J1 Visa Programme
Graduate Internship USA
Up to 12 months at a US Host Company for recent graduates
With up to 30 days in the US at the end of your internship
Covid 19 updates
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.
If you want to go to the USA it will save you (and us) lots of time if you read as much as you can below about the Programme before you apply, so you have an understanding of the entire process.
If you have any questions about the process please email our team at info@istplus.com
Eligibility
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 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
- Your Internship must start within 12 months of finishing full time study Important
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.
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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
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.
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
Pasport 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.
Host Organisation Eligibility
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
What's Included?
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Full Legal Sponsorship
in order to go to the US on a J1 Programme you need a "Designated Legal Sponsor". The Legal Sponsor is not only responsible for your presence in the USA but also for checking and verifying your application and your online Training Plan (DS-7002 - see below). They are also responsible for making sure you have support and a point of contact throughout your time in the USA
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Medical Insurance in the USA
All Participants are covered by insurance for the entire time they are in the USA (based on the dates given on an application)
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Emergency Support in the USA
24/7 contact and assistance using a toll-free number from anywhere in the USA
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Pre-Departure Online Orientation
Each participant must complete an online orientation prior to their departure to the USA - this offers information and guidance on life in the USA
- Access to comprehensive online information
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SEVIS Fees
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This is incuded in your programme fees. Once your application has been approved, we send you a SEVIS receipt along with your other documentation - you then take this to the embassy interview with you!
Start Your Application
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
How much does it Cost?
For a list of the costs involved and how these work please see our dedicated Fees Section
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 - see our step by step guide on this page
Get started on your application
Try to get your application in as early as possible!
Once you have successfully submitted your application for a J1 Visa Programme the process of gaining the legal sponsorship begins.
There are various stages to this - each is extremely important. Please note that at all times we must adhere to US government regulations governing the programme.
Please make sure you read all the information on this page to avoid delays and confusion during the application process.
- Instructions
- Register for an Account
- Required Supporting Documents
- Inviting your US Supervisor
- The Process
If you have any questions about the process please email our team at info@istplus.com
Supporting Documents you will need to upload to your online Beacon Account
As well as completing the online application, you will also need to upload some supporting documents - including Proof of Univeristy Status, Passport ID page.
Those with a Download link should be downloaded from this page before you start your appication
Once you have completed these you will need to upload them to the relevant parts of your online account
*You will need to upload the Fees Disclosure to the DOCUMENTS section at the bottom of our account page
- Copy of Passport ID page Required for all applications
- Copy of Degree Certificate or Official Proof of Award Required for all applications
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Fees Disclosure Page Required for all Applications
- Non UK/ Irish Passport Holders - Proof of English language Ability* Required for some applications
- Unpaid Internships- Financial Guarantor Letter Required for some applications
*If you can not provide this, a member of our team will conduct an interview with you over the phone or Skype. This should take no more than 5 minutes
- We will not be able to accept your application or start the process for you without these documents
Adding your Profile Picture to your online Account
You will need to upload a profile picture to the top of your online account.
This must be of yourself and not include any other people.
To do this, please click on the grey profile picture box at the top of your BEACON application - you will then be able to upload a suitable picture.
Please make sure this image is less than 1mb in size
- You will not be able to sign your application without a profile picture!
Going to 2 Host Companies?
If you are planning on undertaking an internship at more than one Host Company during your time in the US there is a slightly different process for your application.
▪ Your 1st Host Company will need to complete the online DS-7002 - you will need to invite them to do this via your online account.
▪ Your Second Host Company will need to complete and sign off on a PDF version of the DS-7002 - you can download this below
▪ Once they have completed and signed this they must send to you so you can complete all relevant sections.
▪ You must then also sign this form!
▪ You'll need to upload this to the "Documents" section of your online application
Please note: For split internships please leave the Program End date on your online Training Plan BLANK. You will need to tell us this date when you have uploaded the PDF Training Plan for your second host by emailing apply@istplus.com
It is VITAL you email our team at apply@istplus.com to let us know when you have uploaded your 2nd Training Plan. Until you do we will not be able to review your application.
