Latest News on COVID-19 and J-1 Exchange Visitor Program travel restrictions

Please read our update on COVID-19 and Travel Delays.

Applications for the 2022 summer are now open, although several embassies continue to operate at a limited capacity. If you have any questions about participating in the Camp USA program for the 2022 summer, please email campusa@interexchange.org.

Read the Career Training COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

For any questions or concerns regarding a program already in progress in the U.S.

Please contact our Participant Services Coordinator, Abigail Graszl, at +1-917-305-5486 or via agraszl@interexchange.org.

For all other inquiries

We can be reached during business hours (M - F, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm EDT) at +1-888-621-1202, training@interexchange.org, or through the chat icon at the bottom right-hand corner of our website.

Current J-1 Visa Exchange Visitors in the U.S.

Current participants in the U.S. who travel out of the country are subject to the global vaccination requirement for all adult foreign national travelers.

Please be aware that the decision to admit a traveler to the United States rests with the Department of Homeland Security / U.S. Customs and Border Protection and we are unable to advise visa holders on whether they will be granted admission.

Please contact workabroad@interexchange.org if you have any doubts regarding the entry requirements for your destination, and refer to the Department of State country-specific information.

Travel medical insurance is required for your program. Be sure you know the coverage inclusions pertaining to COVID-19, for example treatment or mandatory quarantine.

Take extra care to familiarize yourself with your airline’s cancellation policies. You may wish to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

U.S. citizens currently on a program abroad

Please reach out to your travel medical insurance provider and make sure you understand if coverage is offered for COVID-19. If you are considering traveling during your program and have questions please email workabroad@interexchange.org or your in-country agency.

While in the country, please ensure you adhere to all local directives and refer to the U.S. Department of State resource page.

We are unable to provide a specific date for when each mission will resume specific visa services, or when each mission will return to processing at pre-pandemic workload levels. Check each U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for information regarding operating status and which services it is currently offering.

Follow CDC guidance if traveling within the U.S.

Participants planning to travel outside of the U.S. during or after the program should visit the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories.

Our New York City Staff are working remotely in line with recommendations from the Governor’s and Mayor’s office. However, we are available for all normal business operations and you can reach us for help and assistance.

• Our program participants are covered by accident and sickness insurance during their program. We encourage them to contact a doctor, urgent care facility or hospital if they experience any flu-like symptoms (fever, coughing, chills, etc.).
• Participants within the U.S. can find their accident and sickness insurance information within InterExchange online resources. If you are a U.S. citizen participating in an outbound program, please consult your plan information.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when unable to practice social distancing.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. CDC guidance should be followed even if you are vaccinated.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

More information about the Coronavirus can be found at the U.S Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.