An internship in the USA can only go ahead with the right visa, even if it is unpaid. Clarifying entry and insurance early avoids the most common problems. This guide shows you the routes for students who want to keep costs in view.
Short answer: For an internship in the USA you generally need a visa, even if the placement is unpaid. Students usually use the J-1 visa as an intern, which runs through a recognised sponsor organisation or a university. With ESTA entry you are not allowed to work. Status: October 2026. Fees and deadlines are set by the US representation and change, so check them there.
The key points in brief
- An internship without a visa is generally not allowed in the USA, even if it is unpaid.
- The J-1 visa for interns requires that your sponsor enrols you in the programme and issues form DS-2019.
- An information sheet from a US university cites up to 12 months’ duration and at least 32 hours of work a week for full-time internships.
- Health insurance must meet the requirements of 22 CFR 62.14. Your sponsor checks this.
- Erasmus+ does not apply to the USA. You can finance the internship through BAföG, DAAD programmes or scholarships.
Which visa do you need for an internship?
Most students end up with the J-1 visa. It belongs to the exchange programme of the US government and allows work or training within an approved programme. Other visas, such as the one for tourists, are not sufficient for an activity. So before you book flights and accommodation, have your sponsor confirm that your programme is approved.
The key facts at a glance
| Point | What the information sheet says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | enrolled and in good academic standing | Information sheet “J-1 Student Intern”, University of Georgia |
| Duration | up to 12 months | ibid. |
| Working time | full-time, at least 32 hours a week | ibid. |
| Sponsor | university or organisation listed on form DS-2019 | ibid. |
| Health insurance | requirements under 22 CFR 62.14 | ibid. |
| Fees | not stated in the document | ask the sponsor and the US representation |
The details come from the information sheet of a single university. Your sponsor’s rules may differ, so the programme you are finally assigned to always governs.
How does the application process work?
- Ask your international office whether it has partners for internships in the USA, and then search for sponsors specifically.
- Apply for the placement and clarify whether the company supports your participation in the programme.
- Wait for form DS-2019, which your sponsor issues. Without this document, the visa application cannot go ahead.
- Apply for the visa at the US representation responsible for your place of residence, including booking an appointment and interview.
- Clarify insurance according to your sponsor’s requirements before you book flights and accommodation.
Health insurance: is the German card enough?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not apply in the USA. Your statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) generally does not cover treatment there either. That is why the visa requires suitable private travel health insurance (Auslandskrankenversicherung). Have your sponsor confirm in writing which cover is accepted. Medical treatment in the USA can be very expensive, so this point is not a minor detail. More on stays abroad and health insurance is in Health Insurance Abroad: What Applies to Long Stays.
What does the internship cost overall?
We do not state specific fees for the visa and the sponsor, because they change and vary by programme. Still, plan every item: visa fee, sponsor’s programme fee, insurance, flight, accommodation and living costs.
Assumption for rough planning: a 3-month internship, accommodation at 900 euros a month and living costs of 400 euros a month. Rent and living costs alone then add up to 3,900 euros, before flight, visa and insurance are added. Cities on the East Coast or in California often exceed these rents, so check actual prices at the internship location before you accept.
How do you fund the internship?
The Erasmus+ internship funding does not apply to the USA, because it only covers internships in participating programme countries. Other routes remain open.
| Funding route | Suitable if | Note |
|---|---|---|
| BAföG for training abroad | the internship is compulsory under the study regulations | The office for education grants decides under Section 5(2) BAföG |
| DAAD funding programmes | you plan a stay abroad as a student | Check calls and deadlines in the DAAD portal |
| Scholarships from your university or a foundation | your project matches the funding goal | Deadlines and application documents vary by provider |
Plan funding applications early, because they have fixed deadlines, and an application after departure often no longer helps. How BAföG is structured is also explained in BAföG 2026: Eligibility, Amount and Repayment Explained.
Frequently asked questions
May I work unpaid in the USA without a visa?
No. Unpaid activities also count as work if they are organised like a job. Without a suitable visa this is risky. Clarify your status in advance with the sponsor and the US representation.
Is an ESTA entry enough for a short internship?
No. ESTA is intended for trips such as tourism or business visits, not for an activity. An internship requires a visa that expressly permits the activity.
Can I get BAföG for the internship?
Yes, if the internship is compulsory and part of your training. Your office for education grants (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) decides whether the requirements are met. The legal basis is Section 5(2) BAföG.
How long may I stay in the USA?
According to the information sheet of the University of Georgia, up to 12 months. Your programme may be set shorter, so the document assigned to you is the one to read.
Do I need to take out separate health insurance abroad as well?
Your sponsor answers this question. Many programmes require proof of certain minimum benefits. Get the requirements in writing and compare them with the offer before you sign.
Related reading
- Internship During Studies: Pay, Duration and Rules
- Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
- Health Insurance Abroad: What Applies During Your Semester
- BAföG 2026: Eligibility, Amount and Repayment Explained
Sources: Information sheet “J-1 Student Intern”, University of Georgia (no date stated, retrieved October 2026); Section 5 BAföG, training abroad (Gesetze im Internet, retrieved October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