Inviting your US Supervisor to complete your online training plan
Once you have logged into your online account you will see a blue button marked Training Plan.
This will take you to your online training plan.
Scroll Down to the Section marked MAIN SUPERVISOR/ POC and click the blue INVITE button.
Enter your Supervisor details and hit the SEND INVITATION button
You can then return to your part of the application!
- You must invite your supervisor in order for them to complete your training plan!
The Process
Once both the online DS-7002 AND your part of the application has been completed we will be able to start the process for you.
As part of this our colleagues in the USA will liaise with your US Host Organisation to verify the details and get legal approval.
*YOU SHOULD ALLOW AT LEAST 6 WEEKS FOR THIS PROCESS*
Once your application has been approved, your legal documents will be sent to us and we in turn will send them on to you via 1st class post.
At that point you will be able to book and attend your face to face interview at the US Embassy or consulate
*Shipment to international addresses may take longer and will be subject to additional fees. See How Much Does it Cost for information
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Step 1 - Register for an account Important
You register your details above. This will allow our team to create an account for you in BEACON. You will then receive login details and be able to create a password. You will then be able to login and invite your supervisor/ start your application
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Step 2 - Invite your host Company Supervisor and start your application Important
See above for instructions on this
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Step 3. Complete your application Important
Once your application AND your online training plan have been completed and signed, you must email apply@istplus.com to confirm your application is complete and ready to move forward.
We will not be able to review or start the process for you until both parts have been signed and completed and you contact us to confirm you are ready to move forward with the process.Don't forget your Supporting Documents!
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Step 4 - IST Plus Review
Our team will review your application. If complete we will submit this to our partners at CIEE. If there is anything missing we will contact you via email. Once complete, your application status will show as SUBMITTED TO CIEE. At this point we will request payment of your fees
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Step 5 - CIEE Review
Your Application will show as UNDER REVIEW. CIEE will work with your US Host Company to approve your application. You must check your email regularly during this process as this will be the way we contact you should require further information. In some cases your US Host Company may be asked to revise the online training plan.
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Step 6 - Approval
Once approval has been granted (this may take up to 4 weeks), your status on your application will change to ACCEPTED. Within 24-48 hours of this you will be able to see your SEVIS ID at the top of your online account page. THIS IS SHOWN AS YOUR DS-2019 NUMBER. Within 3-5 working days of this, your legal paperwork will be sent to our offices in the United Kingdom and we will send these out to you. Using your SEVIS ID (DS-2019#) you can complete the DS-160 form - see our US Embassy Interviews button below
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Step 7 - the Visa Interview
Once you have recieved your legal paperwork from us (this normally takes place 5 -7 days after approval has been given in the USA) you will be able to go online and start the process of booking your visa interview
- When your passport and visa are returned to you by the US Embassy, you are free to book your flights and travel to the US on or after the date listed as Program Start Date on your Documents and online Training Plan Important
Programme Fees
Remember - the fees cover the time you are actually IN the USA- not just the time you spend at your Internship.
You are allowed to apply to arrive in the USA up to 30 days before your official internship start date and apply to remain in the US for up to 30 days after your internship finishes but you will need to apply for this on the application and pay for the additional time in the USA
For example, if you are have a 12 month internship, but plan to fly out the week before AND stay the max 30 days after, this will mean a 14 month programme.
*Please note all programme fees are in UK Sterling (Pounds).
**Legal documents requiring Shipping outside the UK or Ireland will be charged accordingly. You will be able to choose between UK Royal Mail international Delivery (where available for your country) or UPS International Courier.
Dates in the USA OUTSIDE your Training Dates
You do not automatically qualify for time in the USA before or after your training dates. You MUST apply for this time as part of your application (see Program Dates above).
Under NO circumstances will we be able to extend your program dates in the USA for the purposes of tourism and travel AFTER you have travelled to the USA so should you wish to do so please make sure you apply for this on your application before you sign your training plan
You must make sure these are entered into your online training plan before you sign! Without these dates we are unable to review or start the process for you.
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Your PROGRAM END DATE MUST BE AFTER YOUR TRAINING END DATE or we will not be able to submit your application.
