The Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002) is the most important part of the application and must be signed by the Supervisor, Intern/Trainee and the sponsor prior to the issuance of the DS-2019.
You must present an original form with all three signatures to the Host Business upon arrival.
Please make sure your DS-7002 conforms to the following guidelines:
- Please make sure to enter “Name” and “Family Name” in the correct designated fields.
- Up to 6 months: 1 phase
- 7-12 months: 2 phases (2+ for interns)
- 13-18 months: 3+ phases (only for trainees)
- Phases can be created by duplicating page three of the DS-7002.
- Please make sure that the first page of the DS-7002 shows the entire duration of the exchange visitor program and the phases include individual dates. Please do not leave out weekends between the phases.
Please make sure that the Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002) contains concise information, clear details as well as correct grammar and spelling. You must present this to the U.S. Consulate officer when applying for the J-1 visa. The DS-7002 is an official government document and the quality and clarity of the content are important criteria for J-1 visa approval.You can find a blank form here or a filled example with instructions here
It is the job of your Host Business to fill it and give it to you before you go to the U.S. Embassy to apply for a visa.
The DS-2019 Form is the document that allows you to apply for the J-1 Visa as an Intern or Trainee in the USA. The DS-2019 form is also called “Certificate of Eligibility”. It is issued to you by the Sponsor, a US Department of State-designated organization. The DS-2019 Form issues to you is unique to you, and identifies you in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
The DS-2019 Form will be issued only after you apply and are accepted for sponsorship in the J-1 Internship or Trainee Program.
After the sponsor approves your application, you will apply for the J-1 Visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. At the consulate or embassy you will submit the DS-2019 Form together with your other application materials. The DS-2019 form serves to demonstrate to the embassy or consulate that the sponsor has vetted and supports your application. The DS-2019 Form makes possible the approval of your J-1 Visa and Internship or Trainee Program.
Note: Only a US consulate or embassy can grant the J-1 visa for your internship or trainee program. J-1 visa sponsors cannot guarantee that a US consulate or embassy will grant any particular applicant the J-1 Visa.