J-1 Visa programs allow international citizens to work, train, and travel legally in the United States . J-1 Visa students, trainees, interns, and seasonal staff work and earn money, while experiencing daily life in the United States . J-1 Visa programs allow U.S. businesses to hire seasonal staff, international interns, summer camp counselors, and support staff to fill seasonal and international trainee positions. Au pair programs also are included in the J-1 Visa program. They allow U.S. families to host an au pair in their home who, in turn, provides childcare for the host family's children. Whether you have already found a person you'd like to hire, have already found an employer you would like to work for, or need to be matched with someone from our network, IAS can help you.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa General Information:

The United States government issues J-1 Visas to individuals who take part in a wide range of exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, businesses, and a variety of organizations and institutions. These programs are envisioned for business and industrial trainees, scholars, students, international visitors, teachers, research assistants and those on cultural missions. In addition, there are several exchange visitor programs for young people, including summer employment programs, internship programs for university students and au-pair programs.

You meet the criteria for a J1 Exchange Visitor Visa if you are coming to the United States as a student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, medical graduate or international visitor who is participating in a program of studies, training research or cultural enrichment specifically designed for such individuals by the United States Department of State, through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

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Activities covered by J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa programs include:

•	Au-pair and nanny
•	Summer camp counselors and staff
•	Post-graduate students
•	Government visitors
•	Medical students coming to the United States as residents or interns
•	Foreign scholars sponsored by universities as temporary faculty
•	Business and Industrial trainees
•	Anyone who takes part in a exchange program approved by the U.S. Department of State

Winter, Spring and Summer Jobs Available on J-1 Visas

Work & Travel USA provides international university students the chance to work at entry-level, seasonal jobs in the United States for up to 4 months on a J-1 Visa. International students are entitled to work, earn money, and travel at the end of their assignment. By working at a winter, spring or summer job, international students have the chance to experience life in the U.S. as more than just a tourist, and to share traditions and cultures with U.S. citizens and other staff members.

•	Between the ages of 18 and 28
•	Full-time students at a tertiary level of education
•	Able to attend an orientation and interview session in your home country
•	Flexible, open-minded, and hardworking

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•	Acts as your sponsor and issues a DS-2019 form, enabling you to apply for a J-1 Visa.
•	Offers a Full-Service Job Placement program that guarantees you a seasonal job placement and a J-1 Visa Sponsorship Self-Arranged program if you already have found a seasonal job your own.
•	Provides pre-arranged, affordable housing for most placements.
•	Includes an information and orientation session on living and working in the United States , and full support during your entire time in the program.
•	Access to discounted medical and accident insurance.
•	Pre-arrival and in-country assistance, including 24-hour emergency support, should any issues arise during the program.

The Work & Travel USA program can be a great way to discover the United States while working to earn money during your stay.  You'll live and work alongside other participants from around the world, as well as American citizens as eager to learn about your culture as you are to learn about theirs.

Type of J-1 Visa Jobs

Most J-1 Visa jobs are basic, entry-level positions throughout the United States , typically in seasonal or resort areas.  Types of positions vary and while we try to honor your requests, you should remain flexible in accepting a position. J-1 Visa Jobs can include:

Cleaning guest rooms, doing laundry, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, making beds, mopping floors, taking out the garbage

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Dishwashing, cutting food, cleaning the kitchen area, assisting the cook, making salads, mopping floors, taking out the garbage

Light repair jobs, mowing lawns, moving furniture, cleaning pools, mopping floors, taking out the garbage

Selling and preparing fast food (candy, hot dogs, french fries), using a cash register, helping customers, mopping floors, taking out the garbage, cleaning

Selling fast food, operating games or rides, cleaning the park

What is the J-1 visa for training?

One of the 13 categories of J-1 visa is the "trainee" category. This cultural exchange visa is used to allow foreign students and professionals to train with a U.S.-based host organization for up to 18 months. The J-1 visa is used to encourage both public and private exchanges for the purpose of developing links between cultures and expanding international business skills.

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What is the J-1 visa for internships?

There are 14 categories of the J-1 visa, and intern is one of them. This cultural exchange visa is used to allow foreign students and recent graduates to train with a U.S.-based host organization for up to 12 months. You must be EITHER currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree or certificate granting post-secondary academic institution OR graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to your internship program start date.

What is on-the-job training?

The labor market in the United States is very different from those of other nations. On-the-job training should not be compared to the “apprenticeship” that is practiced in many nations. Instead, on-the-job training is a less-structured approach to developing job skills and knowledge, one that puts the responsibility of learning on the individual. The focus of on-the-job training is "learning-by-doing." It is important for international participants to understand this difference, because it requires the participant to be an equal partner in the learning process. It might be useful to consider that the host employer provides the "classroom," the training plan, and the tools for learning that put the participant in the position to learn about a specific activity or industry. However, it is left up to the participant to be the proactive learner.

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What is the J-1 visa for summer work/travel?

