DS-7002 Training Plan: What It Is and Who Signs It
Table of Contents
What Is the DS-7002?
The Training/Internship Placement Plan. You, your host company and your sponsor all sign it.
Key Takeaways
- Your training plan, phase by phase.
- Signed by you, your host company and your sponsor.
- The consulate can ask to see it at your visa interview.
- Full name
- Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP)
- Signed by
- You, host company, sponsor
- Needed before
- DS-2019
- Visa interview
- Show it if asked
- Extension
- Needs a new DS-7002
What It Contains
Every plan states the goals of your program, the skills you will learn and how you will be supervised and evaluated, for each phase if there are several. These details distinguish genuine training from unskilled or casual labor, which is not allowed.
- Interns: your role in the company, the departments or functional areas you will work in if there are several, and the specific tasks you will do.
- Trainees: separate phases, each with its method and a timeline.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Who Signs It
You, your host company supervisor and your sponsor sign the plan. By signing, the host company confirms that the placement matches the objectives in your application and plan. The sponsor may only issue your DS-2019 after all signatures are in, and every signer gets an executed copy. If the consular officer asks, you show the signed plan at your visa interview.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Hours and Duties
Full-time participation of at least 32 hours a week is required. At least three departmental or functional rotations are required for hospitality and tourism programs lasting six months or longer.
Some kinds of work are excluded, such as unskilled labor, care work and duties with more than 20 percent clerical work, see Program Exclusions.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
FAQs
Who fills out the DS-7002?
Your sponsor has to fully complete it and collect all signatures. You, your host company supervisor and your sponsor sign it.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Do I need the DS-7002 at the visa interview?
Bring it. The consular officer can ask to see your fully signed plan.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
Can my training plan repeat my previous job?
No. The program has to build on your existing knowledge and skills and may not duplicate work experience or training you already had elsewhere.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
How often will I be evaluated?
Programs longer than six months need at least a midpoint and a final evaluation, shorter programs at least a final one. You and your immediate supervisor sign them before the program ends. See Evaluations.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
What if my training plan changes during the program?
Your host company has to tell your sponsor promptly about any changes or deviations. To extend your program within the maximum duration, you need a new, fully completed and signed DS-7002. See Program Extension.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.22: Trainees and interns
The Bottom Line
The DS-7002 is the training plan behind every J-1 internship and traineeship. You, your host company and your sponsor sign it before your DS-2019 can be issued, and an extension needs a new one.
Related Terms
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- Host CompanyThe US organization where a J-1 intern or trainee does the training program.more
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
- J-1 TraineeA US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.more
- Self-PlacedWhen you found your US host company yourself and then look for a J-1 sponsor.more
- Site VisitA sponsor's visit to a new host company with fewer than 25 employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue.more
