Internship and Professional Training Program FAQs

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the web-based system that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security uses to track and maintain current and accurate information on students and exchange visitors that are non-immigrants coming to the United States for educational and cultural exchange programs.

Only U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsors, like ICES, are allowed to issue you the DS-2019 Form, also called the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. You need the DS-2019 Form to apply for the J-1 visa that allows you to come to the United States as an intern or trainee.

The cost varies dependent on the type of placement you choose and the length of your program.

Host Companies recruited by ICES will provide their interns or trainees with a monthly stipend that helps them pay for rent and other living expenses. Some Host Companies may provide accommodations, but it is not a requirement. It is very possible that the stipend you receive will not cover all of your living expenses.
It is your responsibility to have sufficient funds to cover all living expenses for the duration of your program in the U.S. You will need to supply documents as proof of sufficient finances available for your support when you apply to the program and for your visa interview. Estimates for monthly living costs are provided in ICES program materials.

T/IPP means Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP). It is often just called the training plan. It outlines the plan the Host Company will follow for the Intern or Trainee. It includes the specific goals and objectives of the training/internship program; the knowledge, skills, or techniques to be learned; and the methods of evaluation and supervision. A prospective Intern or Trainee must have this completed form for their J-1 visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.

No. ICES sponsorship authorizes the Intern or Trainee to participate in the program at the Host Company cited on their DS-2019 form. They may not seek, or carry out, any other training, internship or employment while participating in the program. To do so would be a visa violation.

You are allowed to stay up to 30 days after your program end date. This is often referred to as the ‘grace’ period. You may not work or train during that time. It is intended to give you a chance for travel and sightseeing in the U.S. before returning to your home country.

Your eligibility to apply for the J-1 Intern or Trainee program will depend on which J-1 program you participated in previously and when. Please request more information by filling out the form on our program pages. An ICES representative will be able to help you with your specific situation.