The answer to the first question is yes. You need a J-1 Visa in order to legally participate in an internship/training program in the U.S. Before you can apply for a J-1 Visa, though, you first need to apply for J-1 Visa sponsorship with a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 Visa sponsor organization, such as InterExchange.
Do I need visa sponsorship to hire an international student?
An employer that hires an international student will invest time and money in that student as an employee. Many employers have policies prohibiting visa sponsorship, and some just do not want the expense or hassle. No one wins if an employer learns after the fact that a student will, in fact, need visa sponsorship at the end of OPT or CPT.
Do you need a visa for an unpaid internship?
Unpaid internships do not require as much paperwork as paid internships. Under US law, this means you have to be eligible to work in the US. This is determined by the type of visa you have. Visas are the keys that open and close doors for you as a foreign national seeking a legal internship. Either a F-1 or J-1 visa is required.
Do international students need sponsorship for summer internships (H1B visa status)?
For international students who are applying for summer internships, how do you answer this sponsorship question: will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (H-1B visa status)? I would answer NO. You don’t need an H1B or any other sponsorship from your employer to be engaged in a summer internship.
What types of visas are available for legal internships?
Visas are the keys that open and close doors for you as a foreign national seeking a legal internship. Either a F-1 or J-1 visa is required. You can use the new United States Department of State Visa Wizard to see what types of visas you qualify for. F-1 visas are the most common visas for internships. All full-time students are on F-1 visas.
Is visa sponsorship necessary?
A visa sponsorship for visitors can help facilitate the approval process. Generally, the U.S. government does not require a visa sponsorship for B-2 visas. A foreign visitor who has a healthy financial background and who meets the other requirements for visa, can typically obtain a B-2 visitor visa without a sponsor.
Do international students need sponsorship for internships in USA?
How to Hire Currently Enrolled Students for Internships. International students do not require visa sponsorships to participate in U.S. internships. All international students are eligible to work in internships after the first year of their programs and do not require visa sponsorships from organizations.
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status for internship?
Answering "Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?" If you'll require the company to commence ("sponsor") an immigration or work permit case in order to employ you, either now or at some point in the future, then you should select Yes. Otherwise, select No.
Do you need a visa to do an internship in the US?
A J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is required if you are planning an internship or traineeship in the USA. It entitles its holder to participate in exchange programs in the USA. These include internships, trainee positions and high school stays.
How can a foreigner get an internship in the US?
In the US, there are many dedicated employment sites which list unpaid and paid internships for international students. LinkedIn—A great place to find internships with major companies, LinkedIn is the current king of professional networking websites.
Does F-1 visa require sponsorship?
Question 2: Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship? This question will typically be answered “yes” by international students in F-1 status because you will need employment-based sponsorship to continue working after your CPT or OPT authorization expires.
Can you ask a candidate if they require sponsorship?
The Question of Sponsorship Since looks can be deceiving, it is a good practice to ask all job candidates if: They are currently eligible to work in the United States. They need, or will ever need, sponsorship to work in the U.S.
How do I ask my boss for visa sponsorship?
There are several ways to go about this.If you are looking for a new job, make it clear that you want to be sponsored at your final interview. ... Set up a formal discussion with your boss after several months at the job. ... Check your company's policy regarding permanent residency. ... Try to qualify for EB1.More items...
How do you answer why should we sponsor you?
For example, if you provide recreational programs for at-risk children, say a few words about why your program is necessary in the community, describe the specific services you provide and explain the resulting positive impact you have on the lives of the children you serve.
Do I need a visa for an unpaid internship in the USA?
Even if your internship is unpaid and/or short term, such as under 90 days, you will always need to apply for a J-1 Visa with a designated U.S. sponsor organization. You may be denied entry at the border if you attempt to enter the U.S. on ESTA in order to do an internship.
How hard is J-1 visa?
J-1 visas are also quite easy to get approved. The length of stay depends on the type of activity. Those pursuing academic study may get a visa for up to three years, while camp counselors will typically only get a 3-month stay. Extensions are also variable, depending on the category of visa.
How do you get a visa for an internship in the US?
Criteria for the J-1 Visa Applicants must be full time students or have graduated recently (you must commence internship no later than 12 months after graduation). The applicant must be minimum 18 years old. The applicant must have the sufficient English skills to work in a company in the US.
Do international students need sponsorship?
When applying for a student visa in the US, international students may need a financial sponsor. Learn more about the student visa process, visa sponsor requirements, and more. If you are planning to study in the US as an international student, you need to apply for a student visa.
Do you need a visa for an unpaid internship in the US?
