For Incoming Interns

Finding an Internship in the U.S.

IAESTE works with more than 80 member nations to place technical students in internship positions within the United States and around the world. If you live outside the United States and would like to become a part of IAESTE, visit the IAESTE Asbl Web site and contact your home country IAESTE committee.

Visa Sponsorship

If you are a foreign national and have found an internship with an employer in the United States, congratulations!  Visit our Visa Authorization Service page for information on the next steps to take.

What To Expect While You Are Here

If you have been accepted for an internship in the United States through IAESTE, we hope you enjoy your time in the United States! We have provided the resources below to help you acclimate to life here.

Initial Evaluation

As soon as you arrive to the United States, you must initialize your program in the US governmental system by emailing your date of arrival to the US, your US residential address and your phone number to inbound@aipt.org.  Within ten days of arrival, interns are required to complete an initial evaluation, which can be found on our Downloads Page.

Social Security

Since you are training in the United States on a J-1 visa with IAESTE, this means that you are being paid and MUST have a Social Security number. There are often delays in receiving a Social Security Card. For this reason, interns should prepare to come to the United States with enough money to last 4-6 weeks.

Once you arrive in the United States:

  1. Contact IAESTE United States within 10 days of your arrival. We want to know your arrival date, U.S. address, and phone number. This information is used to VALIDATE your program with Immigration and Social Security. If you are not validated, you will not receive a Social Security card.
  2. Locate your local Social Security office. Some smaller towns do not have a local office; therefore, a planned trip to a larger city may be required. You can locate your nearest office at www.ssa.gov, the Social Security Administration Web site.
  3. Complete the SS-5 application form. It can be found at www.ssa.gov.
  4. Visit the local Social Security office. You must have: SS-5 application form, DS2019, I-94 card, visa, passport, and current address in the U.S. The Social Security officer should give you a receipt stating that you have applied. This can be used to assist your employer in adding you to the payroll without a Social Security number.

A Social Security card can take several weeks to obtain. However, once you have applied for the Social Security card, you can legally be paid by your employer. Your employer can create a fake Social Security number that can be replaced when your real number arrives. Your employer can also withhold the taxes in an account and then administer the money once the number has arrived. If the employer insists on having your actual Social Security number before you can get paid, contact the IAESTE National Office at iaeste@aipt.org.

Traveling Outside the U.S.

If you are planning a trip outside the U.S. during your program, please be aware of a few travel regulations:

  • Check your passport to make sure you have multiple entrances on your visa. There is a category marked "entries" on your J-1 visa. It should have an "M" marked in it. If there is a "1" instead of an "M" you can not travel outside the U.S. without applying for a new visa.
  • You need a travel validation signature from IAESTE United States. Please send the original DS-2019 form to IAESTE for a signature. It does not take long and the signature is valid for one year. Use the Travel Validation form to send in your documents. You need to send it via courier and include the $30 service fee. Since this is your immigration document, you should track it. This form can be found on our Downloads Page.
  • You can not be away from your training program for more that 30 consecutive days. If you think you will be away more than 30 days, please advise us.

Taxes

Students who intern in the United States through IAESTE pay income tax just like any other American worker. The U.S. tax year ends on April 15 and all J-1 visa holders have a legal obligation to file U.S. tax returns for each year they have worked in the country. But, did you know that most participants are entitled to a Federal and State income tax refund? Some trainees can receive over $850!

You can choose to file your taxes yourself or use a tax service to help. The process of completing U.S. tax forms can be confusing, so here are a couple options to help you and below you will find resources to use as you proceed.

  1. If you choose to file your taxes yourself, you will need to go to www.irs.gov and download either form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ. 1040NR is considered the long-form for non-residents. Generally, it is used by non-residents who have U.S. property and businesses to add to their tax filing. 1040NR-EZ is used by most non-residents. It is a shorter form.
  2. AIPT strongly suggests you contact a tax specialist since the process can sometimes be complicated and confusing, especially if English is not your first language. It is also important to locate a tax professional who is knowledgeable with non-resident tax matters. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to have the following information handy:
    • Your W-2 Form
    • I-94 Form
    • Passport
    • DS-2019 Form
    • Social Security Number
    • Current U.S. Address
    • Permanent Address
    • Address of Visa Sponsor: AIPT
      10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 250
      Columbia, MD 21044-3519

Preferred tax specialist:
Tax Back International specializes in tax returns for visa holders. Tax Back International will deduct a fee from your refund. If you are not eligible for a refund, you pay nothing.  You can also contact info@taxback.com stating that you are an AIPT/IAESTE intern with specific questions.

Your Departure

We hope that you have fully enjoyed your stay in the US!  Prior to the end of your program, the US Department of State mandates that you and your supervisor complete a final evaluation.  Please complete this form and return it to inbound@aipt.org. This form can be found on our Downloads Page.

J-1 visa holders are welcomed to remain in the US for 30 days following the end of their training program to enjoy tourism and to finalize your exit from the US.  There are no forms or notifications required in order to take advantage of this cultural component of your program.  Enjoy!

We always love to hear about your experience!  Please send us pictures or write about your time in the US when you have a moment to reflect.

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