Government J-1 Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan
Government J-1 visa sponsorship jobs in Michigan span federal agencies, state departments, and public universities across Lansing, Detroit, and Ann Arbor. Employers including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, University of Michigan, and federal offices host J-1 exchange visitors in research, public administration, and policy roles. Competition is selective and sponsorship requires an approved exchange program designation.
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The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer. MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026 Fall Semester (September 2026 - December 2026).
Note: There are multiple internships located at the Michigan Department Corrections. In order to be considered, applicants must apply to the correct internship job posting. This job posting is specifically for applicants interested in doing an internship for the MDOC Offender Success (OS) Administration. The mission of the Michigan Department of Corrections is to create a safer Michigan by holding offenders accountable while promoting their success. The Offender Success (OS) Administration is housed within the MDOC’s Executive Office and has staff at various worksites throughout the state, including the community, prison, and central office. Staff members include educators, school staff, institutional parole agents, specialists, and analysts who oversee various programs within the prisons and contracted services in the community. The goal of this diverse group of professionals is to foster change and success for those in prison, as well as those on parole or probation. This internship will help the student develop competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and motivation) needed for a career with the Michigan Department of Corrections through daily interaction with staff, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.
The Intern Responsibilities May Include The Following
- Review policy and procedures for the Michigan Department of Corrections
- Attend and assist in facilitating OS events
- Assist in the development of reports
- Assist OS staff in developing and facilitating job readiness and other support programs
- Track job placement and employment retention outcomes
- Provide research assistance and data collection on reentry programs, policies and practices
- Collaborate with contracted reentry service providers, other law enforcement representatives and community organizations
- Assist in administering risk assessments and developing case plans
- Identify and refer parolees to local community resources
- Participate in special assignments as directed by the Manager and/or OS Designee
- Work on quality assurance measures
- Complete data collection and analysis
- Create PowerPoint presentations or surveys
- Research information to recommend solutions
Required Education And Experience
Applicants applying for the OS Administration internship opportunity:
- Must be enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work, social work administration, education psychology, family relations, human services, or theology or a related field approved by the OS Administration
- Must have good written and verbal communication skills
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Must pass a LEIN background check
- Must pass a fingerprinting screen, through the source designated by the Department
- Must pass pre-employment drug screening
Additional Requirements And Information
Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and a copy of your current college transcripts (official or unofficial). Your cover letter must include your response to the following questions:
- What qualities or attributes would you bring to the State of Michigan?
- What are your career interests, goals and plans? Please be specific.
- What do you expect to gain from this internship experience?
Failure to include all attachments will result in your application being screened out.
If offered an internship, applicants will be required to complete the program fingerprint screen, drug testing, and a LEIN (background check).
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Job Description
The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer. MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026 Fall Semester (September 2026 - December 2026).
Note: There are multiple internships located at the Michigan Department Corrections. In order to be considered, applicants must apply to the correct internship job posting. This job posting is specifically for applicants interested in doing an internship for the MDOC Offender Success (OS) Administration. The mission of the Michigan Department of Corrections is to create a safer Michigan by holding offenders accountable while promoting their success. The Offender Success (OS) Administration is housed within the MDOC’s Executive Office and has staff at various worksites throughout the state, including the community, prison, and central office. Staff members include educators, school staff, institutional parole agents, specialists, and analysts who oversee various programs within the prisons and contracted services in the community. The goal of this diverse group of professionals is to foster change and success for those in prison, as well as those on parole or probation. This internship will help the student develop competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and motivation) needed for a career with the Michigan Department of Corrections through daily interaction with staff, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.
The Intern Responsibilities May Include The Following
- Review policy and procedures for the Michigan Department of Corrections
- Attend and assist in facilitating OS events
- Assist in the development of reports
- Assist OS staff in developing and facilitating job readiness and other support programs
- Track job placement and employment retention outcomes
- Provide research assistance and data collection on reentry programs, policies and practices
- Collaborate with contracted reentry service providers, other law enforcement representatives and community organizations
- Assist in administering risk assessments and developing case plans
- Identify and refer parolees to local community resources
- Participate in special assignments as directed by the Manager and/or OS Designee
- Work on quality assurance measures
- Complete data collection and analysis
- Create PowerPoint presentations or surveys
- Research information to recommend solutions
Required Education And Experience
Applicants applying for the OS Administration internship opportunity:
- Must be enrolled in a college or university pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work, social work administration, education psychology, family relations, human services, or theology or a related field approved by the OS Administration
- Must have good written and verbal communication skills
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Must pass a LEIN background check
- Must pass a fingerprinting screen, through the source designated by the Department
- Must pass pre-employment drug screening
Additional Requirements And Information
Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and a copy of your current college transcripts (official or unofficial). Your cover letter must include your response to the following questions:
- What qualities or attributes would you bring to the State of Michigan?
- What are your career interests, goals and plans? Please be specific.
- What do you expect to gain from this internship experience?
Failure to include all attachments will result in your application being screened out.
If offered an internship, applicants will be required to complete the program fingerprint screen, drug testing, and a LEIN (background check).
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Government Job Roles in Michigan
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Search Government Jobs in MichiganGovernment Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Michigan sponsor J-1 visas?
Michigan's public universities are among the most active J-1 visa sponsors, with the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University hosting exchange visitors in research and academic roles. Federal agencies with Michigan offices, including USDA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, also participate. State agencies occasionally sponsor J-1 holders through designated exchange programs, though capacity varies by department and program year.
Which cities in Michigan have the most government J-1 sponsorship jobs?
Ann Arbor and East Lansing generate the highest concentration of government J-1 opportunities in Michigan, driven by the University of Michigan and Michigan State University respectively. Lansing, as the state capital, hosts state agency roles. Detroit has federal offices and Wayne State University contributing additional openings. Smaller research institutions in Kalamazoo and Flint occasionally post government-affiliated J-1 positions as well.
What types of government roles typically qualify for J-1 sponsorship in Michigan?
J-1 sponsorship in Michigan's government sector most commonly covers research scholar, professor, and specialist categories. Qualifying roles include public health researchers at state universities, policy analysts embedded in academic-government partnerships, and visiting scientists at federally funded laboratories. Administrative or clerical government positions rarely qualify. The role must align with an approved exchange program's educational or research objectives to be eligible for J-1 sponsorship.
How do I find government J-1 sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by visa type and state, making it straightforward to identify Michigan government employers with active J-1 sponsorship history. Search by the Government and Public Sector category and filter for Michigan to surface relevant openings at state agencies, public universities, and federal offices. Reviewing employer LCA filing records on Migrate Mate helps confirm which organizations have sponsored J-1 exchange visitors in comparable roles previously.
Are there state-specific considerations for J-1 sponsorship in Michigan's government sector?
Michigan government J-1 sponsorship is heavily tied to its major public research universities, which hold their own Responsible Officer designations and manage sponsorship independently. State agency sponsorship outside universities is less common and typically requires a formal partnership with a designated exchange program sponsor. Roles at federally funded research facilities in Michigan, such as those connected to USDA or Department of Energy programs, follow federal exchange program guidelines rather than state-level processes.