Did you have a life-changing experience on the Work & Travel program in a prior winter season? Would you like to participate again in Winter 2023-2024?
InterExchange is offering direct sponsorship to eligible repeat participants for Winter 2023-2024.
Apply directly with InterExchange and experience our exceptional customer service, fast processing times, and affordable prices.
Space is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Direct Sponsorship
You were previously a participant on a Work & Travel program, and you would like to return to the U.S. to participate in Winter 2023-2024. You may choose to submit your own approvable job offer to return to a previous host employer or join our matching system to be matched with a new host.
Additionally meet the following requirements:
- You are between the ages of 18 and 28.
- You are enrolled full-time and pursuing studies at accredited post-secondary, classroom-based, academic institutions physically located outside of the United States and have successfully completed at least one semester, or equivalent, of post-secondary academic study.
- You are sufficiently proficient in English to successfully interact in an English-speaking environment verified by a mandatory and documented video conference interview.
- You have the intention to participate in the cultural aspects of the Work & Travel Program.
Step 2: Create Application and Upload Required Supporting Documents
Create your account in the InterExchange Online Application and upload required documents.
- Complete all fillable sections of the application. Remember that your dates of participation are based on program dates mandated by the U.S. Department of State and can be found on their website.
- Upload all of the required supporting documents.
- Passport Copy (must be valid through program dates)
- Proof of student status from university
Required Documents
| Submission Order | Required Document | Acceptable Document Must Include |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passport | Valid for at least 6 months after the end date of your program. |
| 2 | Proof of Student Status | A university letter confirming that you are enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or a full-time course of study; signed with University seal by University Registrar. |
| 3* | Job Offer | A completed Employment Offer. |
| 4* | Previous DS-2019 Form or Proof of Program Letter | Letter from your former J-1 Visa sponsor with your name, dates you participated in the Summer Work Travel program and name of Host Employer. Note: Participants sponsored by InterExchange in a previous season do not need to submit this. |
| 5 | Official University Transcript | University seal, all classes, grades and credits. |
*Required after application has been submitted, but before your forms can be issued.
Step 3: Pay Program Fee + Submit Application
Submit payment of $1250 USD, which includes InterExchange program fees, SEVIS, insurance for the duration of your program, and shipping costs for your visa sponsorship forms.
It will say “Payment Received” in the Payment section of your dashboard within one to two business days of submitting payment.
If you cancel for any reason you will be refunded the full $1250 USD.
Step 4: Schedule Your Interview With InterExchange Staff
After your application has been submitted, we will contact you to schedule a screening interview with InterExchange to assess program suitability.
Once your interview is scheduled, submit your Job Offer information to your InterExchange App Dashboard.
Step 5: Complete InterExchange Online Orientation
- Complete the mandatory InterExchange Work & Travel USA online orientation which you can access in your InterExchange Online Application account.
Step 6: Host Employer Job Vetting + Job Confirmation
Submit your Proof of Program Letter or Previous DS-2019 form to InterExchange.
InterExchange will vet your job offer for approval according to program guidelines and regulations: InterExchange Host Employer job vetting guidelines.
Once your job has been confirmed, you will receive an email from InterExchange on how to finalize your job offer on your Online Application.
Step 7: Receive Your Forms
Confirm your mailing address.
InterExchange will process, print and ship your forms via UPS to your local address. We will send you an email with your UPS tracking number once your acceptance packet has been shipped.
InterExchange will additionally charge a fee of $25 USD to reprint a damaged, lost, or incorrect DS-2019 form before the participant arrives in the USA. An exception will be made if the form error was made through the fault of InterExchange. Shipping charges will apply to expedited shipments.
Step 8: Apply for your Visa & Schedule Your Visa Appointment at the Embassy/Consulate
You will receive an email with details on how to apply for your J-1 Visa.
Complete your DS-160 form and schedule your visa appointment at the embassy or consulate on the embassy website. Note: it is not necessary to wait for your acceptance packet to arrive to start this process. Be sure to check for visa appointment and processing wait times.
Collect and review all additional documents required by the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Step 9: Attend Your Visa Interview & Prepare for Departure
Attend your visa interview and receive your visa.
Review your participant handbook, insurance information, and other pre-departure materials provided in the acceptance packet.
Finalize your travel arrangements. Remember to enter your visa interview date, visa result, and flight information in your online application here.
Depart for the USA!
