Your Guide to Form DS-7002: What is the Training/Internship Placement Plan?

Form DS-7002 is a required J-1 visa document that outlines a structured training plan for J-1 Interns and Trainees. If you’re a host company welcoming a program participant or a foreign citizen coming to the U.S., you must ensure that you fully understand what Form DS-7002 includes and your respective internship or training responsibilities. 

As your partner and visa sponsor, AIFS Professional Pathways will gather position details during the sponsorship application process to then draft the DS-7002 for you. We will ensure that the DS-7002 is detailed and compliant, helping facilitate a smooth visa approval process and a successful program for all parties.

What is the DS-7002 Visa Form? 

Form DS-7002, also called the Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) or Official Training Plan, is an important U.S. Department of State document that outlines an Intern or Trainee’s program information in detail.

The purpose of Form DS-7002 Official Training Plan is to ensure that the international visitor will participate in a verified and structured training or internship program at an eligible U.S. business. The information outlined in the Official Training Plan must remain accurate, and the activities outlined must be followed throughout the duration of the program to ensure full program compliance. It is essential that the supervisor and participant are familiar with the document. 

What is Included in the DS-7002 Training Plan? 

The Official Training Plan outlines a number of key components that demonstrate the eligibility of the host, participant, and position, as well as the training commitments agreed to by both parties. The Form DS-7002 training plan includes the following: 

• Information about the host company (ex: address, EIN, staffing numbers) 
• Information about the participant (ex: contact information, summary of relevant academic or professional experience) 
• The program participant’s assigned supervisor and methods of supervision 
• The intended training program objective and goals 
• A description of the Intern or Trainee’s position activities, responsibilities, and role 
• What skills, methodologies, and knowledge will be learned through this position 
• Program phases demonstrating any rotations, project changes, or progressive activities 
• Hours per week (at least 32) 
• Compensation rates 
• Outlined tools for evaluating participants’ performance 
• Plans for exposure to American culture 

The form also includes several bullet points outlined by the U.S. Department of State to ensure that the participating individuals and companies agree to their mandated responsibilities and related federal regulations. 

The details provided on this form are entered into the Department of Homeland Security Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database as part of the Intern or Trainee’s federal record. 

When is Form DS-7002 Used? 

The completed and signed Training/Internship Placement Plan is required before we finalize visa sponsorship and issue Form DS-2019. For non-Canadian citizens, the U.S. consular office will review this document before issuing a J-1 visa to the intern or trainee.

If you are wondering, “Is the DS-7002 required for J-1 visas?” For the J-1 Intern and Trainee categories only, the answer is yes—host companies and foreign citizens who wish to participate in the J-1 Internship/Training Program must agree to and follow Form DS-7002. 

Who Completes Form DS-7002? 

The host company is responsible for providing most of the information required on the DS-7002 form. Fortunately, AIFS Professional Pathways makes this process easy. All you have to do is fill out the information in the Host Company Application. Once the application is submitted, we will compile the information effectively and generate Form DS-7002 on your behalf. Then, we will share this document with the host company and program participant who will review and sign. A certified official at AIFS Professional Pathways will also ensure accuracy and sign the Official Training Plan. This signifies that all parties agree on the accuracy and compliance of the upcoming program. 

How Long Does It Take to Process DS-7002? 

Processing time for Form DS-7002 can range from less than five days to several weeks, depending on a variety of factors: 

• How quickly your J-1 visa sponsor creates this document—based on their processing times, volume of applications, and the quality of the information provided to them during the application process. 
• How fast the host company and exchange visitor sign the document and return it to the sponsor. 
• Whether you opt for a standard or expedited processing time with the sponsor. 

At AIFS Professional Pathways, we pride ourselves on our efficient service. We’ll provide you with a simple online Host Company Application as soon as you’re ready to move forward. Once the holistic application is completed and evaluated for eligibility, we’ll process and print your form within a matter of days. When you choose AIFS Professional Pathways as your J-1 visa sponsor, you reduce wait times thanks to our fast service and can rest assured that your federal documents are completed accurately and with the goal of visa approval on top of mind. Plus, we even offer expedited service for time-sensitive cases. 

Can Form DS-7002 be Updated After Signing? 

Yes! If details outlined on the form change before the position begins or during the program, simply notify the sponsor in advance of the changes going into effect. This may include changes to salary, the company address, number of hours worked each week, or your supervisor. 

Sponsors will ensure that the changes are in compliance. They will update the Form DS-7002, obtain new signatures to ensure all parties agree to the changes, and will then update the SEVIS database accordingly. 

Any changes must be reflected in this federal form. Deviating from the information on the form without making updates is not compliant. 

AIFS Professional Pathways—Your Guide to Navigating Form DS-7002 

If your host company wants to welcome a J-1 Intern or Trainee, you must go through the process of completing the Official Training Plan, Form DS-7002. Completing and getting this federal document approved is an essential step in the J-1 Intern or Trainee program process, and it can feel both time consuming and ambiguous.  Luckily, the J-1 visa experts at AIFS Professional Pathways are here to help. Learn why so many exchange visitors and American host companies trust AIFS Professional Pathways as their J-1 visa sponsor. 

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