J-1 Intern: Eligibility

Degree Eligibility

  • You must be currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at a degree-or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S.
  • Or you must have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to your exchange visitor program begin date, and
  • And you must enter the U.S. to participate in a structured and guided work-based internship program in your specific academic field.

Your degree information must be verified by one of the following:

  • A copy of your transcripts
  • A letter from your academic institution
  • A degree certificate showing the date the degree was awarded, which must be less than 12 months from the program start date.

English Language

As an intern, you must have English language skills sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis in your internship.

Your English language proficiency can be verified by one of the following:

  • An English language test (TOEFL, IELTS)
  • Signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school.
    • Your academic institution can sign The DS 2019 Data Collection Form to verify your level of English
    • Your academic institution may write a letter certifying your level of English.
  • An interview conducted by the sponsor, either in person, by video-conference, or by web camera.

Area of Study

Your program must be in one of the designated areas of study and your internship experience must be related to your degree program.

Financial Support

You must be able to show financial support in the amount of $1,000.00 per month. Personal finances can be shown with a bank letter that is signed by a bank official on bank stationery or with a recent bank statement.