/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

J-1 Student Intern

You may participate in the J-1 Student Intern category if you are currently enrolled in a degree program at a university outside the United States and you want to complete a temporary internship at Stony Brook University. This category allows you to gain practical experience in the United States that supports your academic studies and future career goals.

During your internship, you may develop professional skills, learn new methods, and work with faculty or research teams in your field. The program also supports academic and professional exchange between your home institution, organizations in your home country, and institutions in the United States.

After completing the internship, you are expected to return to your home institution to continue your degree program and apply the knowledge and experience you gained during your time in the United States.

Your internship must be sponsored by a Stony Brook University department and must follow an approved training plan.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate as a J-1 Student Intern, you must:

  • Be currently enrolled in a degree program at a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States

  • Be in good academic standing at your home institution

  • Intend to return to your home institution to complete your degree after the internship

  • Participate in an internship that is directly related to your field of study

You must remain enrolled at your home university throughout the internship.

Length of Stay

The J-1 Student Intern category allows you to participate in an internship for a limited period of time.

  • Maximum stay: 12 months

Your authorized program dates will appear on your Form DS-2019.

Your internship must take place within these dates. If the internship ends earlier than expected, your host department must notify Visa & Immigration Services.

Internship Activities

Your internship must focus on learning and training, not regular employment. The program must help you gain knowledge, skills, and experience related to your academic field.

Examples of internship activities may include:

  • Assisting with research projects

  • Observing professional practices

  • Participating in structured training activities

  • Learning technical methods or academic procedures

Your department must prepare a training plan (Form DS-7002) that explains your internship activities and learning goals.

Work Restrictions

The J-1 Student Intern category is intended for temporary training experiences, not regular employment.

If you participate in this category:

  • Your internship must be supervised and structured

  • Your activities must follow the approved training plan

  • You may only participate in the internship listed on your Form DS-2019

You cannot accept additional employment that is not part of your approved internship program.