Another one of the J-1 visa categories is the summer work travel category.  This category enables university-level students who are enrolled full-time in classes and will be returing to class full-time to come to the United States during their summer break to work and travel in the United States for up to four (4) months.

What is the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) document or I797-B Notice?

DS2019 is a legal document, which is issued by designated J1 sponsor as a designated sponsor of the J-1 visa under the authority of the U.S. Department of State. The Certificate of Eligibility is the document that entitles and authorizes the exchange visitor participant to be at a workplace in the United States for on-the-job practical training, and to receive training wages for such activity. The Certificate of Eligibility is null and void if the exchange visitor does not obtain a J-1 visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for entry to the United States and authorized non-immigrant status while in the United States . The application for the J-1 visa itself can only be made once the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued, and application must be made through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas (preferably in the applicant's home country). Form I797-B also known as Approval Notice is issued by USCIS after evaluating the petition filed by the sponsor and employer. This form will have the name of the participant, work authorization period and name of the sponsor/employer.

Why is it necessary for applicants to register with IAS partner organizations?

Our partner organizations provide our international applicants with additional services. These services include: assistance with the visa process, in-country representation of IAS to verify student status of applicants and confirm student credentials and identity. These partners also provide us with work permits and assistance for our American participants, as part of our reciprocal exchanges. Therefore, it is important for international applicants to register with these counterparts when appropriate.

Can applicants change status form one visa to another?

In case of H3, H2B, H1B, and Q-1 visas, it is often allowed to change status from one category to another while reaming in the USA . Official approval solely lies on the discretion of USCIS. In case of  J-1 visa, since it is a non-immigrant visa which means that applicants must show ties to the home country.  If an applicant is in the U.S. , IAS requires applicants to return to the home country for at least ninety (90) days for every year or partial year that he/she has been in the U.S. During this time, the applicant should either work or attend classes related to the proposed training.

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Sponsors help ensure that your training experience not only matches your education but that it also complies with U.S. Department of State regulations. Sponsors check whether you are qualified for training under the J-1 Visa, monitor your training, and provide you with important orientation materials about your host company, and the sponsor. IAS works with organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsors and is authorized to issue and send to you the form DS-2019. You need this form in order to obtain the J-1 Trainee Visa, which allows you to be a trainee in the United States .

The normal processing time at IAS for J-1 Visa sponsorship applications is three to four weeks. However, the entire application process may take up to four months, depending on how quickly you provide IAS with all necessary application materials and information. When you have secured IAS sponsorship, you need to apply for the J-1 Visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. This process may take anywhere from one day to ten or more weeks, depending on the specific consulate or embassy where you apply. We recommend you submit to IAS your application for J-1 Visa sponsorship well in advance of the desired start date of your training program to avoid possible delays. Please remember that securing sponsorship for the J-1 Visa does not guarantee that you will actually be granted the J-1 Visa by a U.S. consulate or embassy.

On February 15, 2003, the Department of State introduced the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) in an effort to improve the tracking of J and F Visa holders during their stay in the U.S. When IAS approves sponsorship for you, we will issue the DS-2019 Form by registering you on SEVIS. When you submit your J-1 Visa application to a U.S. consulate or embassy, the consular officer handling your application will have access to the data that IAS entered into SEVIS. Whenever there is a change in your U.S. contact information or in your program or visa status (e.g. when IAS approves a program extension or when you finish your program early), IAS updates your SEVIS record. If you are terminated from the J-1 Program, your SEVIS record will reflect this and have a negative impact on future visa applications. To maintain your legal visa status and SEVIS record, it is very important that you inform IAS of any changes.

In which subject fields does IAS sponsor trainees on the J-1 Visa Program?

IAS sponsors trainees on the J-1 Visa Program in the fields of management, business, commerce and finance for both graduate and undergraduate students. Eventually, IAS will also sponsor students in the fields of information technology, media, communications, the sciences, engineering, architecture, mathematics, industrial occupations, public administration or law.

To be eligible for IAS Sponsorship of the J-1 Trainee Visa, you need to:

•	Have completed the application form and submitted all the required information.
•	Have been admitted into the program.
•	Have at least two years of education, training, or work experience in a field directly related to the proposed training.
•	Know English well enough to perform successfully in the proposed on-the-job training position.
•	Plan to leave the U.S. within 30 days after the completion of your training program.
•	Submit proof of health insurance.
•	Have not held the J-1 Visa in the Trainee category before.
•	Not perform work that a part-time or full-time staff member of the company would otherwise be responsible for. As a J-1 Trainee you are not allowed to make final decisions about, or carry the full responsibility for, major tasks, assignments or projects. However, you may provide assistance in such matters since on-the-job training is encouraged as an important learning tool.

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You can obtain the J-1 Visa (or any other visa) only at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the U.S. If you have secured sponsorship for the J-1 Visa but are unable or unwilling to apply for your visa in your home country, you may be able to do so in another (third) country. For example, if you are already in the U.S. , you may apply for the J-1 Visa at a U.S. consulate in Canada . However, IAS discourages visa applications in third countries since your chances of obtaining the J-1 Visa can be considerably lower (and consular policy on such applications may change without notification). We encourage all exchange visitors to apply for the J-1 Visa in their home country.