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*It's very important you choose the total dates you want to be in the USA . Once you have been approved and legal documents printed and shipped from the US, there will be a charge of at least £50 + any additional month charge for any changes.
- Any changes in Program dates AFTER you have signed your application will incur additional fees of £20 + any additional month.
- You must invite your supervisor in order for them to complete your training plan! Without this they will not be able to complete this for you
Cancellation Policies
There is a sliding scale of non-refundable charges based on the time you cancel your programme.
Please read these carefully.
- After application received: £200
- After application received and Application approved/ DS-2019 printed: £425
- Please note there will be no refunds if you cancel OR withdraw form the programme AFTER the LISTED DATE of DEPARTURE on your application or you have travelled to the USA - if you are unable to travel to the USA you MUST inform us prior to your programme start date/ listed date of departure.
- In case of visa refusal at embassy participants will be refunded programme fees minus £250 (this includes the non refundable SEVIS fee).
- It is VITAL you inform IST Plus via email providing details of the refusal and also if possible provide a copy of the paperwork the embassy gives you showing the reason for the Visa denial.
- On the rare occasion that an application is refused sponsorship there will be a non refundable application fee of £200. If legal sponsorship is refused AFTER a Site Visit has taken place in the USA the non refundable fees will be £350.
US Embassy Interviews
Booking and attending your visa interview
*Please note this information relates to interviews booked at either the US Embassy in London, the US Consulate General in Belfast or the US Embassy in Dublin. If you are planning on attending an interview in a different country please refer to the local instructions for your location embassy. You can see a full list of websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions at https://www.usembassy.gov/ . Information on this page regarding the DS-160 and booking systems however are similar across countries - as is the list of documents required for interview.
It will also be show on the top right of your DS2019 Certificate and starts with an N00
- Documents received - what next?
- SEVIS Email
- Required Documents for the Embassy
- Booking the interview
- Interview Tips
- Embassy Locations and contact
- Common Questions
Our team are unable to assist with any issues you may have booking your interview or completing the DS160. Please refer the the Embassy FAQs or contact them directly
What to do when you receive your documents from IST Plus
Once you have received all your legal documentation from us (including your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility ) you can go ahead and book your face to face interview at the USA Embassy.
Remember - you can't book your face to face interview until you have your DS-2019# (also known as a SEVIS ID) - and you can't get this number until you have been approved by CIEE and received your documents back.
Please note the US Embassy charges $160 US for visa interviews (approx £120). This is separate to the SEVIS fees paid on your behalf
The SEVIS Email
Once your application has been processed through SEVIS you will receive an email confirming this from FMJfee. This email is confirmation that CIEE have paid your SEVIS fee - but is not confirmation that your documents have yet been printed or shipped from the USA. Please wait for your legal paperwork to arrive at your address before booking your face to face interview.
What Documents do you need to the embassy Interview?
- Your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility (this is in the pack we send you with your legal paperwork once you have been approved).
- Your Validated DS-7002 Training Plan - also in your pack
- Your Passport
- Your DS-160 Confirmation print out
- Your I-901 SEVIS receipt print out (this is in the pack we send you).
- Your Embassy appointment letter/ email - you must print this out
- Any other documents that may be useful to an embassy officer
- We also recommend taking 2 visa size photos - even if your photo has uploaded to the DS-160 successfully.
Important Information
You will not be able to book an interview without FIRST completing Step 1 - the DS-160. Only with your DS-160 confirmation number will you be able to create an account in the Embassy/ consulate booking system .
*In order to compete your DS-160 you will need your SEVIS ID/ DS-2019# from your online account
Booking the Interview - Step 1
Go online and complete your DS-160. This can be found at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. Remember you are a J1 Exchange Visitor when choosing certain options! You will need to complete the DS-160 and upload a digital photograph of yourself before you can move to Step 2.
*Please note we are unable to assist with technical issues completing the DS-160. Please follow the guidance above or check the FAQ section at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
- You will be asked for your PROGRAM NUMBER. This is listed on your DS-2019 Certificate: P-3- 05133
Booking the Interview - Step 2
Please note: Only residents of the Republic of Ireland may book an interview at the Dublin Embassy.
