According to US Department of State regulations, all foreign nationals wishing to participate in an internship at a U.S. company must qualify and apply for the J-1 Visa.
The purpose of the J-1 Internship Visa is to ensure that international interns are provided with legitimate opportunities for professional development, insight into American knowledge and skills in their field of study, and a deeper understanding of American business and culture.
InternScout simplifies this process by assisting all applicants with the process of obtaining the J-1 Visa.
Why Do I Need a J-1 Internship Visa?
U.S. Department of State regulations state that the intern must be a foreign national who is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree or certificate granting post-secondary academic institution outside of the United States, OR has graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to the start of the internship program. He/she must enter the US to participate in a structured and supervised work-based internship program in his/her specific academic field. The maximum duration for the J-1 internship visa is 12 months.
How Do I Show that I Qualify for the J-1 Internship Visa?
InternScout will assist you to receive your J-1 Visa as easily as possible, however it is important to have the following items available:
- Resume or CV listing your education and related work experience
- A Valid Passport
- Copies of any current or previous U.S. Visas
- Proof of your university enrollment or recent graduation in English (e.g. a letter from your university, copy of your degree diploma)
What is the DS-2019 Form?
In order to obtain the J-1 visa, a foreign intern must have a DS-2019 Form. The DS-2019 Form is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status in the United States. The DS-2019 Form can only be issued by an officially designated visa sponsor. InternScout partners with such designated visa sponsors and will ensure that you receive the DS-2019 Form as easily and quickly as possible.
What if I Do Not Qualify for the J-1 Internship Visa?
If you are not a current student or a recent graduate, you may still contact InternScout. We are happy to use our resources to find a U.S. program that may suit your individual needs.
I am currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. Do I still need the J-1 visa?
Looking for a way to continue your educational experience in the U.S. and gain valuable practical experience? InternScout can assist with internship placements for F-1 students currently studying in the U.S. who wish to continue their experience!
As an international student you have the opportunity to extend your stay in the U.S. for up to 12 additional months through Optional Practical Training (OPT). Let InternScout assist you in finding an internship after graduation that is directly related to your field of study. For science, technology, engineering or mathematics students, you may have the option of extending by an additional 17 months through the STEM program- contact us for more details!
If you are an F-1 student you must be able to demonstrate that you have a valid F-1 visa at the time of your InternScout application. In addition, it is necessary that you have completed at least one academic year or are nearing graduation with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral Degree and that you intend to pursue an internship in a field related to your degree or major.
For more information about internships for F-1 students, please email us at info@internscout.com