What is the J-1 Summer Work Travel program?

This program allows College and University students enrolled at full time and pursuing studies at post-secondary accredited academic institutions located outside the United States come to the United States to work in the US for up to four months in seasonal summer jobs between May 15th and September 15th. Participants in the program must also work between their college vacation dates. Participants may spend up to 30 days in the US after the job end date as a tourist to travel the country.

What is A J1 VISA?

The J-1Visa issued by issued by a Consular Officer at a US Embassy or Consulate and will be stamped on your passport. The J-1Visa allows you to enter the US when you present it with your DS2019 Form when entering the US.

What is a program sponsor?

A US State Department-designated sponsor is authorized to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019), which is the basic document to support an application for an exchange visitor visa (J-1 Visa) and apply for US Embassy Visa interview. The sponsor is responsible for vetting and approving seasonal J-1 job offers meeting US State Department regulations. The sponsor is the J-1 participant’s point of contact in the US to provide support services for the program.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is an Internet-based system that provides tracking and monitoring functionality, with access to accurate and current information on exchange visitors (J visa).

What is the DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status?

A SEVIS-generated Form, DS-2019, is provided to you by your program sponsor, after the sponsor enters your information in the SEVIS system. All exchange visitors must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This form will be posted to you by the sponsor via J1 Ireland and is required for US Embassy interview.

Required Documentation for US Embassy Interview Visa Application?

When applying, each visa applicant must submit to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate the following:

• DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. A SEVIS-generated Form, DS-2019, is provided to you by your program sponsor, after the sponsor enters your information in the SEVIS system.
•  A passport valid for travel to the U.S. and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the U.S. (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
• One (1) 2×2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in photograph requirements.

What is the US Embassy Interview?

As part of the visa application process, an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is required for visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide is available on the Visa Wait Times website, Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a Consular Officer.

What is the DS-160?

The DS-160 for must be completed before a J-1 Visa applicant books the US Embassy interview for a J-1 visa to be issued. The DS-160 must be completed online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. You will be sent instructions on how to book your Embassy interview by J1 Ireland after your DS-2019 paperwork has been issued by the sponsor.

What is the Social Security number?

The Social Security Number (SSN) allows J-1 participants to work legally in the USA during the summer. You will receive instructions from your sponsor on how to apply for SSN. You will not be able to apply for your SSN until you arrive in the US.

Can I work before I receive my SSN?

An employer can legally hire you and you can commence working on arrival in the US or agreed job start date while you are waiting to receive your SSN. You must apply for your SSN as soon as you arrive in the US and your employer will want to receive proof that you have made application for it. It normally takes 3-5 weeks to receive the SSN