Your spouse and/or children may be able to obtain the J-2 Visa to accompany you to the U.S. or join you later. Each dependant (spouse and/or unmarried child under the age of 21) wishing to enter the U.S. with you must apply for IAS sponsorship of the J-2 Visa at the same time you are submitting your application for IAS sponsorship of the J-1 Visa. If a dependant wishes to join you in the U.S. later, they need to apply for the IAS sponsorship separately. You and your dependants must bring sufficient funds to cover all living expenses in the U.S. , pay for round-trip air travel, and purchase adequate health insurance, both for yourself and your spouse and/or children. The IAS -sponsored dependants on the J-2 Visa are not allowed to accept any employment while in the U.S. (unless under exceptional circumstances). Please note that securing sponsorship for a J-1 or J-2 Visa does not guarantee that you or your dependants will actually be granted the J-1 or J-2 Visa by a U.S. embassy or consulate.

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Unfortunately IAS does not grant extensions on the J-1 Visa training program. After you have successfully completed your program, you are permitted to remain in the U.S. for another 30 days. During this 30-day "Grace Period," you are no longer in J-1 Visa status and therefore, you cannot continue training. The Grace Period allows you to visit friends or finish shopping and packing before you return to your country.

According to the Department of State you may be a J-1 Trainee on the Exchange Visitor Program only once in your life. However, you might qualify for other student visas under other categories once accepted in U.S. School.

As your J-1 Visa sponsor, IAS acts as your advisor and liaison between you and your host company. You are required to notify us immediately if you encounter any problems during your training program.

No. As a J-1 Trainee you are strictly prohibited from accepting any employment in the U.S outside your training program and/or performing any work in the U.S. If you are found to engage in unauthorized employment and/or work, you are in violation of federal regulations, subject to immediate termination from the J-1 Visa Program, and may face deportation and/or other penalties through the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS).

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All trainees and their dependants on the J-1 Visa must be covered by an insurance plan that satisfies the insurance requirements of the U.S. Department of State for the entire duration of the training program.

Some host companies provide their trainees with a monthly stipend that helps them pay for rent and other living expenses. However, regardless of whether your on-the-job training is paid or unpaid, it will be your responsibility to have sufficient funds to cover all living expenses in the U.S. , pay for round-trip air travel, and purchase adequate health insurance. When you apply for your visa, you will be required to show the U.S. consular officer that you have available personal funds at least in the amount stated in item 5.g. on the DS-2019 Form. If your expenses are covered by a third party, you will have to show a letter from the third party indicating that they are going to cover your expenses. (i.e: letter from a government institution, etc.).

After you have successfully completed your J-1 training program, you are permitted by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) to remain in the U.S. for another 30 days. During this 30-day period, which is often referred to as the "Grace Period," you are no longer in J-1 Visa status and are under the jurisdiction of the BCIS. The BCIS grants this period to allow you to settle your affairs and to prepare your return to your home country. You cannot work during this 30-day period. Although you may travel in the United States , we recommended that you do not travel beyond the borders of the U.S. as you may not be permitted re-entry with the same visa status. For your own safety we suggest your health insurance also covers this period.

Additional Information for International Applicants

International applicants who are not applying through a U.S. accredited institution must meet the same requirements as U.S. citizens , plus the following 7 additional requirements:

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Submit a copy of first page of passport.  Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Trainees must present a valid TOEFL score of 213 or higher in order to qualify (equivalent to 550 on the previous scale).

•	Have two years of education or work experience in a field related to the training.
•	Know English well enough to perform successfully in the proposed position.
•	Plan to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of the program.
•	Have not held the J-1 Visa in the Trainee category previously.

To apply for the J-1 Visa you must :

•	Submit a complete IAS application before the deadline.
•	Once accepted, pay one half of the cost of the program. TWC will send you the DS-2019 form with the acceptance letter.
•	Go to the Sevis page to pay the Sevis fee.
•	Make an appointment at the local U.S. Consulate in your country.
•	At the appointment, submit the DS-2019 Form along with your other required materials to obtain your J-1 Visa.
•	We cannot guarantee that a U.S. consulate will issue you the J-1 Visa.

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All trainees must be covered by an insurance plan that satisfies the requirements of the U.S. Department of State for the duration of the training program. Once you are accepted, you will receive more information on how to comply with these requirements.

The U.S. Department of State requires that all international applicants demonstrate they have funds to cover the cost of the program. In order to ensure that you have sufficient funds, you must pay one half of the cost, as soon as you agree to participate in it. You must also present a copy of a financial statement showing enough funds to cover the expenses associated with the program and a copy of a valid credit card that would only be used in case of payment default. Payment of the remaining 50% is due prior to the first week of the program.

•	Participation in the program was financed by the U.S. or a foreign government.
•	The skills that you are going to develop are listed as "special" in the State Department skills list.
•	A waiver procedure exists in certain cases.

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