Sample Invitation Letter for J-1 Student Interns

Departments should use this template when inviting an international student to participate in Stony Brook University's J-1 Student Intern Program.

Instructions

Before issuing the invitation letter:

• Prepare the letter on official Stony Brook University letterhead.
• Replace all placeholder text with the appropriate information.
• Customize the funding section to reflect whether the intern will receive financial support from Stony Brook University or will be self-funded.
• Obtain the student's signed acceptance before requesting issuance of the DS-2019.

Sample Invitation Letter

[Date]

[Student Name]
[Title, if applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, Province/State, Postal Code]
[Country]

Dear [Student Name]:

It is my pleasure to invite you to join the Department of [Department Name] at Stony Brook University as a non-matriculated [graduate/undergraduate] J-1 Exchange Visitor Student Intern.

Your internship is expected to take place from [Start Date] through [End Date].

J-1 Student Intern Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the J-1 Student Intern Program, you must meet the requirements established by the U.S. Department of State, including:

• Be currently enrolled full-time and in good academic standing at a degree-granting institution outside the United States.
• Return to your home institution following the internship to complete your degree program.
• Participate in an internship that fulfills the educational objectives of your current degree program.

To verify these requirements, Stony Brook University requires a letter from your home institution confirming:

• Your current enrollment and good academic standing.
• That the internship supports the educational objectives of your degree program.
• That you are expected to return to your home institution to complete your studies.
  
  

Admission

You are being offered provisional admission as a non-matriculated [graduate/undergraduate] student for [Academic Term(s)] for the purpose of participating in the J-1 Student Intern Program.

This offer is contingent upon receipt of all required documentation, including official transcripts and any additional documents requested by [The Graduate School or International Academic Programs and Services].

During your internship, you will be required to register for one credit of [Department Code and Course Number] each academic term.

Funding

Option 1 – Stony Brook University Funding

Stony Brook University will provide a stipend of $[Amount] per [month/year].

In addition, the University will provide:

• Office or laboratory space (which may be shared)
• Computer access
• Access to Stony Brook University library resources

OR

Option 2 – Self-Funded

It is our understanding that you will provide sufficient personal or external funding to cover the expenses associated with your stay at Stony Brook University.

The University will provide:

• Office or laboratory space (which may be shared)
• Computer access
• Access to Stony Brook University library resources
  
  

Housing

Unless housing arrangements have been made by your academic department, you are responsible for securing housing for yourself (and any accompanying family members) during your stay.

Please refer to the University's off-campus housing resources for available housing options.

Health Insurance

All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required by both the U.S. Department of State and the State University of New York to maintain health insurance that meets federal regulatory requirements throughout their exchange program.

J-1 Student Interns are required to enroll in the University's mandatory International Student and Scholar Health Insurance (ISSHI) plan. The insurance premium will be billed automatically as a required program fee.

If you will be accompanied by J-2 dependents, each dependent must also maintain qualifying health insurance throughout their stay in the United States.

Additional Information

Additional information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is available from the U.S. Department of State.

We are delighted to welcome you to Stony Brook University and look forward to working with you during your internship.

Sincerely,

[Faculty Member's Name]
[Faculty Member's Title]

[Department Chair or Dean's Name]
[Department Chair or Dean's Title]

Acceptance

I accept Stony Brook University's invitation to participate in the J-1 Student Intern Program.

Student Signature: _______________________________________

Date: _______________________________________