J-1 Intern Visa

The University of Cincinnati J-1 Intern Program is designed for foreign students to participate in a structured work-based internship program in his or her specific academic field.

Eligibility

In order to participate in an internship program, a participant must be able to prove eligibility to intern in the United States.

Interns will complete a J-1 Intern Information Form and attach proof of the following to show their eligibility. Their employer will fill out a Training/Internship Placement Plan, or DS-7002, which they will also need to sign.

Interns must provide official evidence of current enrollment in a degree program at or graduation in the past 12 months from a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States. Evidence includes:

  • Official transcript from current post-secondary academic institution
  • Copies of transcripts from previous post-secondary academic institutions and copies of diplomas for all degrees earned (if applicable)
  • Letter on official letterhead stationery from academic advisor, dean or registrar, in English, certifying current enrollment in accredited institution, degree level, and academic standing

An academic advisor or dean at the home institution must also complete an Academic Advisor Recommendation Form.

Interns are required to have English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening at least at the intermediate level. The following are recommended and verifiable methods of English proficiency:

  • TOEFL score of 66 or higher
  • IELTS overall band score of 6.0 or higher
  • PEARSON score of 46 or higher
  • Duolingo overall score of 90 or higher
  • Cambridge English Language Assessment Test  Grade C or higher
  • Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) score of 780 or higher  
  • Public English Test System (PETS) Grade 5 score
  • Advanced English Training Program from the China Ministry of Education (MOE)
  • Completion of Advanced English Training Program at a Ministry of Education Center for Overseas Study (Chinese scholars)
  • Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR)-Score of B2 or higher
  • A transcript showing degree completion from an academic institution where English is the means of instruction. 
  • In place of an acceptable score on an English language test, prospective interns can take the Oral English Proficiency Test for Visiting Scholars online.

The minimum amount of financial support for an intern is $1,500 per month. The intern will document their financial support using a financial certification form.

  • If the employer is paying the intern a salary, the amount must be listed on the Request Form and must meet state minimum wage requirements.
  • Financial support from other institutions or agencies must be verified by an official letter on letterhead stating the amount of support and the period of sponsorship. 
  • Personal or family funds are also acceptable sources of support. 
  • The intern must provide a bank letter indicating the amount of money they have available. If the bank account is in the intern’s name, the bank letter will be sufficient for proof of funds. If the bank account is in someone else’s name, the account holder must provide a signed letter naming the Intern and describing the amount and duration of support. 
  • All financial support documents must be recently dated, written in English or officially translated, and state the amount in U.S. dollars.

Interns accompanied by dependents must provide evidence of additional funds sufficient for their support. For the spouse, an additional $333 per month is required and $166 per month is required for each child.

Interns are required to obtain and maintain health insurance coverage for the length of the program for themselves and any accompanying dependents. 

  • Interns and any accompanying dependents must enroll in a Health Insurance Plan that meets the requirements set forth by the Exchange Visitor Program requirements.
  • Interns insured by a sponsor will need to provide evidence of insurance with the J-1 Intern Information Form upon arrival.

Interns who are paid by the University of Cincinnati for 12 months may qualify for UC’s employee insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents. For more information, contact the UC hiring department about the terms of benefits.

The intern regulations specifically state that “the intern will return to the academic program and fulfill and obtain a degree from such academic institution after completion of the Internship program.”

Interns must attest that they intend to return home following the completion of the internship on the J-1 Intern Information Form.

  • Program fee (if applicable; make check payable to the University of Cincinnati)
  • Current résumé
  • If in the United States in the past 24 months in Exchange Visitor status, copies of supporting documents (DS-2019, Visa stamp, I-797, etc.)
  • Signed Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002)

Online Orientation

Before you start working, understand your visa fully. Watch our online orientation to learn more.

Incident Reporting

Pursuant to 22 CFR62.13(d), the University of Cincinnati is required to report to the U.S. Department of State incidents involving J-1/J-2 exchange visitors. Sponsoring departments and/or the Exchange Visitors themselves, are required to report an incident to UC International Services within 24 hours of the event. Incidents can include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Any incident expected to bring DOS, the sponsor, or the Exchange Visitor Program into notoriety or disrepute (fraud, arrests, incarceration, allegations of child/domestic abuse, lawsuits or litigation, etc.)
  • Death of Exchange Visitor
  • Exchange Visitor not engaging in program activities or serious behavioral issues or mental health issues
  • Lost or Stolen Immigration Documents or issues entering the U.S.
  • Public Security Incident or Natural Disasters Directly Involving Exchange Visitor Safety (e.g., bombing, shooting, other acts of violence, civil unrest, fire, tornado, flood, or hurricane)
  • Serious Medical Issues (e.g., cancer diagnosis, surgery, or any condition requiring hospitalization of 48 hours or more)
  • Serious Violations of University Conduct Rules: (e.g., participation in a building occupation, participation in an unauthorized encampment, disrupting classes, intimidation, harassment, assault)
  • Incident or allegation involving sexual exploitation, harassment, assault, or misconduct)
  • Antisemitic Actions (e.g., physical actions directed towards Jewish individuals and/or their property, community institutions, or religious facilities that violates the law or university rules)
  • Terrorist Activity, Endorsing or Espousing Terrorism: (e.g., engaging in terrorist activity; membership in a terrorist organization; endorsing or espousing terrorist activity)
  • Theft of Intellectual Property or Violations of Import/Export Controls
  • Unsuitable Host/Work Conditions (e.g., incident or allegation involving workplace bullying, harassment, discrimination, hostile work environment, or work hours and/or wage-related issues)

Email us at international.services@uc.edu if you have an incident to report.

Start with UC International

If you'd like to apply for an internship or hire an intern, talk to UC International first. We will provide you with the necessary documents and walk you through the process.