Apply to Become a J-1 Student Intern

A St. Cloud State University department that would like to host a J-1 Student Intern, should be prepared to assume the following responsibilities:

• Initiate contact with the international student intern candidate and/or institution abroad
• Identify internship/training employer
• Complete the J-1 Student Intern Application procedures
• Submit request of J-1 Student Intern to the Center for International Studies for processing
• Provide supervision and guidance to the student intern throughout the duration of the program
• Complete the evaluation of the student intern's training/internship

It is recommended that this process begin 6 months before the student intern is expected to start the internship to allow time for unanticipated delays in government processing, security checks, and visa issuance.

St. Cloud State University understands that the primary purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans international educators.  We also understand that the exchange of student interns helps to promote mutual enrichment and connections between the United States and other countries. 

It does so by providing international student interns the opportunity to engage in training/internship opportunities with companies in our local community, to participate actively in cross-cultural activities with Americans and ultimately to bring to their home country, their experiences and increased knowledge about the United States and their respective fields.

Application Procedures

The sponsoring (host) department must first submit the following to the Center for International Studies:

• J-1 Student Intern Application
• Department Invitation Letter
• DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan
• Proof of financial support
• Copy of Passport Identification page
• Passport copy for any accompanying dependents, if applicable
• Proof of English Language Proficiency

An advisor at the Center for International Studies will:

• Review the application and issue the DS-2019 and new DS-7002.
• Contact the sponsoring department to mail application packet to the candidate for visa processing.

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have a valid visa (*except Canadians) in their passport to be allowed entry into the United States.

Once the candidate has received the application packet from St. Cloud State University, the candidate must do the following:

Pay the $180 (Starting June 24, 2019 the fee will increase to $220) SEVIS Fee

• Pay online at least 3 days prior to making an application for a J-1 visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate.
• Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
• Enter your name exactly as it appears on your DS-2019.
• Enter the SEVIS ID number on your DS-2019 (found in the upper left of the DS-2019 starting with characters N00...).
• Print and keep the online receipt after completing the payment form.

Complete the Form DS-160

• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.

Schedule a visa interview appointment

• You should apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, generally in your country of permanent residence.
• The waiting time for an interview appointment can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged.

Pay the visa application processing fee

• You will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid, when you go for your visa interview.

Pay the visa issuance reciprocity fee (if applicable)

• If applicable, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee.

Visa Interview

• Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
• DS-2019
• DS-7002
• Department Invitation Letter
• Evidence of financial support
• SEVIS Fee payment receipt
• DS-160 barcode page
• Visa processing fee receipt

Some U.S. Embassies or Consulates may require additional documentation, so check the embassy or consulate website for visa application instructions.

Administrative Processing or Security Clearances

In some cases, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may require administrative processing or security clearances on your visa application. It is common for this process to take a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

If administrative processing or security clearances occurs, please contact your sponsoring department so the Center for International Studies can advise on the implications of a delayed arrival.

Travel Arrangements

• Make travel arrangements -- including airline and shuttle reservations -- early.
• Confirm airline reservations 72 hours before departure.
• Practice packing your luggage. Check your airline's luggage restrictions.
• Place personal items such as 1-20, DS-2109, passport with visa, airline tickets, a change of clothing, a book or magazine, snacks, toothbrush/toothpaste, snacks and medications in a carry-on bag.  

Airport Arrival

The sponsoring department should be sure that student intern is met at the airport or that shuttle reservations are made in advance.

Executive Express reservations can be made online.  Executive Express is a privately-owned van shuttle service, to St. Cloud State. The Executive Express desk is in the Ground Transportation area of the airport. For more information, call Executive Express at 1-320-253-2226 or toll free at 1-888- 522-9899.

Housing

It's important to ensure adequate housing is set up before the student intern arrives in the United States.

Contact your student intern to determine if they would like to rent an apartment on campus or an apartment/home off campus.

If the student intern chooses to reside off campus, the sponsoring department should help find appropriate housing near the student intern's employer.

Meal Options

Discuss the meal plan options with the student intern to determine if they would prefer to prepare their own meals or purchase a meal plan through Dining Services.

Check-in and Orientation

Within the first week on campus, the J-1 Student Intern should make an appointment to meet with the Center for International Studies.

During this meeting, the Center for International Studies will confirm the J-1 Student Intern's legal status in the U.S.

Please bring to this meeting the following:

• Passport
• DS-2019
• DS-7002

Purchase Health Insurance

Please be prepared to make your health insurance payment upon your arrival at St. Cloud State University by money order, cashier’s check, a valid U.S. bank check, a VISA or Mastercard affiliated with a U.S. bank or cash in US Dollars. 

You will go directly to Business Services to make this payment in person.

Campus Card

Your Campus Card is your official campus ID. 

Campus Tour

StarID

University Library

Library borrowing privileges are not automatically included when a St. Cloud State ID is issued. Borrowing privileges are only available if the student intern's sponsoring unit submits a request and accepts financial responsibility for any materials damaged or not returned.

To request St. Cloud State library privileges, click here.

Hosting an student intern requires the collaboration of many. The department must:

• Ensures that all academic responsibilities and objectives are met by student interns during their time at St. Cloud State University.
• Ensures appropriate supervision and evaluation of the student intern.
• Ensures that the student intern’s training/internship plan can be carried out and completed within the time limits of the visit.