Doing an internship in the United States
If you are a student or a recent graduate looking to gain work experience in another country, an internship in the US can be an enriching and rewarding experience. During an internship, you can discover the cultural differences between your host country and your home country. What’s more, an internship is a real asset to your CV.
The ESTA or the B1/B2 visas are not suitable for an internship
Thorough and timely preparation is essential for an internship in the US. You cannot travel to the US for an internship with an ESTA travel authorisation or a B1/B2 visa (a physical visa for tourists and business travellers). This applies because interns are officially considered employees of the U.S. organization during their placement. This means that you need a work visa. The J-1 visa is usually the best option in case of an internship.
The J-1 visa
The J-1 visa is a temporary visa with several categories. The visa is not only suitable for interns, but also for students, researchers, academics, trainees, au pairs, teachers and participants in the summer work and travel programme (only for students).
Terms and conditions of the visa
- Applicants must have a certain level of English.
- Participants are required to take out health insurance with adequate cover.
- Applicants must have an approved sponsor in the United States. You can find the full list of organisations that are approved sponsors for the J-1 visa on the US authorities’ website.
Price
The basic cost consist of the consular fees for 140 GBP (185 USD) and the fee for mandatory registration in the SEVIS system, which amounts to 165 EUR (220 USD). SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The US government uses this system to collect information about programme participants and check that they all meet the eligibility criteria. The system is used by schools, universities and the government.
In addition, participants often have to pay sponsorship fees ranging from £1,200 to as much as £2,300. A realistic total cost is usually several thousand pounda.
The application procedure
To apply for a J-1 visa, you need to have a sponsor who can provide you with Form DS-2019. This form includes information about your planned programme and stay. After that, you must pay the SEVIS registration fee. Keep your receipt in a safe place, as you will need it later.
You can then apply for a J-1 visa. To do so, you need to fill out a DS-160 form, available on the US government website. Once you have submitted the form, you will receive a barcode that you will need during your personal interview at the US Consulate or Embassy. After that, you will need to book an appointment with a member of staff at the consulate or embassy. During the interview, you will be asked questions about the programme and your stay.
You will also need to present the following documents:
- The completed DS-2019 form
- The DS-160 confirmation (barcode)
- Your passport
- Payment for SEVIS registration
- A passport photograph
- Proof of payment of the visa fees
- If necessary, proof of enrolment and/or sufficient financial means (bank statement)
If the consular officer decides that you are eligible for the J-1 visa, the visa will be stamped onto your passport. You will be able to enter the US in the 30 days prior to the start of the programme.
How long does the application process take?
The entire application process usually takes between 1 and 3 months, depending on how quickly you can find a sponsor and the waiting times at the consulate or embassy. It is therefore important to allow plenty of time for the whole process.
Are you travelling to the US for a holiday or on business? In that case, you can simply travel with an ESTA
Apply here for your ESTA