If you are based in the UK you must apply at either London or Belfast.
If you are attending an interview in any other country please refer to your local embassy instructions for guidance on booking an interview for your J1 Visa.
After creating your account, please follow the process and guidance for each of the steps
below.
1. Provide your DS‐160 number (see Step 1).
2. Determine your visa type (J1)
3. Select a courier return location – read the options carefully as an additional fee may be charged
4. Pay your U.S. visa fee via debit card (Visa or Mastercard) – this is $160 US Dollars and is required for anyone booking a visa interview.
5. Schedule an appointment
Interview Tips
When attending an interview at the US Embassy, there are some important things to remember.
You should make sure you have read your DS-7002 carefully and are ready to discuss this in detail with the consular officer
You should be able to clearly explain your plans for when you return from the programme
You should be able to clearly explain the benefits of the international experience this opportunity will offer you - and why this differs from opportunities available in your Home Country
You should always be polite, professional and respectful of the US Embassy and what it represents
Embassy Locations
Common Questions
Is the SEVIS fee the same as the Embassy fee?
No. They are totally separate. Even though your SEVIS fee has been paid you still need to pay the embassy fee.
Do I need to go for an interview?
In almost every case the answer is YES. The only time you will not automatically be required to go for an interview is if you extending a current J1 visa - this is where your DS-2019/ SEVIS ID number remains the same. For all new J1 visas an interview is required.
Can I book my interview BEFORE I get approved for sponsorship?
Sorry, No.
In order to book your interview you need to complete the DS-160 and to do this you need your DS-2019 Number (also known as your SEVIS ID).
This number can only be generated once your application for the programme has been approved in the USA.
Is there a Fast-Track service at the embassy?
No. The wait times are published here You may get lucky and get a quicker appointment by checking in on your account daily to see if any free up.
There is also an option within the online booking system to request an expedited appointment - HOWEVER please note this is normally reserved for emergencies so do not expect to be successful in gaining an expedited appointment.
You can't speed up the processing at the embassy however - this takes 3-5 working days AFTER your interview before you will get your passport (with J1 Visa printed inside) and DS-2019 Certificate returned to you.
Will I know on the day if I'm approved?
Normally YES.
In some cases however your application may be put forward for more checks and administrative processing - which can take longer.
Can I pick my passport up from the embassy?
No. You can choose to have your passport sent back to one of the pick up locations around the UK - or for an additional fee you can choose to have it delivered to an address of your choosing.
These options are made clear when you book the interview using the online system.
How Long should I allow for my interview process?
We recommend allowing at least one week from the day of interview to allow for your passport and visa to be returned to you. In addition, if you are currently on a programme in the US the embassy recommends you be in the UK for at least 2 weeks prior to your interview. You may choose to be in the UK for less time than this but please note this is at your own risk.
I've been arrested or cautioned by the police - what do I need?
If applying for an interview in the UK You will need additional documents such as an ACRO certificate and VCU1. Details can be found at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ineligibilities-and-waivers-2/arrest-caution-conviction/
If you are applying for an interview in Dublin and your arrest was in Ireland please see https://ie.usembassy.gov/visas/ineligibilities-and-waivers/arrest-caution-conviction/
If you are applying for an interview in another country please check the requirements for your local embassy or consulate - you can find the links for world-wide embassies at the top of this page
Pre-flight Check - Before you Travel
Make sure you have the right paperwork before you get on the plane!
In line with US Department of State and Embassy recommendations, we advise against making any firm travel plans until you have received your passport and visa back from the Embassy or Consulate.
Neither the US Embassy/ Consulate nor IST Plus can be held responsible for any delays or costs incurred should you book flights prior to receiving your passport and visa.
Once you have received your passport and visa (this is printed inside your passport) back from the US Embassy or Consulate, please check the details carefully.
Your Visa will normally be issued with an end date that matches the end date of your actual internship or traineeship - this is NOT necessarily the date you must depart the USA.
You will be allowed to remain in the USA until the end date as listed on your Certificate of Insurance. These details are also available to view on your online account.
If there is an error in the dates on your Visa it is VITAL you contact the US embassy direct to query this. You should not travel to the US unless your visa has been issued with the correct dates.
