J-1 Intern Visa

Interns must provide official evidence of current enrollment in a degree program at or graduation in the past 12 months from a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States. Evidence includes:

• Official transcript from current postsecondary academic institution
• Copies of transcripts from previous postsecondary academic institutions and copies of diplomas for all degrees earned (if applicable)
• Letter on official letterhead stationary from academic advisor, dean or registrar, in English, certifying current enrollment in accredited institution, degree level, and academic standing

An academic advisor or dean at the home institution must also complete an Academic Advisor Recommendation Form.

Interns are required to have English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening at least at the intermediate level. The following are recommended and verifiable methods of English proficiency:

• TOEFL score of 66 or higher
• IELTS overall band score of 6.0 or higher
• PEARSON score of 46 or higher
• Duolingo overall score of 90 or higher
• Cambridge English Language Assessment Test  Grade C or higher
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) score of 780 or higher  
• Public English Test System (PETS) Grade 5 score
• Advanced English Training Program from the China Ministry of Education (MOE)
• Completion of Advanced English Training Program at a Ministry of Education Center for Overseas Study (Chinese scholars)
• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR)-Score of B2 or higher
• A transcript showing degree completion from an academic institution where English is the means of instruction. 
• In place of an acceptable score on an English language test, prospective interns can take the Oral English Proficiency Test for Visiting Scholars online.

The minimum amount of financial support for an intern is $1,500 per month. The intern will document their financial support using a financial certification form.

• If the employer is paying the intern a salary, the amount must be listed on the Request Form and must meet state minimum wage requirements.
• Financial support from other institutions or agencies must be verified by an official letter on letterhead stating the amount of support and the period of sponsorship. 
• Personal or family funds are also acceptable sources of support. 
• The intern must provide a bank letter indicating the amount of money they have available. If the bank account is in the intern’s name, the bank letter will be sufficient for proof of funds. If the bank account is in someone else’s name, the account holder must provide a signed letter naming the Intern and describing the amount and duration of support. 
• All financial support documents must be recently dated, written in English or officially translated, and state the amount in U.S. dollars.

Interns accompanied by dependents must provide evidence of additional funds sufficient for their support. For the spouse, an additional $333 per month is required and $166 per month is required for each child.

Interns are required to obtain and maintain health insurance coverage for the length of the program for themselves and any accompanying dependents. 

• Interns and any accompanying dependents must enroll in a Health Insurance Plan that meets the requirements set forth by the Exchange Visitor Program requirements.
• Interns insured by a sponsor will need to provide evidence of insurance with the J-1 Intern Information Form upon arrival.

Interns who are paid by the University of Cincinnati for 12 months may qualify for UC’s employee insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents. For more information, contact the UC hiring department about the terms of benefits.

The intern regulations specifically state that “the intern will return to the academic program and fulfill and obtain a degree from such academic institution after completion of the Internship program.”

Interns must attest that they intend to return home following the completion of the internship on the J-1 Intern Information Form.

• Program fee (if applicable; make check payable to the University of Cincinnati)
• Current résumé
• If in the United States in the past 24 months in Exchange Visitor status, copies of supporting documents (DS-2019, Visa stamp, I-797, etc.)
• Signed Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002)