A department at St. Cloud State University that wishes to host a J-1 Student Intern should be prepared to assume the following responsibilities:

• Initiate contact with the international student intern candidate and/or their institution abroad.
• Identify the internship/training employer.
• Complete the J-1 Student Intern application procedures.
• Submit the request for J-1 Student Intern processing to the Center for International Studies.
• Provide supervision and guidance to the student intern throughout the duration of the program.
• Complete an evaluation of the student intern's training/internship experience.

It is recommended that this process begin at least 6 months before the student intern is expected to start the internship, to allow time for potential delays in government processing, security checks, and visa issuance.

St. Cloud State University recognizes that the primary purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans and international educators. We also understand that the exchange of student interns promotes mutual enrichment and strengthens connections between the United States and other countries.

This is achieved by providing international student interns the opportunity to engage in training and internship experiences with local companies, actively participate in cross-cultural activities with Americans, and ultimately return to their home country with enhanced knowledge about the United States and their respective fields.

Application Procedures

The sponsoring (host) department must first submit the following documents to the Center for International Studies:

• J-1 Student Intern Application
• Department Invitation Letter
• DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan
• Proof of financial support
• Copy of Passport Identification page
• Passport copy for any accompanying dependents (if applicable)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (optional addendum)

An advisor at the Center for International Studies will:

• Review the application and issue the DS-2019 and new DS-7002.
• Contact the sponsoring department to mail the application packet to the candidate for visa processing.

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have a valid visa (*except Canadians) in their passport in order to be allowed entry into the United States.

Once the candidate receives the application packet from St. Cloud State University, they must complete the following steps:

Pay the $180 SEVIS Fee (Note: Starting June 24, 2019, the fee will increase to $220) SEVIS Fee

• Pay online at least 3 days before scheduling a J-1 visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate.
• Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
• Enter your name exactly as it appears on your DS-2019.
• Enter the SEVIS ID number from your DS-2019 (located in the upper left, starting with "N00...").
• Print and keep the online receipt after completing the payment form.

Complete the Form DS-160

• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.

Schedule a visa interview appointment

• You should apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, generally in your country of permanent residence.
• The waiting time for an interview appointment may vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged.

Pay the visa application processing fee

• You will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid when attending your visa interview.

Pay the visa issuance reciprocity fee (if applicable)

• If applicable, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee.

Visa Interview

• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival)
• DS-2019 form
• DS-7002 form
• Department Invitation Letter
• Evidence of financial support
• SEVIS Fee payment receipt
• DS-160 barcode page
• Visa processing fee receipt

Note: Some U.S. Embassies or Consulates may require additional documentation. Please check the embassy or consulate website for specific visa application instructions.

Administrative Processing or Security Clearances

In some cases, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may require administrative processing or security clearances on your visa application. This process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months.

If administrative processing or security clearances are required, please contact your sponsoring department so the Center for International Studies can advise you on the implications of a delayed arrival.

Travel Arrangements

J-1 Student Interns may arrive up to 30 days before the start date listed on their DS-2019.

• Make travel arrangements, including airline and shuttle reservations, early.
• Confirm airline reservations at least 72 hours before departure.
• Practice packing your luggage. Check your airline's luggage restrictions.
• Place essential personal items, such as your I-20, DS-2019, passport with visa, airline tickets, a change of clothing, a book or magazine, snacks, toothbrush/toothpaste, and any medications, in a carry-on bag.

Airport Arrival

The sponsoring department should ensure that the student intern is met at the airport or that shuttle reservations are made in advance.

Executive Express reservations can be made online. Executive Express is a privately-owned van shuttle service to St. Cloud State University. The Executive Express desk is located in the Ground Transportation area of the airport. For more information, call Executive Express at 1-320-253-2226 or toll-free at 1-888-522-9899.

Housing

It is important to arrange adequate housing before the student intern arrives in the United States.

Contact the student intern to determine whether they would prefer to rent an apartment on campus or off-campus (apartment or home).

If the student intern chooses to reside off-campus, the sponsoring department should assist in finding suitable housing near the student intern's employer.

Meal Options

Discuss meal plan options with the student intern to determine whether they would prefer to prepare their own meals or purchase a meal plan through Huskies Dining.

Check-in and Orientation

Within the first week on campus, the J-1 Student Intern should schedule an appointment to meet with the Center for International Studies.

During this meeting, the Center for International Studies will confirm the J-1 Student Intern's legal status in the U.S.

Please bring the following documents to the meeting:

• Passport
• DS-2019
• DS-7002

Purchase Health Insurance

Please be prepared to make your health insurance payment upon arrival at St. Cloud State University. Payments can be made by money order, cashier’s check, valid U.S. bank check, or a Visa or Mastercard affiliated with a U.S. bank. Cash payments in U.S. dollars are also accepted.

You will make this payment directly at Business Services in person.

Campus Card

Your Campus Card is your official campus ID.

Campus Tour

Take a virtual campus tour

StarID

Activate your StarID

University Library

Library borrowing privileges are not automatically included with the St. Cloud State ID. Borrowing privileges are available only if the student intern's sponsoring unit submits a request and accepts financial responsibility for any materials that are damaged or not returned.

Hosting a student intern requires collaboration from multiple parties. The department must:

• Ensure that all academic responsibilities and objectives are met by the student intern during their time at St. Cloud State University.
• Provide appropriate supervision and evaluation of the student intern.
• Ensure that the student intern's training/internship plan can be carried out and completed within the time limits of the visit.