J-1 Visa AI ML Intern Jobs
AI ML Intern positions in the U.S. typically fall under the J-1 visa Intern category, designed for degree-seeking students or recent graduates pursuing structured training in a field matching their coursework. A State Department-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and provides sponsorship, while your host employer runs the day-to-day internship program.
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Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.
As part of the Systems Planning and Architecture (SPARC) group, you will contribute to research and exploration in advanced machine learning (ML) systems, focusing on the numeric, data types, and compute technologies that drive the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads at Azure scale. You will collaborate across Azure teams to investigate cutting-edge approaches in model efficiency ranging from low-precision formats, quantization strategies, and ML kernel development, to benchmarking and analyzing emerging model architecture and hardware capabilities.
As a Research Intern, you will be at the forefront of innovation in cloud-scale AI, helping shape how Microsoft designs and deploys efficient and performant ML infrastructure. Your work will directly inform decisions around compute platforms, acceleration strategies, and system-level optimizations that influence internal silicon efforts, software runtimes, and partnerships across the industry.
You will play a critical role in evaluating, prototyping, and analyzing new algorithmic and numerical techniques that improve the performance, cost, and efficiency of training and inference for large-scale models. This Research Internship offers opportunities to develop expertise in ML systems, emerging data types, kernel optimization, and performance modeling while gaining hands-on experience with the latest Azure AI and hardware technologies.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a master’s, or PhD program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
- Completed at least 2 academic courses or projects involving machine learning systems.
- At least 3 years of experience programming in Python, C++, or a similar systems-oriented language through work, projects, or research.
Other Requirements
- Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
- In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrable Contribution to open-source ML framework or ML systems software.
- Deep and strong understanding of transformer-based model architectures, including attention mechanisms, KV cache behavior, and common training and inference bottlenecks.
- Experience with modern ML frameworks and runtimes such as PyTorch, Hugging Face Transformers, SGLang, vLLM, or TensorRT-LLM.
- Experience with GPU or accelerator programming using CUDA, Triton, or similar tools, and familiarity with profiling and performance analysis.
- Familiarity with benchmarking and performance profiling tools for ML workloads.
- Working knowledge of low-precision numeric, quantization methods, or hardware–software co-design considerations for large-scale model efficiency is a plus.
- Coursework, research, or project experience in areas such as ML systems, model optimization, kernel development, or numerical computing.
- Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in ML systems and computational performance.
Compensation
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,610 - $11,010 per month.
There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $7,270 - $12,030 per month.
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 per month.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process.
Overview
Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.
As part of the Systems Planning and Architecture (SPARC) group, you will contribute to research and exploration in advanced machine learning (ML) systems, focusing on the numeric, data types, and compute technologies that drive the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads at Azure scale. You will collaborate across Azure teams to investigate cutting-edge approaches in model efficiency ranging from low-precision formats, quantization strategies, and ML kernel development, to benchmarking and analyzing emerging model architecture and hardware capabilities.
As a Research Intern, you will be at the forefront of innovation in cloud-scale AI, helping shape how Microsoft designs and deploys efficient and performant ML infrastructure. Your work will directly inform decisions around compute platforms, acceleration strategies, and system-level optimizations that influence internal silicon efforts, software runtimes, and partnerships across the industry.
You will play a critical role in evaluating, prototyping, and analyzing new algorithmic and numerical techniques that improve the performance, cost, and efficiency of training and inference for large-scale models. This Research Internship offers opportunities to develop expertise in ML systems, emerging data types, kernel optimization, and performance modeling while gaining hands-on experience with the latest Azure AI and hardware technologies.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a master’s, or PhD program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
- Completed at least 2 academic courses or projects involving machine learning systems.
- At least 3 years of experience programming in Python, C++, or a similar systems-oriented language through work, projects, or research.
Other Requirements
- Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
- In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrable Contribution to open-source ML framework or ML systems software.
