The DS-7002 is the Training/Internship Placement Plan — the document that defines a J-1 Trainee or Intern program's goals, phases, supervision, and evaluation. It is required under 22 CFR §62.22.

Who has to sign the DS-7002?

Three parties: the host company, the participant, and the designated sponsor. All three must sign before the DS-2019 can be issued.

Why is the DS-7002 so important?

It proves the program is genuine, structured training rather than ordinary employment. A vague or incomplete plan is a common cause of visa delays and compliance problems.

What makes a strong DS-7002?

Specific, measurable goals; clear phases with timelines and outcomes; language that describes learning rather than a routine job; and signatures from all three parties before the DS-2019 is issued.

Key Documents

Understanding the DS-7002: The Heart of Every J-1 Training Plan

USTrainee™·June 26, 2026·4 min read·1,302 views

The DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan — often called the T/IPP — is the blueprint of every J-1 Trainee and Intern program, spelling out what you will learn, how you will be supervised, and how your progress will be measured. Required under 22 CFR §62.22, it must be completed and signed by three separate parties before the DS-2019 can be issued. More than any other document, the DS-7002 is what distinguishes a genuine training program from ordinary employment, and a well-written plan is one of the strongest predictors of a smooth visa process.

What the DS-7002 Is

The DS-7002 describes the purpose, content, and structure of a J-1 training program in concrete terms. Its central job is to demonstrate that the experience is designed to teach — to build skills and cross-cultural understanding — rather than simply to fill a role. Because the stakes are shared among everyone involved, the form must be completed and signed by three parties before the DS-2019 can be issued: the host company, which provides the structured training environment and day-to-day supervision; the participant, who must read and genuinely understand the objectives they are agreeing to; and the designated sponsor, which reviews the plan and verifies that it satisfies every Department of State regulation.

What Information the Plan Contains

The DS-7002 is organized into several sections, each of which paints part of the picture of the program as a whole.

Participant and site information

This section captures the basics: the host company, the physical training location, the name of the supervisor, and the program's start and end dates. It establishes exactly where and under whom the training will take place.

Training goals and objectives

Here the plan states clearly what the participant will learn and how those skills will contribute to their professional development. A strong objective is specific rather than generic — for example, "to gain an understanding of U.S. client-communication and project-coordination methods in a business-services setting" tells a reviewer far more than "to learn about business."

Phases of training

Every program is divided into phases, and each phase describes its duration, the specific projects or activities involved, the skills and knowledge to be developed, and how supervision and evaluation will happen. For instance, Phase 1 (months 1–3) might introduce the company's workflow and software tools, while Phase 2 (months 4–6) moves the participant into active project management and client relations. This phased structure is what makes the learning progressive.

Supervision and oversight

This section names the direct supervisor and explains how the participant's progress will be monitored and evaluated over time, ensuring someone is always accountable for the quality of the experience.

Compensation and work hours

Finally, the plan indicates whether the program is paid or unpaid and confirms that the training is full-time — at least 32 hours per week, as regulation requires.

Why the DS-7002 Matters to Everyone Involved

Required under 22 CFR §62.22, the DS-7002 protects and benefits each party in a different way. For the host company, it provides a clear training structure aligned with Department of State standards, keeps the focus on education and supervision rather than routine work, and helps prevent compliance problems by documenting objectives and mentorship methods up front. For the participant, it defines exactly what will be learned, how, and under whose guidance, which protects against being handed unstructured or unrelated work and ensures growth is measurable. For the sponsor, it demonstrates regulatory compliance and serves as the primary tool for monitoring and evaluating whether the program is fulfilling its educational purpose.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Because the DS-7002 is reviewed closely, a few recurring mistakes are worth avoiding. Make sure the plan includes specific, measurable training goals rather than vague statements. Avoid language that reads like an ordinary job description, since that is one of the fastest ways to raise concerns during review. List each training phase with clear timelines and learning outcomes so the progression is obvious. And confirm that the form is fully signed by all three parties before the DS-2019 is issued. Incomplete or overly general plans are a common cause of visa-processing delays and can create compliance risk later, during program monitoring.

In Summary

The DS-7002 is far more than a government requirement — it is the shared agreement that keeps a J-1 program educational, supervised, and compliant from beginning to end. By defining expectations, responsibilities, and outcomes for the sponsor, the host company, and the participant alike, a carefully written plan ensures the program delivers on the J-1's original mission: to promote mutual understanding through training, education, and cultural exchange.

Sources & References

U.S. Department of State — BridgeUSA / J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (j1visa.state.gov)
22 CFR Part 62 — Exchange Visitor Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security — SEVIS (ice.gov/sevis)

This guide is provided by USTrainee (Summa Global Education), a U.S. Department of State–designated J-1 Exchange Visitor Program sponsor, for general information only. Program rules change; always confirm current requirements with the official sources above.