For UK applicants you should contact the embassy using their Visa Error Contact Form at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-errors/error-in-visa-contact-form/
What to take with you on the plane (these items MUST be in your hand luggage and with you at ALL times)
- Your Passport
- Your DS2019 Certificate
- Your Insurance Card (this is a pull off card on your Certificate of Insurance
- You should also make sure you have a copy of your Confirmation of Insurance with you when you travel - we advise scanning this and saving online as well as keeping the hard copy with your passport and other documents
Registering in SEVIS
Once you are in the USA, you will need to make sure you register in SEVIS. We recommend doing this on the 1st day of your internship or traineeship.
It is a legal requirement that you register in SEVIS once you are in the USA. You must do this within 20 days of your DS start date or you risk having your programme terminated.
It's easy and should take just a couple of minutes - here's how you do it:
Call CIEE on their toll free number from any US based phone (international mobiles in the US won't work for toll free numbers):
1-888-268-6245
Tell them you want to register in SEVIS - they'll need the address where you're staying and your SEVIS ID.
*If at any time during your programme you change address it is VITAL you call CIEE to update your details!
- *If at any time during your programme you change address it is VITAL you call CIEE to update your details!
Extending Your Programme
Depending on how long your original programme is, you may be able to apply for an extension.
You are allowed to apply to extend your internship to a maximum 12 months total duration.
If you choose to extend you MUST apply for this at least 6 weeks in advance of the end date on your DS-2019 Certificate (this is the actual end date at your host Company- NOT the end date of your programme).
In order to extend your programme please email our team at apply@istplus.com to request we unlock your online training plan for an extension. Your Host Company will then be able to log in and complete this.
You will also need to download your own part of the Extension application - please download this below.
**Please note: We will be unable to review your online Extension until we have received your completed PDF application. Email this to apply@istplus.com as soon as your online training plan has been signed by you and your host company supervisor
**Please note: We will be unable to review your online Extension until we have received your completed PDF application. Email this to apply@istplus.com as soon as your online training plan has been signed by you and your host company supervisor
How much does it Cost?
The fees for an extension are the same as if you were starting a new programme. For example, if you choose to extend for a further 6 months the fee for that extension will be the same as if you were applying for a 6 month programme.
▪ Your SEVIS number will remain the same as your original programme
▪ You should NOT travel outside the US without your extended DS-2019 Certificate.
▪ Your new J1 Visa should be applied for in your home country - if this is the UK you are able to apply for the Visa Re-isuuance programme/ Interview waiver programme (you will not need to attend an interview but can instead send your documents to the embassy for processing)
▪ The process will take between 4-7 days once you have submitted your documents to the embassy/ consulate - please allow enough time for this in your travel plans
*If you are applying for a new visa in the UK, you may be eligible for the Interview Waiver from the US Embassy
Travelling Outside the USA on an Extension
It's important to remember that when you extend your eligibility to remain in the USA you are not extending your original J1 Visa.
As such, should you travel outside the USA while on an extension to your programme you will need to apply for a new J1 Visa at your local home embassy in order to gain re-entry to the USA.
To do this you will need to follow the following steps:
• Complete a new DS-160 form
• Apply for a new visa using your original account at your local embassy/ consulate (this is where you booked your original interview)
• Your SEVIS ID AND Program number will remain the same as you are extending an existing and approved J1 program.
If you are based in the UK, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland you may be eligible to apply for the interview waiver program.
*If you are eligible to apply for an interview waiver you will be notified of this when you apply for a new visa using the online booking system for wither the Uk or Republic or Ireland
This process will take approximately 1-2 weeks from the time you are able to submit your passport and new DS-2019 via the courier service. Please plan your travels accordingly!
Don't forget - you will still need to contact CIEE well in advance of travel in order to get your new DS-2019 Certificate signed and validated for travel/ receive your good standing letter.
Please call the team on the toll free number 1-888-268-6245 for information on the process.
More Info
IST Plus
Shakespeare Business Centre
245a Coldharbour Lane
London
SW9 8RR
Tel: +44 (0)207 788 7877
email: info@istplus.com