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Acceptance Packet
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Acceptance Packet

You're Approved!
What's next?

Here are your required next steps and helpful resources for your program.

Prior to your U.S. Arrival

Complete these before your arrival to ensure a smooth start to your program:

Apply for your J-1 Visa:

🎥 Watch this video to learn more about how to complete the DS-160 & submit your J-1 Visa application

🎥 Watch this video to learn more information on preparing for your embassy interview

Watch the required orientation and submit the orientation quiz:

You can view the orientation video by logging into your InterExchange application.

Read the Participant Resources:

This includes important information and the rules you are required to follow throughout your program.

Read the Department of State’s Important Information for J-1 Participants:

After your visa has been approved:

  • Book your flights!
  • Book accommodation for your first few weeks in the U.S. as you search for long-term housing.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more information on preparing for your arrival in the U.S.

Arriving in the U.S.

Arrival Timing Guidelines:

  • You can arrive up to 30 days before your program start date (as listed on your DS-2019). This allows time to settle in before your program begins.
  • You will need to pay a $63 early arrival insurance fee if you arrive more than 7 days before your program begin date. Please also email us to report your early arrival.
  • If you are delayed and expect to arrive after your program start date, it is very important that you contact InterExchange to let us know you will be arriving late.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more information on next steps after you’ve arrived in the U.S.

U.S. Customs Checklist:

Bring the following documents in your carry-on luggage:
  • Your passport (with J-1 visa)
  • Your printed DS-2019 Form
  • Your printed DS-7002 Training Plan
💡 Tip: When going through customs, be polite, smile at your customs official, and answer any questions asked.

Inform InterExchange of Your Arrival:

  • You will receive an email from us a week before your program begin date with instructions on registering your arrival through your InterExchange portal.
  • Once you’ve arrived in the U.S., you must register your arrival within 10 days to activate your SEVIS record.

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record:

  • The I-94 Arrival Record has replaced passport stamps at most ports of entry. Your employer and the Social Security office may ask for your I-94, and you can download it from the CPB’s I-94 website after arrival. 

Settling In

Looking for Housing:

After you’ve arrived, you’ll need to find a permanent place to live.  Start your search as soon as possible and be sure to explore safe, affordable options in your area.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more information on finding housing in the USA

Apply for a Social Security Number:

If your internship is paid, you are required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

  • Wait about 5 business days after your SEVIS record is activated, then submit the online SSN application.
  • Next, visit your local Social Security office with printed copies of all required documents, including your “Dear Social Security Officer” letter.
  • Even if your internship is unpaid, it’s wise to get a Social Security card while you’re in the U.S. — your number is valid for life.
  • You can begin interning and receive payment while your SSN is being processed.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more information on applying for a Social Security Number

Share Your Emergency Contact Details:

Complete the emergency contact form and make copies for yourself and your family. It’s important that someone back home has this information in case of emergency.

Using Your Accident & Sickness Insurance:

  • A few days after you’ve notified InterExchange of your arrival, you will receive your insurance card via email.
  • Check out our guide on using your insurance.

Set Up a U.S. Bank Account:

If you are going to be in the U.S. for an extended period of time or if your employer will be paying you via direct deposit, it’s a good idea to open a U.S. bank account.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more information on opening a U.S. bank account.

Complete Required Tax Forms (I-9 and W-4):

If you’re being paid, your host employer will give you two forms to complete:

  • I-9 (to verify your eligibility to work)

  • W-4 (for tax withholding)

Instructions for completing these can be found on our tax information page.

Driving in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver’s license before driving a car in the United States.
  • Driving laws vary by state. Check out the information on your host state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for local driving laws.

🎥 Watch this video to learn more information on how to drive in the U.S.

Stay Active in SEVIS: Submit Monthly Check-Ins

InterExchange will email you every 30 days to check-in on your program.

  • It is a requirement of your program and very important that you submit the check-in form when you receive this email.
  • If InterExchange does not receive a response to the monthly check in we may have to end your program early.
  • You must also keep your U.S. contact details up-to-date within your InterExchange portal. If you move, you must update your address within 10 days.

Submit Required Program Evaluations:

  • We’ll also email you with links to mandatory program evaluations to complete at the end, and sometimes the middle, of your program.
  • It is very important that you submit these evaluations when you receive these emails.
International Travel: What to Do Before Leaving the U.S.

If you plan to travel internationally during your program:

  • You’ll need to get a travel validation signature on your DS-2019.
  • Don’t forget, you can’t be outside of the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days!

Staying Safe During Your Program

Read through our tips on staying safe and healthy throughout your program.

U.S. Cultural Resources

Adjusting to Life in the U.S:

Cultural Compass:

  • For more information about cultural activities, transportation, accommodation, and more in your host community, go to Cultural Compass and search for your area.
  • This covers every U.S. state and territory with specific information for most major cities.

Connect with Program Participants:

Join the Career Training Participant List to connect with other InterExchange Interns and Trainees via social media!

Stay Connected:

  • Follow InterExchange on Instagram!
  • Read some of the articles on our blog.

Participant Spotlight:

  • Is the work you are doing at your internship unique and exciting? Do you want to share your experience with others in the InterExchange community?
  • Tell us about your program and we may feature you in social media and on our blog!

Post-Program

Grace Period:

You can remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days after the program end date listed on your DS-2019.

  • You may not intern or train during this time but you are welcome to travel the country and get your affairs in order before you depart.
  • You may not travel internationally during your grace period unless you are leaving the U.S. permanently.
  • If you leave the U.S. during your grace period, you will not be permitted to re-enter, as your J-1 Visa will have expired.

Extensions:

  • If you have not met the maximum length of your internship or trainee program and you are interested in staying in the U.S. for a bit longer, an extension may be possible.
  • Check out our Program Extensions page for more details.

U.S. Taxes:

  • If you were paid by your host employer, you are required to file a tax return for the calendar year during which you worked.
  • Please ensure your host employer has your home country contact information so that they can send your W-2 form to you after you depart.

🎥 Watch this video to learn about how to file your U.S. tax return