J-1 Student Intern

The Exchange Visitor Program is managed by the U.S. Department of State. Its purpose is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. Illinois State University is an immigration sponsor of the Exchange Visitor Program. Exchange visitors have J-1 Visa immigration status.

J-1 exchange visitors must all be engaged in their programs full-time according to the Code of Federal Regulations—at least 32 hours per week.

Student Interns

Student interns can be undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at an institution of higher education abroad.
Student interns may be involved in a variety of projects, including gathering data or information for research. All interns must be hosted by an ISU professor who will supervise their work.
Student interns generally do not enroll in or audit classes. Instead, they are engaged full time in research, observation, or consultations.
Student interns may be paid or unpaid by the University.
Department hosts must have an internship plan in writing that is agreed upon by both the host and student. This plan is the DS-7002.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) creates the immigration form (DS-2019) needed to apply for the J-1 visa.

Application Process

4 Months to Arrival

Host department logs in to the ISSS Scholar Portal. Click on "CLICK HERE TO LOGIN WITH CENTRAL LOGIN" and enter your university credentials.
If you need assistance logging in to the ISSS Scholar Portal, please email arwagon@ilstu.edu.
Once logged in to the portal, the host department submits a New Sponsorship Request .
Tips for submitting your sponsorship request:
- Read and follow all instructions on the request
- Complete as many fields as possible (not only the required fields)

3-4 Months to Arrival

ISSS will determine if the New Sponsorship Request meets the eligibility requirements for J-1 student intern status.
ISSS notifies the department and intern via email, and the intern is given access to the ISSS Portal to complete additional documentation.
Host department completes the DS-7002 tab of the New Sponsorship Request.
Once all documentation is complete, the DS-2019 visa document is issued.

2-3 Months to Arrival

ISSS sends intern email with Visiting Scholar Handbook, Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure, and ULID activation information
Intern schedules a shipment for the DS-2019
Intern pays I-901 SEVIS fee, J-1 visa application fee, and any other visa-related fees
Intern schedules visa appointment at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy

1-2 Months to Arrival

Intern receives visa approval (if visa is denied, intern may re-apply)
Intern makes travel and housing arrangements with the assistance of host department
Intern confirms health insurance coverage with ISSS

Upon Arrival

Intern can arrive up to 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the DS-2019
Intern contacts ISSS to notify them of arrival and to schedule a mandatory orientation related to immigration and an introduction to Bloomington-Normal
Intern attends mandatory orientation session with ISSS
Intern obtains Redbird ID card and pays fee
Internship program begins

Eligibility

Student interns must be current undergraduate or graduate students in good-standing enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an institution abroad. They must prove English proficiency and adequate funding to cover cost-of-living expenses while in Bloomington-Normal.

Timing

Student interns must be in their internship program at ISU for a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 12 months.

Funding

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires that Exchange Visitors have sufficient funds to cover all of their expenses.

Student interns can be self-funded; they do not need to be employed or funded by ISU.

Limitations

Student interns may only engage in employment or receive payments or reimbursements when related to their ISU program for which they have received prior written authorization from both their ISU International Advisor and their home institution.