J-1 Student Interns

J-1 Student Intern:

Overview

The Student Intern category is designed for foreign students currently pursuing a degree outside the United States. To qualify, the U.S.-based internship must fulfill the specific educational objectives of the student's current degree program at their home university. Student interns may participate in an internship program for up to 12 months per degree/major. Extensions beyond 12 months are not permitted.

Note: The J-1 Student Intern category is distinct from J-1 Students (Degree Seeking/Non-Degree) and the J Scholars category. Please make sure you are applying for the correct category before proceeding.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the J-1 Student Intern category, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at an accredited postsecondary academic institution outside the United States.
• Have an internship that fulfills the educational objectives of their current degree program at their home institution.
• Demonstrate verifiable English language skills sufficient to function day-to-day in the internship environment (verified by sponsor interview, a recognized English proficiency test, or signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school).
• Be primarily in the U.S. to participate in a student internship program — not to engage in employment or provide services to an employer.
• Be accepted into a student internship program at the postsecondary academic institution listed on their Form DS-2019.
• Intend to return to their academic program outside the U.S. and complete their degree after the internship.
• Be in good academic standing at their home institution.
• Have sufficient finances to support themselves — and any dependents — for the entire duration of their stay, including housing and living expenses.
• Not involve a staffing or employment agency in any way.

Additional program requirements:

• All assigned tasks must be necessary for completion of the internship program.
• No more than 20% of internship duties may consist of clerical work.
• The internship must expose the participant to American techniques, methodologies, and technology; build on the participant's existing knowledge and skills; and not duplicate the student's prior experience.
• The internship program exists solely to help the student achieve their participation objectives — it may not serve a department's or supervisor's labor needs.

Note: While the Student Intern category falls under the college and university student category in federal regulations, it is not subject to that category's funding source restrictions.

Internships Are Not Permitted In:

• Unskilled or casual labor
• Child care or elder care
• Aviation
• Clinical or patient-care roles, including any work requiring the student to provide therapy, medication, or medical care (e.g., sports/physical therapy, psychological counseling, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, social work, speech therapy, or early childhood education)
• Any position, occupation, or business that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program or the Department of State into notoriety or disrepute

Additionally, internships:

• May not displace American workers (full-time, part-time, temporary, or permanent).
• Must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

Program Duration & Hours

• Minimum duration: At least 3 weeks (except for federal government agency sponsors and the short-term scholar category).
• Minimum hours: At least 32 hours per week.
• Clerical work cap: No more than 20% of duties.

Required Documentation:

The department must submit the following documents on ISOGateWay:

1. Copy of passport — must remain valid at least 6 months into the future at all times.
2. Copy of prior J-1 visa (if applicable).
3. GWU Offer Letter / GWU Invitation Letter, including:
   • Goals and objectives of the internship
   • Total weekly hours (minimum 32 hours/week, full-time)
   • Confirmation that clerical work does not exceed 20%
4. Proof of English proficiency — IELTS/TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years; departments may alternatively provide a letter verifying English proficiency.
5. Proof of funding — bank statement in English, dated within the last 90 days, showing at least:
   • $2,000/month for the student
   • $1,000/month for an accompanying spouse
   • $500/month per accompanying child
6. VRFC
7. Completed DS-7002 (Training/Internship Placement Plan)
8. Foreign/Home Institution Certificate
9. J-1 Student Evaluation Form — completed by both the student and the department (Mid Evaluation and Final Evaluation - completed before the student departs GWU)

GWU Program Number: P-1-02100

Health Insurance Requirements

Health insurance is required only once the exchange visitor is inside the United States. Coverage must remain in effect for the entire duration of the program and must extend to any accompanying spouse and dependents. Exchange visitors should also be informed that they and their dependents may be subject to Affordable Care Act requirements.

Minimum coverage must include:

Questions?

Contact the International Services Office (ISO) at isogwu [dot] edu for any questions you may have about the J-1 Student Intern application process.