Student Intern Definition

A student intern is an international student pursuing a degree outside the U.S. who wishes to participate in a formal internship in the U.S. to "fulfill the educational objectives of his or her current degree program at his or her home institution." Duration of participation is three weeks to one year.

Focus and Nature of Activity

The internship doesn't have to be in the student's field of study, but it does have to "fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution."

All tasks assigned to the student intern must be "necessary for the completion of the student internship program."

The internship must expose the participant to "American techniques, methodologies, and technology," expand upon the participant"s existing knowledge and skills, and "not duplicate the student intern"s prior experience."

Internships cannot place a student intern in any position that involves the following:

  • Unskilled or casual labor
  • Child care or elder care
  • Aviation
  • "Clinical positions or engaging in any other kind of work that involves patient care or contact, including any work that would require student interns to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical care (e.g. sports or physical therapy, psychological counseling, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, social work, speech therapy, or early childhood education)."
  • Any "position, occupation, or business that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program or the Department into notoriety or disrepute."

Note: The internship tasks cannot consist of more than 20% clerical work.

J-1 Student Intern Application Process

All requests for J-1 student interns should be submitted online by the hosting department through the OISS portal. The following is a list of documents which are typically required for J-1 requests. The completed request should be submitted to International Student and Scholar Services at least 2 months before the intended program start date. However, submitting these documents several months in advance of a planned J-1 visit is strongly recommended:

  • Copy of unexpired passport identification page of the student intern
  • Copy of the invitation letter on the department's letterhead to the student intern specifying program objectives and duration of appointment
  • Copy of letter confirming student's academic status at their home institution and that this internship will fulfill educational objectives for their degree
  • Proof of funding (converted to USD$) for each source of funding listed for the scholar (e.g. copy of UNLV offer letter, proof of funding from scholar"s home institution, personal/family bank statements, etc.)
  • Student Intern's resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Copies of all DS-2019s if the student intern was in the U.S. in any J status (J-1/J-2) in the last two years
  • If the student intern is in the U.S. on another visa status, copies of all of their I-94s, latest visa, immigration documents (DS-2019s, I-20s, F-1 OPT EAD card, USCIS Approval Notices, J-2 EAD card, etc.)
  • Copies of any passports and immigration documents for any accompanying dependents (if applicable)
  • Complete Deemed Export Form, emailed to Chelsea Holmes at chelsea.holmes@unlv.edu
  • Important Note: if the student intern will be transferring as a J-1 from another program within the U.S. OR if the scholar is already in the U.S. in a different status, The scholar and department should contact the International Student and Scholar Services Scholar Advisor prior to submitting a J-1 request to discuss the eligibility and process.

Incomplete/inaccurate J-1 requests will not be processed. The complete documentation, information, and signatures requested are necessary to determine eligibility for J-1 sponsorship. Incomplete/inaccurate information of the request will delay processing. If you have questions regarding the J-1 request process, please contact International Student and Scholar Services.

Health Insurance

All J-1 and J-2 exchange program participants are required by federal regulation to carry adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States. The minimum requirements for the insurance are set in place by the Department of State.

UNLV has delayed the rollout of the mandatory AHP health insurance plan until July 1, 2025, to allow additional time to ensure everyone is fully informed of the requirement and associated costs. Through June 30, 2025, ISSS will be able to accept the J-1 compliant plans from either ISO or Seven Corners (Choice version only). We will not be able to accept any other plans, including international plans.

Please upload documentation that shows your/your J-2 dependents enrollment in one of these two plans within the Medical Confirmation request in the OISS Portal. This documentation is required before ISSS can validate your arrival to the US with the Department of State.

These plans start at approximately $39/month per person. Please note that these J-1 specific plans may not include coverage for all medical needs and expenses. It is your responsibility to review the plan information and determine which plan meets your/your family's needs. Please reach out to the insurance provider directly if you have any questions about the plan coverage and cost.

If you extend your J-1 exchange visitor program past June 30, 2025, you will be required to purchase health insurance through the UNLV AHP plan for both yourself and any J-2 dependents for the extension period. Additional information about the UNLV AHP plan, including estimated costs, will be available in the coming months.

As a reminder, all J-1/J-2 exchange visitors are required to maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of their program in the U.S. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have health insurance coverage that meets these Department of State requirements. This health insurance must meet certain federal regulatory minimums, including the following:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness;
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
  • Expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000.
  • Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

End of J-1 Program

As you reach the end of your program dates, ISSS will contact you regarding the International/Exit Departure Form. You must fill out this request as soon as possible. You will also have to upload your final evaluation and any timesheets from your program.