Things to Know Before Applying for a US Internship (H3) Visa
The US H3 internship visa is a type of visa granted to individuals who wish to do a temporary internship in the United States to improve their professional skills. The H3 visa does not grant the holder the right to be employed in the US, but it does provide the opportunity to receive training for a future job outside the United States.
Internship Programs in America
Under the US H3 visa program, foreign nationals can come to the US as interns or special education program visitors. Internship program participants have the right to do an internship in any field of study that is not available in their home country, except for postgraduate medical education or internship. The main sectors where internships can be done are agriculture, finance, transportation, trade, management and communication.
Special education program visitors are eligible to participate in a special education exchange program that provides hands-on experience in educating children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Applications for internship visas for participation in special education programs in the United States are subject to an annual quota. The United States government only allows 50 foreign nationals to be granted H3 special education visas each year.
Eligibility Status for USA H3 Visa Application
Eligibility for the US H3 visa is based on the criteria listed below.
- The applicant must receive an official invitation from an institution.
- The applicant must not be able to find the same internship program in his/her own country.
- The program must not include medical training.
- The applicant must intend to return to his/her home country after the internship program ends.
- The internship or training program must benefit the applicant’s career.
- The applicant must not have full-time employment in the United States other than the work anticipated in the internship program.
How to Get a USA Internship Visa?
The application process for an internship visa in the USA is initiated by the institution where the internship will be held in the USA. The institution that will sponsor the internship visa must apply to a USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) office with a petition for a non-immigrant work visa. To do this, the institution representative must fill out the I-129 form and apply with documents showing that the internship program conditions are met. After the I-129 form is approved, the original form is sent to the visa applicant.
The visa applicant who receives the I-129 form must complete the DS-160 visa application form online at ceac.state.gov and print the confirmation page. In the travel information section of the DS-160 form, “Temporary Worker- H”, “Trainee- H3” should be selected respectively; the application number written on the I-129 form should be entered in the Application Receipt/Petition Number field.
The screenshot of the DS-160 form for the internship visa is given below.
After completing the form, the application fee payment and visa appointment procedures must be completed in order at usvisa-info.com. On the appointment date, the application documents prepared are delivered to the visa unit of the US foreign mission , a digital fingerprint record is provided and an interview is held with a consular officer. At the end of the interview, the applicant is informed whether the internship visa application is approved or not.
What are the Required Documents for the US Internship Visa?
In addition to standard US visa documents, the original US I-129 form received from the institution where the internship will be held must be submitted for US internship visa applications. For the US H3 visa, additional documents are also requested to evaluate the person’s educational status, return to Turkey upon completion of the internship program, and financial adequacy.
The comprehensive and explanatory H3 visa document list can be viewed by making the relevant selections on the US visa documents page.
How Much Is the US Internship Visa Application Fee?
The US internship visa application fee is $190. Application fees must be paid prior to scheduling a visa appointment at usvisa-info.com.
The institution where the internship will take place is responsible for the fees to be paid in the steps of the H3 visa that must be completed in the United States; the $460 application fee for obtaining Form I-129 must be paid by the institution where the internship will take place.
How to Get a US Visa Appointment for an Internship Visa?
An appointment for an internship visa to the USA is made at usvisa-info.com by entering the receipt number on the I-129 form after paying the application fee; it is possible to make an online appointment at the US Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul.
As of 2024, for H3 visa applications, an average of 80 days must be waited for an appointment at the Ankara Embassy and 215 days must be waited for an appointment at the Istanbul Consulate General.
How Long Is a US Internship Visa Granted For?
The US internship visa is given for 2 years. After 2 years, the intern must return to his/her country. The H3 visa for those participating in special education programs is valid for 18 months.
Unlike other H-type visas, the H-3 visa cannot be extended. After the visa expires, applicants cannot extend their stay in the US; however, H-3 visa holders can apply to change status. For those participating in the internship program, if there is a job that requires an H-1B, H-2A or H-2B visa, the employer must petition USCIS for a change of US visa .
Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions about internships in the USA and the H3 visa are answered below.
Can I Work While Interning in the USA?
It is not possible to work while you are doing your internship in the USA with an H3 visa; you are only allowed to work within the scope of the internship program and you cannot be officially employed with an employment contract.
If you want to work in the United States, you must have a visa that allows you to work in the United States, such as an H-1B visa, H-2A visa, or H-2B visa.
Are Family Members of a US Internship Visa Holder Granted Visas?
Visas may be issued to the spouse and children under the age of 21 of a US internship visa holder.
H-4 visas are issued to families of H-3 visa holders; the H4 visa allows family members to attend academic training but does not allow them to work.
What are the Reasons for US Internship Visa Rejection?
Your US internship visa applications may be rejected for the reasons given below.
- The internship institution does not submit an application on time.
- The internship program is general and not systematic.
- The applicant will be employed in the United States
- The institution does not have sufficient capacity for the applicant’s internship.
After your internship visa application is rejected, you do not have the opportunity to appeal the US visa rejection ; in case of rejection, you can re-apply for a visa by eliminating the reasons for the rejection.