How to Apply
Admission Requirements
To apply for a VISIT internship, you must:
- Be eligible for a J-1 visa
- Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
- Be pursuing a degree at an accredited postsecondary academic institution outside the United States
- Be primarily in the United States to engage in a student internship program rather than to engage in employment or provide services
- Be in good academic standing at your home institution
- Intend to return to your home institution after completion of the internship in order to finish your degree
- Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying dependents for the duration of your visit to the United States
- Have not previously participated in a student internship program for more than 12 months (for each degree/major)
- Agree to comply with University of Washington policies, including the Student Conduct Code and intellectual property policies
Note: Dual citizens who are enrolled at a foreign university may be eligible for the VISIT program. If you're already in the United States on a student visa and are interested in transferring to the VISIT program, you must contact us before starting the application process.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. The intern applicant and faculty supervisor may determine which one of the following will be submitted as proof of English proficiency:
- English language test taken within the last two years and submitted as a PDF attachment. The following English language tests are accepted by the VISIT/VISER program:
- TOEFL iBT score of at least 80
- IELTS academic test score of at least 6.5
- Duolingo English Test score of at least 105 (110 starting January 6, 2025)
- Documented interview by the faculty supervisor
Application Steps
To apply to the VISIT program, follow the steps below. You should allow at least three to five months to complete this process, including the visa interview. We advise potential VISIT interns to purchase their flight only after they have received their DS-2019 immigration documents. See the VISIT Program Timeline for more details.
1. Contact the UW VISIT office for more information on the VISIT program. The VISIT office will provide resources on how to connect with the UW academic department or program where you would like to conduct research or work-based learning as an intern. The department should match the area of specialization in your degree program. (Note: Individuals who wish to enroll in coursework at the UW should not apply for an internship but instead contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office or the Graduate Admissions Office for information about applying as an international student.)
2. If you and the department agree to the general goals of the internship, you will be interviewed by your UW host supervisor.
3. Working with your UW host supervisor, choose the start and end date of your internship. You must enter the United States on or up to 30 days before the start date listed on the VISIT application and the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status–Form DS-2019 (DS-2019). Keep in mind that it may take up to five months for you, your UW host department and the UW to complete and process your VISIT application.
4. Your UW department will work with you to complete the VISIT J-Visa Supplemental Request form. Your home institution is required to complete a section of the form as well.
5. Your UW host department completes a Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002) and emails it to you to review. Sign the form by hand or electronically. Leave the sponsor signature blank. Email the form back to the UW host department.
6. The host department will provide you with a link to begin the online application. You'll upload a copy of your passport ID page, financial documentation (English translation of bank statement and/or sponsor letter on letterhead).
7. Once your portion of the online application is completed, your UW host department will be automatically notified to complete their portion of the online application. They'll upload the completed VISIT J-Visa Supplemental Request Form and DS-7002 to the online application. The VISIT office will review and process your application and email your DS-2019 with information regarding insurance coverage, housing, transportation, how to set up your UW Net ID and UW email, and other resources.
8. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and apply for a J-1 visa at the nearest U.S. consulate.
9. Present the DS-2019 and DS-7002 forms at the visa appointment. Accompanying family members should bring their DS-2019s and apply for their J-2 visas at the same time.
10. Enter the United States on or within 30 days prior to the start date indicated in item #3 of the DS-2019 form. You may not enter the country after the start date listed on the DS-2019. If you cannot enter the country by the start date, contact the VISIT office immediately so that the DS-2019 can be updated and reissued.
What Happens Next
Get Health Insurance
As a VISIT student intern, you are required to purchase a LewerMark student health insurance policy before attending your required J-Visa Orientation at the UW. This insurance is required even if you have insurance from your home country. The VISIT office will provide insurance enrollment instructions when you receive your DS-2019, and at the J-Visa Orientation you will submit a Statement of Compliance with Insurance Requirements that includes your policy number.
Register for J-1 Visa Orientation
Thirty days before your VISIT program start date, you'll receive an email with an invitation to attend the mandatory J-1 Visa Orientation. Select the first available orientation after you arrive in the United States. When you attend, have available the DS-2019 forms for you and any dependents along with your I-94 card, passport, Statement of Compliance, Seattle-area residence address and U.S. phone number. The Statement of Compliance will be available after acceptance to the VISIT program.