J-1 Student Internship Program: Perks & Pitfalls

Primary Objectives

Enhance the skills and expertise of interns in their academic fields by work-based learning.

Improve interns knowledge of American techniques, methodologies and technologies.

Increase interns understanding of American culture and society.

Enhance American’s knowledge of foreign cultures and skills.

Ensure that participants return home to share their experiences.

RequirementsRequirementsTraining/Internship Placement Plan - T/IPP/DS-7002Training/Internship Placement Plan - T/IPP/DS-7002

Signed by RO/ARO, department & student internSigned by RO/ARO, department & student intern Required for visa interviewRequired for visa interview

English Language Proficiency VerifiedEnglish Language Proficiency Verified Recognized English language testRecognized English language test Signed documentation from an academic institution or English Signed documentation from an academic institution or English

language schoollanguage school Documented in-person interview, videoconferencing or telephone Documented in-person interview, videoconferencing or telephone

interviewinterview

Financial SupportFinancial Support EmploymentEmployment Personal, family, institutional, etc. Personal, family, institutional, etc.

Full-time: Full-time: Minimum of 32 hours per weekMinimum of 32 hours per week

Requirements, cont’d.Requirements, cont’d.AcademicAcademic

Currently enrolled full-time at post-secondary or certificate Currently enrolled full-time at post-secondary or certificate granting institutiongranting institution

OR graduated no more than 12 months prior to start of programOR graduated no more than 12 months prior to start of program In the field of academic study that serves as basis for internshipIn the field of academic study that serves as basis for internship Position exists primarily to assist interns in achieving their Position exists primarily to assist interns in achieving their

objectivesobjectives

EvaluationsEvaluations Programs exceeding 6 months – midpoint & concludingPrograms exceeding 6 months – midpoint & concluding Programs less than 6 months – concluding onlyPrograms less than 6 months – concluding only

Document RetentionDocument Retention Three years following completion of internshipThree years following completion of internship Hard copies or electronic formatHard copies or electronic format

Program Exclusions

Unskilled or casual labor positionsUnskilled or casual labor positions

Child care or elder careChild care or elder care

Clinical, patient care, patient contactClinical, patient care, patient contact

Contract with a staffing/employment agencyContract with a staffing/employment agency

More than 20% clerical workMore than 20% clerical work

Less than three departmental or functional Less than three departmental or functional rotations for “Hospitality & Tourism”rotations for “Hospitality & Tourism”

Duration of Participation

12 months per internship12 months per internship

Extension permitted within the 12 monthsExtension permitted within the 12 months

Repeat participation permissible with successfulRepeat participation permissible with successful

completion of course of study and pursuit ofcompletion of course of study and pursuit of

next higher level of academic study next higher level of academic study

Odds & Ends

Field of AgricultureField of Agriculture

Conforms with requirements of Fair Labor Standards Act and Conforms with requirements of Fair Labor Standards Act and

Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection ActMigrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act

Field added on DS-7002 Field added on DS-7002

Employer Identification Number (EIN)Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Verify Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy, Verify Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy, equivalent coverage or evidence of state exemption equivalent coverage or evidence of state exemption

PERKS Does not require a separate J-1 designation

Bridges the gap between formal education and practical work experience

Provides substantive cross-cultural experiences

Builds partnerships

Promotes mutual understanding

Develops networks for future exchanges

PITFALLS

PAPERWORK! PAPERWORK! PAPERWORK! PAPERWORK! PAPERWORK!PAPERWORK!PAPERWORK!PAPERWORK!PAPERWORK!PAPERWORK!PAPERWORK!PAPERWORK!