Required Application Documents
All program participants must upload the following documents. All documents must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. You may use Google document translation services, but the document must clearly show “Machine Translated by Google” on the translated pdf. Official English translations are also accepted.
Passport Photo Page
Copy of passport photo page (passport must be valid at least six months past program end date)
Proof of Funds
All of your sources of funding should amount to at least $1500 per month of your program. If you will not be paying for housing, the total should amount to at least $750 per month of your program. NOTE: Although your program stipend or wage can be used as a funding source, you must also demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to get settled into the U.S. and support yourself for at least 2 months since there is often a delay before you receive your first paycheck. Proof of funds documents in must clearly state the name of the account holder, the available balance, and currency, and they should be no older than 90 days. Your Proof of funds can be any of the following:
- A copy of the InterExchange Proof of Funds template
- A copy of your bank statement or a bank letter indicating your available balance. This should be no older than 90 days. (View a sample bank letter)
- A copy of a parent/guardian/spouse’s bank statement or a bank letter from the no older than 90 days indicating their available balance and a letter indicating that they will support you financially
- A letter from your school, government, or home country employer indicating any financial support being offered to you while you are in the U.S.
Application Fee
A $300 nonrefundable application fee is due with your program application in order for us to begin the review. This fee will be applied to the total program fee amount, and the balance of the program fee will be due before a DS-2019 Form can be issued. You will also be required to pay the program and insurance fees for each dependent before a J-2 DS-2019 can be issued.
Once your application fee payment is verified by InterExchange, we will mark your record as “paid.” Then, if you and your host employer have completed the required sections, the “submit” button will become active.
Additional Required Supplemental Documents
Review the following to see which additional documents you must submit in order to complete your application. You may add as many additional documents as necessary by clicking on the “Add Another Document” button in your documents section.
Interns
- Proof of Student Status
If you are a current student, upload a copy of the InterExchange Proof of Student Status template. If your academic institution will not complete this form, you must attach a signed letter on official institution letterhead verifying the same information. The document should list your name, degree type, degree major or concentration, and the date it was issued. It should also state whether you are a full-time or part-time student. - Proof of Graduation
If you are a recent graduate, upload a copy of degree/certificate from a post-secondary (not high school) academic institution outside the U.S. indicating that you have graduated. - Academic Transcript
ALL Intern applicants must upload a copy of official transcripts from a post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. This must include the applicants’ current enrolled semester, even if grades are not yet available and courses are ongoing. A transcript is a document indicating the courses you have taken/are taking, grades received (if available), dates of enrollment, and degrees conferred. Digital copies may be permitted provided that your biographical information is clearly indicated on the form. Current classes may be noted in a separate letter/screenshot that contains all of the above information. View a sample Academic Transcript here.
Trainees
- Previous Employment Verification Letter
Applicants with a degree must document a minimum of one year of directly related full-time work experience outside the U.S. and applicants without a degree must document a minimum of five years. You should upload as many letters that you need to document your related experience.
Please have a supervisor from your current/former employer complete the InterExchange Previous Employment Verification Letter template and attach their business card. If your employer will not sign this form, you must upload a signed letter on official company letterhead verifying the same information.
View a sample Employment Verification Letter here. NOTE: The Employment Verification Letter should include your your role, responsibilities, dates of employment, and if you are full-time or part-time. The letter should be signed and dated by the supervisor, and either written on company letterhead or accompanied by the supervisor’s business card.
- Proof of Graduation
If you are applying as a trainee and have received a degree, upload a copy of degree/certificate from a post-secondary (not high school) academic institution outside the U.S. indicating that you have graduated.
Applicants who have previously completed a J-1 Intern or Trainee program:
- Previous DS-7002 Copy
Copy of DS-7002 from any previous J-1 Intern or Trainee programs.
Applicants who would like to bring dependents:
- Dependent Passport Copy
Copy of passport photo page for each dependent (passport must be valid at least 6 months past program end date). - Dependent Agreement Form
Each dependent over the age of 18 will need to sign the Dependent Agreement Form.
Employer Documents
Once you start your online application, ensure that you invite your Host Employer to complete the employer application. Your Host Employer will develop the DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002 Form) within the online application, and both you and your employer will need to sign the plan digitally before you can submit your application. Your host employer will also be required to upload some documents before your application can be considered complete. At a minimum, your employer must upload:
- A copy of their Workers’ Compensation Insurance certificate or proof of their exemption from maintaining a Workers’ Compensation Insurance policy.
- A copy of their business license or registration if they do not have a DUNS number.
Sign up
To start an application, you must first find your own internship or training position at an eligible U.S. company.
