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. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is an immigration sponsor of the Exchange Visitor Program. Exchange visitors have J-1 Visa immigration status.
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 SIUE 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.
The Office of International Affairs creates the immigration form (DS-2019) needed to apply for the J-1 visa.
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 Edwardsville.
Timing
Student interns must be in their internship program at SIUE for a minimum of three weeks and a maximum of 12 months.
Funding
The Department of State (DOS) requires that Exchange Visitors have sufficient funds to cover their expenses. Student interns can be self-funded; they do not need to be employed or funded by SIUE.
Limitations
Student interns may only engage in employment or receive payments or reimbursements when related to their SIUE program for which they have received prior written authorization from both their SIUE International Advisor and their home institution.
