J-1 Student Intern
Eligibility for J-1 student interns
Student interns requirements:
- Enrolled Outside the U.S - you must be currently enrolled and actively pursuing a degree at a recognized college or university outside the United States.
- Internship Must Support Your Degree - the internship in the U.S. must directly relate to your current academic program and help you meet your degree requirements at your home institution.
- Strong English Language Skills - you need to have English skills that are strong enough to handle daily tasks and communication in a professional internship setting.
- Not Just for Employment - your main reason for being in the U.S. must be to participate in the internship program—not to seek employment or provide services to an employer.
- Institutional Approval - you must be officially accepted into the internship program by the U.S. institution listed on your Form DS-2019 (e.g., Central Michigan University).
- Good Academic Standing - you must be in good academic standing at your home university.
- Return to Finish Your Degree - after completing the internship, you must return to your home country to finish your academic program and earn your degree.
Financial support
J-1 scholars are required to show adequate proof of financial support throughout their program. A minimum of $20,000 per year for the J-1 scholar and then $5,000 per year for each J-dependent (spouse or child) and each dependent must be documented if they will be joining the Exchange Visitor. If the exchange visitor is at CMU less than 1 year, the financial support requirements are prorated by month.
Arrival and housing arrangements
The academic department or college inviting an exchange visitor is responsible for planning for the student’s travel to campus and any necessary housing reservations. If the student will require on-campus housing, see additional information at CMU Housing.
For further information please reach out by phone at 989-774-4308.