Application Process

Your CIEE international representative will provide you with the participant application and can answer any questions you might have about completing it. The application should be filled out with as much detail as possible. This will ensure that your application will be processed quickly.

In addition to the application, you may also be asked to submit some additional documents to show your eligibility for the program. These attachments may include, but are not limited to:

  • A copy of your passport
  • Proof of funds
  • A university diploma (if you have graduated)
  • A course list and/or English language test scores

It is important that all information provided in both the application and any attachments is complete, current, and truthful. Additionally, any documents that are not in English, such as a diploma or course list, must have an English translation submitted with them.

Your Training Plan (Form DS-7002)

As part of your application, you will be required to submit a formal training plan* – outlined on Form DS-7002 – which is required by the U.S. Department of State for all interns and trainees participating in the J-1 visa program. Developed by your host organization, your training plan helps to ensure that you will have a successful experience that includes both professional development and cultural exchange.

Your training plan should clearly describe what you will be doing during your time with your host organization, what skills you will learn, how cultural exchange will be encouraged, and how your performance will be measured.

*Does not apply to 1-Year Graduate USA Visa Program participants, who will submit their training plan after they arrive in-country.

What is the DS-7002?

The DS-7002 is an important document that:

  • Details information about the host organization and the nature of the position it is offering – serving as a formal, signed agreement between participant and host organization.
  • Charts the stages of professional development and sets tasks and objectives to help interns and trainees, host organizations, and CIEE fully understand what is expected.
  • Ensures that the training is relevant to the participant’s goals and background, and does not duplicate past experience.

Your host organization will be responsible for filling out your DS-7002, which must be submitted to CIEE along with your program application. Let the organization know as much as possible about your skills, education level, and English proficiency. Talk about what you can offer the business and what kind of skills it can teach you. This will help your host organization develop a training plan that meets your needs.

Make sure you read the completed training plan and that both you and your host organization agree on its contents. Once you have reviewed and agreed to the plan online, you must electronically sign and date the “Trainee/Intern Signature” section. Your electronic signature is your acknowledgment that you understand and agree to the training plan.

Pro tip: Use this step-by-step guide to complete your portion of the online DS-7002.

As your sponsor, CIEE must ensure that your program meets certain regulations and guidelines. As such, we will carefully review your training plan as part of the application process. We are looking to easily understand what the host organization does and the nature of the experience it is offering you.

Things to consider:

  1. It is important that the training plan be detailed.
  2. Both you and CIEE should understand what you will be doing on a day-to-day basis.
  3. Know what skills you will be contributing to the company.
  4. Be aware of what the company is going to teach you.

If your host organization needs assistance completing the DS-7002, we are always happy to help. The organization can contact us at 1-888-268-6245 or contact@ciee.org.

Have questions about the application?

Contact your CIEE international representative for more information.