How it works
Experience American culture while working and exploring the USA.
Process
Did you have a life-changing experience on the Summer Work Travel program in a prior summer season? Would you like to participate again in Summer 2024?
InterExchange is offering direct sponsorship to eligible repeat participants for Summer 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.
1. Determine Your Eligibility for Direct Sponsorship
You were previously a participant on a Summer Work Travel program, and you would like to return to the U.S. to participate in Summer 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 in Jamaica 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 Summer Work Travel program.
2. Create Application and Upload Required Supporting Documents
You’ll be responsible for costs such as rent, food, entertainment, and more. So make sure to save for your 30-day travel period!
Create your account in the InterExchange Online Application and upload the 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 the 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 | Your previous DS-2019 form or a 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.
3. Pay Program Fee + Submit Application
Submit payment of $1300 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 $1300 USD.
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 or select your Job Placement Preferences and start looking for a job in the InterExchange Online Matching System.
5. Complete InterExchange Online Orientation
Complete the mandatory InterExchange Work & Travel USA online orientation, which you can access in your InterExchange Online Application account.
6. Host Employer Job Vetting, Job Confirmation, and Matching
- If you have your own job, InterExchange will vet your job offer for approval according to program 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.
- If you are seeking placement in the InterExchange Online Matching System – Your application will be added to the system for matching, and you will be able to see the active job listings for available hosts.
7. Receive Your Forms
InterExchange will process your digital DS-2019 form and upload it to your InterExchange Dashboard. You’ll receive a notification when your DS-2019 form and other documents are ready to download.
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 appointments and processing wait times.
Collect and review all additional documents required by the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
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!
Requirements
In order to be eligible for direct sponsorship by InterExchange for the Summer Work Travel program, you must be:
- Between the ages of 18 and 28.
- A full-time university student actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited institution.
- Proficient in spoken and written English.
- You must have completed a Summer Work Travel program in a previous summer season.
- 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 for 2024.
Costs
$1300 USD, which includes InterExchange program fees, SEVIS fees, insurance for the duration of your program, and processing fees for your visa sponsorship forms.
SEVIS
Welcome to the United States! We hope that you’ve just arrived in the U.S. or are preparing to leave you’ll have a positive and culturally engaging experience. Below, you’ll find important information about SEVIS. You must follow these directions carefully, as failure to register or check in may result in termination from the program.
InterExchange is here to help you with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a United States government computerized system that collects and manages data about all international students and exchange visitors during their stays, including InterExchange participants. SEVIS informs the U.S. government of your legal status during your program in addition to where you live and work.
Please follow the SEVIS registration instructions:
- You must register your information in SEVIS no later than 10 days after arriving in the USA.
- If you change your address during your time in the USA or if you switch jobs, you must update your SEVIS information within 10 days of any change. (Reminder: All job changes must be screened and approved by InterExchange before you start work.)
- You must also check-in every 30 days to maintain your active status on the program, even if your information hasn’t changed.
- Got a new job? Be sure to follow these Job Verification instructions.
Failure to register or check-in may result in termination from the program.
What if I have not received my Social Security card?
If six weeks have passed and you have not received your card, call the Social Security Administration at 1.800.772.1213. Have your Social Security receipt ready. If you have additional questions, contact InterExchange. Important: Your Social Security number is yours alone. Do not allow others to use your number. Record your number in a safe place in case your card is lost or stolen. Protect both your card and your number to prevent misuse.
What should I do if I lose my passport or other documents?
If you lose your passport or visa, contact your embassy or consulate as soon as possible so that they can assist you in obtaining new documents. A list of embassies and consulates is included in your Inside the USA guide.
If you lose your DS-2019 Form, please contact InterExchange during regular office hours (9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time), and we will provide you with a replacement form electronically via your online Dashboard.
If you lose your I-94 Admission/Departure Card, you need to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to apply for a replacement card.
If you lose your Social Security card, you do not need to replace it as long as you know your Social Security number or have a photocopy of the card. If you would like a replacement card, contact the Social Security Administration.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is an abbreviation for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database maintained by the U.S. government to keep track of the addresses of students and exchange visitors. You MUST register in SEVIS within ten days of your arrival in the United States. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires registration. If you do not register in SEVIS, you may be subject to arrest or deportation.
If I change my address, do I need to register my new address in SEVIS?
Yes. Every time you change your address, you should register your new work address and your physical housing address online or over the phone. No P.O. Box addresses should be entered.
What if I want to stay and work longer?
You are only allowed to work during the dates that are listed on part 3 of your DS-2019 Form. Under no circumstances can the dates or your J-1 Visa be extended. You are allowed to stay in the U.S. and travel for 30 days after the dates listed on part 3 of your DS-2019, but you are not allowed to work during this time. If you have any questions regarding the dates you can work or the dates you can stay in the U.S., please call InterExchange at 1.800.621.1202.
What if I would like to work longer than my commitment date, but there is not a position with my current employer?
Please call InterExchange Work & Travel USA at 1.800.621.1202. We will try to match you with another employer who is looking for staff. Please note that, in most cases, employers will only hire students who are able to work for at least three weeks.
What should I do if I am not meeting my employer’s expectations?
First, talk with your employer. Often, problems are a result of miscommunication. If you are unable to resolve the problem, please call InterExchange for assistance. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.
What if I’m injured on the job?
All job-related injuries are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance. Your employer should refer to their Workers’ Compensation policy.
How do I book my flight home? How do I change my flight?
In general, you should contact your airline directly for flight changes and availability. In some cases, you might have special instructions on how to book or change your ticket that were provided by our cooperator in your home country. Please refer to the program materials that you received before departure.
Make your American dream come true
The program is at capacity for summer 2024. Please check back in September 2024 for details about future seasons!
