Each year, Fermilab hosts young people from around the world in its various training and internship programs, many of which are organized through the Education Office. Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States, and who attend schools or reside outside the United States, typically must obtain J-1 visas to participate in these programs.
Process to expect
Complete the application(s)
Students who wish to participate in an Internship Program generally must complete an application for their preferred program(s). Links to most programs are available on the Education Office’s website. All communication should be in English; foreign languages or alphabets should not be used in the application or elsewhere.
Receive an offer letter
Selected individuals will receive offer letters from Fermilab detailing the terms of the internship, including wages, housing and other benefits. They must promptly email their acceptance to the contact listed in the letter and also copy the Visa Office to keep them informed of their status.
Access the online immigration portal
The Visa Office will then send an email containing the URL for the Online Immigration Portal, along with a login name and password (which must be changed upon first login). The portal provides access to online questionnaires, a list of required documents with explanations, and links to immigration-related sites. Documents can be uploaded directly through the system, which also shows the status of the application and includes a secure internal messaging system.
It is critical that Students provide their information and documents as soon as possible. DO NOT WAIT.
Depending on circumstances, the Visa Office usually must receive:
- a copy of the biographic page of your passport,
- copy(ies) of any degrees already received,
- confirmation of English-language abilities;
- confirmation of an interview;
- information about medical insurance; and
- transcripts of courses from your current educational institution.
The Visa Office cannot begin to process your J-1 paperwork until we receive the necessary information and documents, as listed for you in our online immigration portal.
Please read Entering the U.S. and accessing Fermilab information for details about the length of time the visa application likely will take.
Forms and information
For students, trainees and interns
- Verification of English Language Abilities (Required of all J-1 Interns and Trainees, regardless of home country or country of education)
- Department of State Exchange Visitor Brochure
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVIS Fee Portal (Do not attempt to pay the SEVIS Fee until your DS-2019 has been issued)
- Required medical insurance
- Visa applications
For mentors and supervisors (login required)
- Mentor Obligations (.pdf)
Internship/Training Program Questionnaire – Programs for 6 months or Less - Internship/Training Program Questionnaire – Programs that are for longer than 6 months
- Internship/Training Program Questionnaire – Extensions – Programs for which extensions are sought
- J-1 Intern/Trainee Midterm Report – must be completed at the mid-point of the internship/training program
- J-1 Intern/Trainee Final Report – must be completed 1 week before the internship/training program ends
- J-1 Intern/Trainee Final Evaluation – must be completed at the mid-point of the internship/training program
Translate the page
If you need to translate the web page, it is recommended to use the Google Chrome browser. On the right of the address bar, click translate and select your preferred language. Google Chrome will then translate the webpage.
Si necesita traducir la página web, se recomienda utilizar el navegador Google Chrome. A la derecha de la barra de direcciones, haga clic en traducir y seleccione su idioma preferido. Luego, Google Chrome traducirá la página web.