Unpaid Internship

Hi there,

I am a Canadian citizen looking to intern (unpaid) in the US this summer. It would be a two to three month commitment.

I was referred by my school to Swap.ca, but I feel like I don't need all the services they offer. I called the US consulate and the woman told me that "Visas for unpaid internships are not issued for Canadian citizens, all you need to do is provide some documents at the border" and she gave me an e-mail address which I just e-mailed requesting the specific document requirements (I have not received a reply yet).

Browsing the forum I see a lot of talk about J-1 visas. Can someone confirm what this Consulate representative said to me? Or does anyone know what the appropriate documents are?

Thanks!

Jessica

Visaa are not issued to Cdn citizens for many statuses, but -- as you see mto have correctly concluded -- you do need a status for this.

It would need to be J-1 becuase any true work status would not permit unpaid work.

Genearlly, you need to be engaged in or have recently completed some related post-secondary program, but I'm sure you are better palced to find out hat you need.

Visaa are not issued to Cdn citizens for many statuses, but -- as you see mto have correctly concluded -- you do need a status for this.

It would need to be J-1 becuase any true work status would not permit unpaid work.

Genearlly, you need to be engaged in or have recently completed some related post-secondary program, but I'm sure you are better palced to find out hat you need.

Thanks for getting back to me.

If I do need a J-1, why would the woman at the Consulate have told me explicitly that I do not?

I'm just really confused, and I can't afford the Swap.ca option at this point.

As I said, you -- as a Cdn -- do not need a VISA from the consulate for J1, just like you don't need a VISA to enter US as a visitor, while people from other countries do.

You are wanting J1 STATUS, which you get after you complete a DS-2109 which you get from your sponsor, comply with SEVIS requirements, and then appear at the border.

You will find better information at an immigration forum, not here. There you might find info that says you do not even need J-1 status, especially if your term will be for less than 90 days you might simply enter on B1 (but border guards can deny you), so it is my understanding that it is always safer to get a J-1. This will be a decision your sponsor will make, when they are deciding whether to give the DS-2109 form for you.

Just remember that as a Cdn, you do NOT go to a consulate to get a visa, either in J1 or in B1/B2 .But everything else required for J-1 status, you still need to do before going down. If you go on B1 status, all you need is a letter from the sponsor, and proof of sufficient funds.

-- Thu Feb 17, 2011 5:02 pm --

http://intern.si.edu/how_apply.html

Look at the above link for useful info. Look for international interns...