verify the J-1 visa application process and current visa application fee.

**U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Form I-901 / SEVIS** Used to verify the US$220 I-901 SEVIS fee for J-1 Intern participants.

**U.S. Department of State – BridgeUSA – About the J-2 Visa** Used to verify potential J-2 dependent eligibility.

**U.S. Department of State – Exchange Visitor Skills List / INA 212(e)** Used to verify circumstances that can trigger the two-year home-country physical presence requirement.

**Last fact check: September 11, 2026.**