The purpose of the J-1 intern program is to allow foreign national undergraduate students an opportunity to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field. Different categories exist within the J-visa status. Each category has its own regulation. 

To learn more about the J-1 student intern status, visit:

• J-1 Exchange Visitor Program- Intern

Common Uses

•  Undergraduates whose academic programs abroad require an internship of practical work experience

Conditions

• 12 month maximum eligibility
• Student must be an undergraduate, who is currently “enrolled and pursuing a degree at an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S.”
• Student must provide evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL test, IELTS test, sponsor-conducted interview, recognized English language test)
• Host/Supervisor must develop a training plan (Form DS-7002) and have it signed by a Responsible Officer (R/O) in Faculty Immigration Services
• Internship must be a minimum of 32 hours per week
• Internship must be concluded with an evaluation provided by Faculty Immigration Services

Process

• Host department contacts Faculty Immigration Services
• After obtaining documents from the NDSU host and intern candidate, Faculty Immigration Services issues Form DS-2019 and Form DS-7002 (signed by student, host professor and Faculty Immigration Services).  These documents are used to apply for the J-1 visa abroad
• After the EV arrives on campus, (s)he must schedule an immigration arrival orientation with Faculty Immigration Services
  • Please contact Faculty Immigration Services for orientation dates
• Faculty Immigration Services must conclude the internship with an evaluation, which must be retained for 3 years

Forms