Even if your internship is unpaid and/or short term, such as under 90 days, you will always need to apply for a J-1 Visa with a designated U.S. sponsor organization. You may be denied entry at the border if you attempt to enter the U.S. on ESTA in order to do an internship.
Do companies sponsor international students?
Not every employer in the US offers sponsorship for international students in the USA to apply for employment authorization(EAD). Fortune 500 companies are more likely to hire and sponsor international students to fulfill a gap that cannot be met only by the local talent pool of the country.
Do you require sponsorship to work in the US?
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work within the United States? Answer: Yes, because you will require work authorization once your student immigration status ends. You may also explain your situation during initial outreach by the company if/when they contact you for the position.
What can you do if you are not eligible for a J-1 Visa for an Internship or Trainee?
If your idea is to do an Internship or Training in the US, fist start to understand the visa which is possible for your case. But what should you do if you are not meeting the J-1 Visa requirements? Will you plan to do an internship in the US that ends at this point?
Who is required to apply for B-1 visa waiver?
U.S. Department of State regulations states that applicants for the B-1/B-2 or Visa Waiver Program must be foreign nationals intending to enter the U.S. for a temporary stay related to business and/or tourism.
What is the purpose of J-1 visa?
The purpose of the J-1 visa is to ensure that international visitors are provided with legitimate opportunities for professional and/or educational development, insight into American knowledge and skills, and a deeper understanding of American business and culture.
Do you need a visa for STEM?
Students with STEM degrees, who have the option of the additional 24 months of OPT (beyond the initial 12 months), should still state that “yes” they will require employment visa sponsorship in the future.
Do employers have to notify USCIS of international student?
However, employers have no direct obligation to notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that they are hiring or employing an international student. All employers, of course, must complete an I-9 form for all employees.
Do international students need H-1B?
The reason is that the vast majority of international grads will require H-1B sponsorship or other work visa sponsorship after the expiration of their CPT or OPT. International students may well disadvantage themselves by hiding the fact that, once their CPT or OPT ends, they will need H-1B sponsorship (or other work visa sponsorship).
Can an F-1 student work for an employer?
International students and career services professionals are often confused about how a student should answer these questions. International students in F-1 status who are eligible for practical training—whether Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)—will have authorization to work for U.S. employers. However, once the CPT or OPT ends, they will generally require a work visa such as H-1B, which requires employer sponsorship. This causes students and advisers confusion about answering these questions.
Do you need visa sponsorship at the end of CPT?
No one wins if an employer learns after the fact that a student will, in fact, need visa sponsorship at the end of OPT or CPT. It is better to be up front about this issue, even if it means the student loses out on some job or internship opportunities.
Can an employer hire an international student?
An employer that hires an international student will invest time and money in that student as an employee. Many employers have policies prohibiting visa sponsorship, and some just do not want the expense or hassle. No one wins if an employer learns after the fact that a student will, in fact, need visa sponsorship at the end of OPT or CPT. It is better to be up front about this issue, even if it means the student loses out on some job or internship opportunities.
What is a visa for a legal internship?
Visas are the keys that open and close doors for you as a foreign national seeking a legal internship. Either a F-1 or J-1 visa is required.
Why is it important to have an internship?
Your internship experience will help you build a network of contacts, make your resume more impressive, and help you land future jobs.
How long do you have to leave the US after an internship?
Specific internship dates must be clearly stated and you must leave the US within 30 days of completing the internship. After leaving, you may not return to the US for 2 years. You can learn more about J-1 visas here. Both F-1 and J-1 visas require applications fees.
How long before a visa is approved can you travel?
Next, visas typically will not be approved until 120 days before your start date and you will only be allowed into the country 30 days or less prior to the start date. This security stipulation is courtesy of Homeland Security and can make it challenging to manage your travel plans.
How to get an F-1 visa?
To apply for an F-1 visa, you must first apply to school and receive your I-20 – a Student and Exchange Visitor Program document. You must show that you are able to support yourself while in the US and that you are enrolled in school. After a full school year (typically 9 months), and enrollment in at least 6 credit hours, F-1 visas holders are eligible for practical training, aka internships.
How many hours do you work in a summer internship?
Internships fall under the category of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows students to work 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during summer for a time frame of 12 to 14 months before returning to full-time education.
What are the two types of J-1 visas?
There are two types of J-1 visas – Intern and Trainee.
How to apply for a sponsor visa J-1?
The first step to the sponsor visa J-1 application is opening an account on SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System). Through this portal you will find the online application. There, sponsor candidates are required to fill out information about the company, program, and program officers.
Do you need a sponsor for an EVP?
