A J-1 hospitality internship comes with a set of acronyms that can be confusing: DS-2019, DS-7002, SEVIS, DS-160… Each document has a precise role, and a missing or inconsistent one can delay your departure. Here is what each one is, who issues it and when you need it. For the programme itself, see our J-1 hospitality internship overview.
The J-1 documents at a glance
| Document | What it is | Who issues it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS-7002 | Training/Internship Placement Plan: your tasks, learning goals and supervisor | Prepared with the host employer and the sponsor, signed by you | After the employer selects you |
| DS-2019 | Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 status: programme dates, sponsor, category | The J-1 sponsor organisation | Once the training plan is approved |
| SEVIS fee | Fee for the US government database that tracks exchange visitors | Paid by you (or as agreed) online | Before the visa interview |
| DS-160 | Online non-immigrant visa application form | Completed by you | Before booking the interview |
| J-1 visa | The visa in your passport | US Embassy or Consulate | After the interview, if approved |
The DS-7002: your training plan
The DS-7002 describes what you will actually do and learn: department (front office, food & beverage, culinary, housekeeping), phases of the internship, skills, supervision and evaluation. It is a commitment from the host employer. Read it carefully: the consular officer may ask you about it, and it must match your studies. See our J-1 visa interview guide.
The DS-2019: your certificate of eligibility
Issued by the sponsor, it states your programme category (intern), the start and end dates and the sponsor’s details. Check every detail — name spelling, dates, passport information. You will need it for the interview, at the US border and throughout your stay.
The SEVIS fee and the DS-160
The SEVIS fee is a US government fee, paid online before the interview; keep the receipt. The DS-160 is the online visa form; print the confirmation page. Amounts and procedures are set by the US authorities and can change: check the official US government websites at the time you apply.
Health insurance
J-1 exchange visitors must have health insurance that meets the US Department of State’s minimum requirements for the whole programme. Depending on the sponsor, insurance is included or must be purchased: check what your programme provides before you travel.
Rules to know once you are in the USA
- Stay with your programme: you may only work for the host employer and in the position described in your training plan.
- Keep your documents valid: passport, DS-2019 and visa, and report any change of address to your sponsor as required.
- After the programme: J-1 participants generally have a 30-day grace period to travel before leaving the USA, but cannot work during it.
- Two-year home residency requirement: in some cases (depending on your country, field and funding) a J-1 visa may require you to return home for two years before certain other US visas. Check the annotation on your DS-2019 and visa.
A typical timeline
- Application and selection: a few weeks.
- Training plan (DS-7002) and DS-2019: a few weeks more.
- SEVIS fee, DS-160 and visa appointment: depends on embassy waiting times.
Overall, plan several months before your intended start date.
Ready to start? See our J-1 offers: Front Office, Food & Beverage, Culinary, Housekeeping.