iGlobal

Request Process for J-1 Student Interns

The J-1 Student Intern category is available to departments hosting an overseas student who is currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at an accredited institution outside the United States. This category also covers participants in UCSC’s International Student Research Program (ISRP), a structured research internship initiative for degree-seeking international students hosted by UCSC under the Student Intern category.

The Student Intern program supports structured, supervised research- or project-based internships that are directly connected to the student’s academic program at their home institution. Student interns may participate in the program for up to 12 months for each degree, which includes graduate-level students. Undergraduate and graduate level students are processed under the Student Intern category unless IFSS indicates otherwise.

Application Process

We recommend departments begin the application process at least 3 months prior to the desired internship start date. The hosting department must submit the Student Intern request to IFSS  no less than 60 days before the proposed start date to allow time for DS-2019/DS-7002 creation.

Program Objectives

The J-1 Student Intern program is designed to:

  • Provide overseas students with a structured, supervised internship experience that supports their academic objectives,
  • Ensure the internship fulfills educational objectives for the student’s degree program at their home institution; and
  • Promote cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.

Eligibility Criteria (undergraduate and graduate students)

To be eligible as a J-1 Student Intern, the visitor must meet the following at the time of application:

  • Be currently enrolled and in good academic standing at an accredited postsecondary institution outside the U.S. (this includes undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students).
  • Be eligible under the ISRP (International Student Research Program) when the internship is part of that specific program administered by UCSC’s Division of Global Engagement.
  • The internship must directly support the student’s academic objectives for their current degree program at the home institution.
  • Demonstrate sufficient English language ability to function day-to-day in the internship.
  • Be primarily in the U.S. to participate in the student internship program (not to engage in unrelated employment).
  • Return to the home institution after the UCSC internship to continue and complete their degree.
  • Provide proof of sufficient funding to support living and program costs while in the U.S.
  • Provide proof of health insurance meeting J-1 minimum requirements for the entire period at UCSC.
  • The internship must be at least 32 hours per week, and clerical duties must be no more than 20% of the internship.
  • Departments should confirm appropriate UCSC appointment titles with HR; examples used for student interns may include visiting student or Jr. Specialist appointment titles where appropriate. (Departments should consult HR and IFSS for exact titles and appointment procedures.)

Internship Activities — Standards

  • The role must be educational and training-focused, not ordinary employment or unskilled labor.
  • The internship cannot fill a general labor need or displace U.S. workers.
  • The internship must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other applicable employment laws.
  • Hosting through third-party staffing or employment agencies is not permitted for the Student Intern program.

How to Apply (department + applicant  steps)

Timeline reminder: Submit the Student Intern application to IFSS at least 60 days before the requested start date.

UCSC Host Department

  1. Recruit and offer an appointment to the incoming Student Intern (coordinate with HR for appointment type).
  2. Complete the department sections of the Student Intern Application e-form in iGlobal.
  3. Supervisor completes and signs the DS-7002 Training Plan section in the e-form. Training plans for graduate interns should clearly state how the placement supports the student’s degree objectives.
  4. Submit the completed Student Intern Application e-form to IFSS once the student has uploaded all required documents.

Student Intern (applicant)

Students must complete the student sections of the Student Intern Application e-form and upload all required supporting documents, including (but not limited to):

  • Copy of passport (biographical page).
  • Current curriculum vitae (in English).
  • Proof of financial support (if not funded by UCSC) meeting IFSS funding guidelines.
  • Official letter or form from the student’s home institution approving the internship as part of or related to the student’s degree program (this may be an “Approval of Student Intern Participation Form” or equivalent).
  • Proof of health insurance that meets J-1 requirements for the full period at UCSC.

IFSS  will produce the SEVIS documents DS-2019 and the DS-7002 training plan for the student to apply for a J visa and enter the U.S.
Departments and students will be notified once documents are ready.

Sample Email Template to Send to Incoming J-1 Student Intern

The email template below is a sample to assist UCSC departments and divisions with the Student Intern invitation process.

Dear (Student Intern’s Name),

Congratulations on receiving an invitation to visit the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) as a J-1 Student Intern. The Division of _____________ will submit a DS-2019 application packet to International Faculty and Scholar Services (IFSS) on your behalf so that a DS-2019 and DS-7002 will be generated for you. Please prepare an electronic scan of the following:

  1. Copy of your passport and any J-2 dependent passport biographical pages
  2. Proof of financial support (if not funded by UCSC). Please visit the Funding Requirements section on the IFSS website for details on financial documentation requirements.
  3. Copy of curriculum vitae (in English)

You will receive an email invitation from IFSS to submit your information and documents for your Forms DS-2019 and DS-7002. IFSS will send you an email once your DS-2019 and DS-7002 are generated regarding next steps of the immigration process. You are not able to book a visa appointment or pay any associated fees until a DS-2019 is created for you.

We look forward to receiving your response and welcoming you to UCSC.

Sincerely,

Administrative Staff Name
Contact Information

After Submission to IFSS 

Upon review of the Student Intern Application e-form, IFSS will issue the final SEVIS-generated DS-7002 for the Student Intern. The final SEVIS-generated DS-7002 will be electronically signed by the UCSC host supervisor and the IFSS  advisor. The student intern will sign the hard copy of DS-7002.  IFSS will also issue Form DS-2019 for the student intern. Once the DS-2019 is issued, IFSS  will send an email to the department and the Student Intern with the necessary information to schedule the visa interview abroad. IFSS will email the signed DS-2019 and DS-7002 to the Student Intern.

Last modified: Nov 13, 2025