- Deep and strong understanding of transformer-based model architectures, including attention mechanisms, KV cache behavior, and common training and inference bottlenecks.
- Experience with modern ML frameworks and runtimes such as PyTorch, Hugging Face Transformers, SGLang, vLLM, or TensorRT-LLM.
- Experience with GPU or accelerator programming using CUDA, Triton, or similar tools, and familiarity with profiling and performance analysis.
- Familiarity with benchmarking and performance profiling tools for ML workloads.
- Working knowledge of low-precision numeric, quantization methods, or hardware–software co-design considerations for large-scale model efficiency is a plus.
- Coursework, research, or project experience in areas such as ML systems, model optimization, kernel development, or numerical computing.
- Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in ML systems and computational performance.
Compensation
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,610 - $11,010 per month.
There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $7,270 - $12,030 per month.
- The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 per month.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process.
See all 62+ J-1 Visa AI ML Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa AI ML Intern Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an AI ML Intern
Align your transcript to your training plan
Your DS-2019 training plan must show a direct connection between your current coursework, such as machine learning or data engineering courses, and the internship tasks. Mismatches between your declared major and the role are a common reason designated sponsors reject applications.
Verify your O*NET classification before applying
Look up the AI ML Intern role on O*NET and confirm the Standard Occupational Classification code. Designated sponsors use this code to validate your training plan, and a wrong code can stall DS-2019 issuance even after a host employer signs off.
Target host employers with existing sponsor relationships
Some U.S. tech companies already have working relationships with designated sponsors like Cultural Vistas or CIEE, which shortens the DS-2019 timeline. Use Migrate Mate to find AI and machine learning roles at employers that have J-1 hosting history.
Confirm the 2-year home residency requirement early
If your home country appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, your J-1 may carry a 2-year home residency requirement before you can change to H-1B visa or green card status. Check this before accepting an offer, not after, since it affects your long-term U.S. career plans.
Ask your host employer to confirm SEVIS fee payment
You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview, but your host employer sometimes covers it as part of the internship package. Clarify this during the offer stage to avoid paying out-of-pocket for a cost the company may have budgeted.
Negotiate program start dates around DS-2019 processing
Designated sponsors typically need two to four weeks to issue a DS-2019 after receiving a complete training plan from the host employer. Build this window into your offer negotiation so your program start date doesn't slip due to paperwork timing.
AI ML Intern J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to an AI ML Intern role?
Current students and recent graduates pursuing structured AI or machine learning training typically qualify under the J-1 Intern category. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in, or have graduated from within the past 12 months from, a post-secondary academic program outside the U.S. The internship must directly relate to your field of study, so a computer science or data science background is the usual qualifying credential.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for an AI ML internship?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or IIE, not your host employer. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form, monitors program compliance, and acts as your official point of contact with the State Department. Your host employer runs the internship itself but is not the legal sponsor of your visa.
Does the J-1 Intern category allow me to work on live AI models or proprietary data?
Yes, but your training plan must describe those activities specifically. Designated sponsors review training plans carefully, and vague descriptions like 'assist with AI projects' are often sent back for revision. List the tools you'll use, the models you'll train, and the datasets you'll work with. The more technical detail in the plan, the faster the DS-2019 is typically approved.
How do I find U.S. employers that host J-1 interns in AI and machine learning?
Use Migrate Mate to search for AI ML Intern roles at U.S. employers with J-1 hosting history. Many tech companies list open internship positions but don't advertise their J-1 eligibility directly in job postings. Filtering by visa-friendly employers saves time and helps you target hosts that already understand the DS-2019 and training plan process.
Can I extend my J-1 AI ML internship beyond the initial program end date?
Extensions are possible but require your designated sponsor's approval before your current DS-2019 expires. The total J-1 Intern program, including any extensions, cannot exceed 12 months. Your host employer must submit a revised training plan justifying the extension, and the sponsor must issue an updated DS-2019. Requests submitted after the program end date cannot be approved retroactively.