Because the EVP is meant for cultural exchange, rather than as a path to citizenship, participants must secure themselves a J-1 visa before visiting. Having a sponsor is a requirement of this visa. Additionally, sponsors are experts at guiding participants through the proper documentation and application procedures.
Can host companies sponsor interns?
It is also possible for host companies to sponsor interns themselves. If you represent a company that would like to streamline your Exchange Visitor Program, you may be wondering how to sponsor J-1 U.S. visa for foreign interns as a company. We’ll let you in on the basics.
Is the Sponsor Right for You?
Whether you're a prospect ive EVP participant or a host company searching for new J-1 visa sponsoring organizations, we are here to provide an insider look.
How long does an internship visa last?
The maximum period for which an internship/training visa can be issued is 12 months. The validity of your visa depends on the length of your internship. If your internship is four months long, then the embassy will give you the required four months as well as a few days or weeks more prior to the starting date of your internship/training and a few more after the end of it.
Who needs a Germany Training/Internship visa?
If you have already found an internship or a training program in Germany where you are willing to engage and gain professional skills, the next step is to ask yourself: Do I need a visa or not? Whether you need a visa or you do not, it all depends on your nationality/citizenship.
Who can do an Internship/Training in Germany?
Everyone interested, regardless of their age, gender, religious views etc., can get to do an internship or training in Germany in their field of interest. The requirements for doing the internship, depend on the company or institution offering it. Some of them may ask for fluent German, while others would be content if you are able to manage speaking basic German, and require no more.
What is the minimum amount of travel insurance for Schengen?
The document must confirm that the insurance covers any emergency medical treatments and hospitalization as well as repatriation in case of death, with a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros, in the whole Schengen territory.
When to check visa sticker?
Make sure to check your visa sticker as soon as you receive it, for its validity and the permitted duration of stay.
Where to apply for a German visa?
You will have to apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country, whichever is closer to where you live.
How long does it take to get a visa for Germany?
Despite the fact that Germany visa application processing takes around 10 to 15 days, the processing time varies from one case to the other. While some applicants receive their answer within a week, others may take weeks to get a response to their application because of their situation.
Lalita Haran
You are correct that you do not have to sponsor international students like H1b workers, just as you would for any other student, you would have to check F-1's authorization to work before you could employ them on internship. Employment of international students remains strictly regulated during semester, in summer and also after course completion even after rules are relaxed regarding F1....
Katie Herbert Meyer
F-1 visa holders are students. Their visas allow them to attend an accredited school in the U.S. There are very strict rules regarding (paid) employment by F-1 visa holders. The student would need an employment authorization card to work off of campus. You should discuss the situation with the International Student office at the students' school.
Justin G. Randolph
They would need to have OPT cards. I'm pretty sure they can't work on the F-1 visa.
What documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a B visa?
After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.
How far in advance can you get a student visa?
New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
What is the purpose of a consular interview?
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Introduction
Eligibility
- Under the J-1 internship program, U.S. employers may employ foreign nationals as interns if: 1. they are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies outside the United States; or 2. they have graduated from a college or university outside the United States no more than 12 months prior to the internship program start date. Under the J-1 training program, U.S. employers may employ fo…
Restrictions
- Under a J-1 internship or training program, interns cannot work: 1. in positions that require more than 20 percent clerical or office support work; 2. in unskilled or casual labor positions; 3. in positions that require or involve childcare or elder care; 4. in positions that involve medical patient care or contact.
Continuing Employment After U.S. Internship Program
- It is not uncommon for employers to want to offer employment and hire bright interns upon completion of the internship period. Employers who wish to hire a foreign national intern for a long-term position must keep in mind a few additional factors, make suitable plans and take timely steps to ensure that there is no break in employment of such interns and if there is, that it …
A. in The Case of F-1 Students
- In the case of F-1 students who are on OPT, the employment authorization terminates at the conclusion of the authorized practical training, usually indicated on the EAD. In order to have these students continue employment beyond such period, the foreign national and the employer must petition to change the foreign national’s status. The most popular option is the H-1B visast…
B. in The Case of J-1 Students
- In the case of J-1 students on Academic Training or foreign nationals on J-1 intern/trainee visas, employers must keep in mind that a two-year residency requirement may be applicable to some J-1 visitors. Interns subject to this requirement will be required to return to their home country for two years at the end of their program, and they will generally not be able to change to H status u…
C. F-1 Opt to H-1B: Changing Immigration Status
- Employers need to keep the following in mind while planning to do a change of status for an intern from F-1 OPT to H-1B: 1. The H-1B petition must be filed before the OPT expires in order to ensure continuity of employment. If the H-1B petition is filed before the OPT expires, those students may continue working without a break in their employment. 2. The H-1B program has an annual ‘cap’ …