Graduate Internship USA

Up to 12 months at a US Host Company for recent graduates
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Designed for recent graduates

International experience will boost any career prospects - and in the competitive job market an internship in the US will help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed.
A Graduate Internship USA Programme will give you the experience you need to succeed.

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Start Your Application today

In order to start the process you will need to register for an online account.
Please make sure you read the instructions carefully and also download your Supporting Documents

Eligibility for Graduate Internship USA

In order to apply for Graduate Internship USA you must meet the following criteria
  • You must be over 18
  • You must be a recent graduate at degree level or equivalent.
  • Your proposed Internship must be in a field directly related to your field of study at university and at least one month in duration
  • If not a UK passport holder, your university level studies must have been undertaken in the UK. If these were completed abroad, you must currently be living in the UK
  • The Internship must be related to your field of study or accurately reflect your future career goals*
  • Your Internship must start within 12 months of finishing full time study Important

* This may require additional supporting documentation from your university or tutor

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Medical Insurance provided + COVID Cover

You're covered for the whole time you're in the USA

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How Much Does it Cost?

The Fees depend on the length of time you will be in the USA.
See Fees and Inclusions for detailed information

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Allowed Internship Activities

While most activities are allowed under the Internship Programme, there are some that are prohibited under the program guidelines - such as coaching, care of children etc.

  • Introduction to Hosting Letter
    If your prospective Host Organisation in the US has not hosted an international intern before you can send them this letter to explain about CIEE, IST Plus and the programme
See Details and Guidance
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Unpaid Internships DO need a visa!

Even if you are planning on undertaking a short term unpaid internship experience in the USA you will need to apply for the Internship Programme. Under no circumstances are you allowed to use a Visa Waiver or tourist visa with the intention of undertaking any form of work placement - even unpaid.

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Does your Course Qualify?

In order to qualify for Graduate Internship USA you must be a recent graduate a degree level or above.

We are not able to accept foundation degrees or Btec qualifications for this programme

See Details and Guidance
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Passport Requirements

In order to enter the USA on a J1 Visa Programme you must have a passport that is valid for AT LEAST 6 months AFTER the end date of your internship or traineeship.
Please make sure your passport meets these requirements. If not your application will be subject to delays as your legal paperwork (the DS-2019) can NOT be issued without a passport that meets these criteria.

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Host Organisation Eligibilty

Your Host Organisation (US employer) must provide structured and practical training while abiding by some key program regulations.

Your Host Organisation (US employer) must provide structured and practical training while abiding by some key program regulations.

  • J1 Participants are NOT allowed to work in a Home based office (i.e. a residential location).
  • The Host Organisation should ensure that the DS-7002 Training Plan is followed for the duration of the programme.
  • There must be a match between your background and the training.
  • Upon completion of the programme, you should plan to return to your home country.
  • The programme is not intended to help organisations fill staffing needs.
  • The training plan should reflect an understanding of what you will be learning, not only the needs of the business.
  • Your US Host Organisation must have Workers Compensation (or equivalent) insurance that will cover you for the time you are with their organisation (exceptions apply - please contact us for details)
  • Any unskilled or clerical activity must be kept to a maximum of 20% of the entire training period.

Please note: The following types of Host Organisation/ activities are NOT eligible to host international interns or trainees.

  • Certain limited service/economy hotel properties
  • Most home offices
  • Programs in aviation/construction/building (where training is completed in those fields)
  • Fast food franchises
  • Single-location retailers
  • Spas
  • Gyms

See Details and Guidance
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Embassy Interviews

Once the application is complete and approved, you will need to book a face to face interview at your local US Embassy or Consulate

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Latest News

01 November 2021

Starting 8th November 2021, travel to the US will resume for the UK, Ireland and other countries affected by the COVID-19 Travel ban.
Effective November 1st 2021, all our participants will need to be fully vaccinated in order to take part in the programmes

  • All international travellers will need to prove they are fully vaccinated before boarding a flight (for UK this will mean at least 2 weeks past your second vaccination).
  • They will also require a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure for the USA
  • Embassies in Liondon, Belfast and Dublin are starting to open up for interviews from November 15th for visa processing, but we expect there to be significant delays due to the extended closures. Some other European Embassies have already announced dates to re-open in the 2nd week of November.

Watch this space!