Student Intern

What is a Student Intern? 

A foreign student who is currently enrolled and pursuing a degree at a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States, whose U.S. internship will “fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution.”

Eligibility

  • Be currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at an accredited postsecondary academic institution outside the United States
  • The U.S. internship must “fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution
  • Meet the minimum English language requirement, all exchange visitors must complete an oral interview with the ESL Department ([email protected]) or submit an English test score that at least meets the graduate school minimum 
  • Be “primarily in the United States to engage in a student internship program rather than to engage in employment or provide services to an employer.”
  • The student must be “in good academic standing” at his or her home institution outside the United States
  • The student must return to his or her academic program outside the United States “and fulfill and obtain a degree from such academic institution after completion of the student internship program”
  • Internship must be full-time and consist of at least 32 hours per week
  • Show enough financial funding to cover their time while completing the internship. See the Proof of Financial Resources page for additional information
    • Minimum $25,000 a year or $2,100 per month if the internship length is less than a year
    • If the department will provide funding, they will need to provide the details and amount of the funding on a letter, signed by the department head, and written on official letterhead
    • If the research scholar will be accompanied by any dependents they will need to show additional funding in the form of $10,000 for spouses, and $7,000 for each child
  • The student intern has approval from the faculty sponsor, Department Head, Dean, Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, and the Provost to engage in the program
  • Student Intern enrolls in proper health insurance coverage

Documents Required to Apply

  • Invitation Letter from host department written on department letterhead - must include details of the research being conducted
  • Resume/CV of the intern
  • Unofficial/official current transcript from the student's home institution showing “good academic standing”
  • Form DS-7002 filled out by the department
  • Completed and signed Academic Campus Visitor Form
  • Passport Picture Page (plus dependents if applicable)
  • Proof of Funding (see Proof of Financial Resources Page *link*)
  • ESL Oral Interview Report or English Language Test Results 
  • Fill out and submit the J-1 Scholar/Student Intern Request Form

Participation Lengths and Extensions 

A Student Intern can participate in the Exchange Visitor Program for up to 12 months. Extensions beyond the 12-month timeframe are not possible. 

If the Student Intern’s current DS-2019 was created for less than 12 months, an extension may be possible up to the 12-month period. Extensions may be granted provided the department and exchange visitor properly report the need for an extension to our office at least 3 weeks prior to the end date on the DS-2019. If an extension will be required, the student intern will need to submit a Scholar Update request.  

End of the Program 

After the DS-2019 end date, the student intern will have a 30-day grace period during which they can prepare to leave the U.S. If the exchange visitor leaves before the 30 days, the grace period will automatically end, and they will not be able to re-enter the country with the EMU DS-2019. 

If the student intern has completed their program earlier than intended, the student intern should submit a Scholar Update request, so that the exchange visitor's DS-2019 and SEVIS record is properly updated and accurate. 

Note on “Remote” Participation

Per the U.S. State Department, exchange visitors can work no more than 40% of the time remotely or in a hybrid capacity. EMU departments should ensure that they are able to meet this requirement and offer the J-1 Exchange Visitor a primarily in-person work environment.