J-1 Student Intern Visa

A J-1 Student Intern Visa may be granted to undergraduate students who are enrolled in a college/university abroad to participate in U.S. internship programs.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the J-1 Student Intern category, you must:

• Be invited by a hospital department or lab who will serve as host in the U.S
• Continue enrollment in an undergraduate degree program outside the U.S. for the entire length of the internship
• Participate in an internship that will fulfill educational objectives contributing to your current degree program
•  Participate in an internship program between 3 weeks to 12 months
•  Demonstrate access to funds of at least $31,500 ($2,625 per month)
•  Maintain health insurance while in the U.S
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively in English while in the lab and in the broader Boston-area community
• Resume your undergraduate degree program abroad after your U.S. internship has ended

Applying for J-1 Student Intern Visa Status

Your U.S. hospital department representative will act as the liaison for any questions you have and provide instructions for you to log into the eScholar software. You will complete an online application using eScholar software and upload all required documents. 

Your U.S. hospital department will send the J-1 Student Intern request to the Partners Office for International Professionals and Students (PIPS), and our office will forward your information to the Harvard International Office. Once a completed application is submitted to the Harvard International Office, your DS-2019 form will be generated, typically within 2 weeks. Mailing times to receive the DS-2019 will vary depending on your home country and the mailing service used.
Your final visa sponsorship will be through the Harvard International Office.

Additional Information

After the DS-2019/DS-7002 is mailed to you, the Harvard International Office will provide you with visa application information. Please note that the information on other pages of the PIPS website (such as J-1 visa application instructions, Socials Security Number information, etc.) does not apply to J-1 Student Interns. 

The HIO will also provide information about:

• Social Security Number applications
• Two-year home residency
• Health insurance requirements
• Harvard identification cards
• J-2 dependent family members

Learn about maintaining your J-1 Student Intern Visa status.