A St. Cloud State University department that would like 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 institution abroad
Identify internship/training employer
Complete the J-1 Student Intern Application procedures
Submit request of J-1 Student Intern to the Center for International Studies for processing
Provide supervision and guidance to the student intern throughout the duration of the program
Complete the evaluation of the student intern's training/internship
It is recommended that this process begin 6 months before the student intern is expected to start the internship to allow time for unanticipated delays in government processing, security checks, and visa issuance.
St. Cloud State University understands that the primary purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans international educators. We also understand that the exchange of student interns helps to promote mutual enrichment and connections between the United States and other countries.
It does so by providing international student interns the opportunity to engage in training/internship opportunities with companies in our local community, to participate actively in cross-cultural activities with Americans and ultimately to bring to their home country, their experiences and increased knowledge about the United States and their respective fields.
Application Procedures
The sponsoring (host) department must first submit the following to the Center for International Studies:
If applicable, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee.
Visa Interview
Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
DS-2019
DS-7002
Department Invitation Letter
Evidence of financial support
SEVIS Fee payment receipt
DS-160 barcode page
Visa processing fee receipt
Some U.S. Embassies or Consulates may require additional documentation, so check the embassy or consulate website for 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. It is common for this process to take a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
If administrative processing or security clearances occurs, please contact your sponsoring department so the Center for International Studies can advise 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 72 hours before departure.
Practice packing your luggage. Check your airline's luggage restrictions.
Place personal items such as 1-20, DS-2109, passport with visa, airline tickets, a change of clothing, a book or magazine, snacks, toothbrush/toothpaste, snacks and medications in a carry-on bag.
Airport Arrival
The sponsoring department should be sure that 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. The Executive Express desk is 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's important to ensure adequate housing is set up before the student intern arrives in the United States.
Contact your student intern to determine if they would like to rent an apartment on campus or an apartment/home off campus.
If the student intern chooses to reside off campus, the sponsoring department should help find appropriate housing near the student intern's employer.
Meal Options
Discuss the meal plan options with the student intern to determine if they would prefer to prepare their own meals or purchase a meal plan through Dining Services.
Check-in and Orientation
Within the first week on campus, the J-1 Student Intern should make 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 be prepared to make your health insurance payment upon your arrival at St. Cloud State University by money order, cashier’s check, a valid U.S. bank check, a VISA or Mastercard affiliated with a U.S. bank or cash in US Dollars.
You will go directly to Business Services to make this payment in person.
Library borrowing privileges are not automatically included when a St. Cloud State ID is issued. Borrowing privileges are only available if the student intern's sponsoring unit submits a request and accepts financial responsibility for any materials damaged or not returned.
To request St. Cloud State library privileges, click here.
Hosting an student intern requires the collaboration of many. The department must:
Ensures that all academic responsibilities and objectives are met by student interns during their time at St. Cloud State University.
Ensures appropriate supervision and evaluation of the student intern.
Ensures that the student intern’s training/internship plan can be carried out and completed within the time limits of the visit.
Office Hours
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (Fall and Spring Semester)