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Additional Requirements for J-1 Student Interns

Funding

J-1 Exchange Visitors may receive a salary or stipend from various parties. They can present funding from Northwestern, the government, private organizations, or personal funds, but the funding must meet the current living expense requirements. 

  • This funding requirement is currently $2,470 per month (not including dependents).
  • J-1 student interns bringing dependents must show an additional $610 per month for each dependent (spouse or child) they will bring with them on a J-2 visa.
  • If NU will be paying the J-1 intern, the required amount per hour must meet or exceed $8.25/hour.

Internship Requirements

Length:

  • The internship must last for no more than 12 months and is full-time (at least 32 hours/week).

Duties and resources:

  • The internship duties must not duplicate the student intern's prior experience.
  • The internship must expose the student intern to American techniques, methodologies, and technology and expand upon his/her existing knowledge and skills.
  • The internship not displace full or part-time temporary or permanent American workers or serve to fill a labor need.
  • The internship exists solely to assist the student intern in achieving the objectives of the internship and does not involve more than 20% clerical work.
  • The internship provides sufficient resources, equipment and trained personnel available for the specified internship.

Intern Responsibilities

  • The intern must primarily be in the US to engage in the internship rather than employment or provide services to NU.
  • The intern must be in good academic standing and currently pursuing a degree outside the U.S.
  • The intern must maintain satisfactory advancement towards completion of his/her internship.
  • He or she will return to his/her home institution to complete the degree.
  • S/he cannot transfer to NU while pursuing the internship.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Intern placement/training:

  • The intern must be oriented with the department personnel, equipment, procedures, etc.
  • He or she must not be placed in an unskilled or casual labor position, in a position that requires or involves child care or elder care, a position in the field of aviation or in clinical positions or any other kind of work that involves patient care or contact, including therapy.

Evaluation:

  • NU student intern supervisor must complete a required evaluation of the intern's performance at the conclusion of the internship and for internships lasting longer than 6 months, a mid-point evaluation as well.
  • The Supervisor Evaluation must be submitted to the International Office.