SUMMER WORK AND TRAVEL PROGRAM: J Visas

What is the Summer Work and Travel Program?

The Program allows full-time university students the opportunity to work and travel in the United States during the summer vacation for a period of up to four months.

Who may apply to participate in the Summer Work and Travel Program?

Participation in the Summer Work and Travel Program is limited to students who are currently enrolled in a bona fide post-secondary accredited educational institution and are participating full-time toward a degree.

How can a student apply for the Summer Work and Travel Program?

Applications must be made through the representative of a Designated Summer Work and Travel Organization. Your university may be able to help you contact a designated agent. Many advertise through the local media. Some agencies here in Estonia that can help students with Summer Work/Travel programs are: Tokkroos, Evmar, Dialoog ,Bellnor and for the Southwestern Company Kaido Kubri at kkubri@globaledconcepts.com

How does the process work?

The agent will assist you in the following steps:

1. The agent of the Designated Organization can help the applicant find a job that coincides with the official university summer vacation.

2. All applicants should complete the new Electronic Visa Application DS-156 and print out the application containing a bar code. Applicants for J visas must also complete a form DS-158 available at the following website http://evisaforms.state.gov

3. The agent will provide the DS 2019 Form on behalf of the student.

4. The student will provide the agent with a valid passport, the completed electronic visa application(s) and photo, a completed transcript of grades, proof of enrollment, student grade book and the $131 non-refundable visa-processing fee. (Please note that agents may choose to charge additional fees for their services.)

5. The agent will submit the student's completed application packet and the $131 non-refundable visa-processing fee to the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn on the student's behalf.

6. New SEVIS Requirements:

Persons applying for F,J, and M visas with the initial I-20 or DS-2019 forms issued on or after September 1, 2004 will require payment of SEVIS fee, also known as the "SEVIS I-901 fee" before making a visa application.

Schools and exchange programs will also be encouraged to provide Form I-901 to their students and participants. DHS has provided students and exchange visitors two different methods for paying the fee:
a. With the credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express) via the Internet site https://www.fmjfee.com/

b. With a U.S dollar check or International money order mailed to the lockbox address in the United States Certain short-term exchange visitors (au pair, summer work/travel and camp counselors) will pay a reduced fee, $35. Only principal applicants pay the SEVIS fee prior to visa issuance - F2, J-2 and M2 derivatives do not pay. When applicants go to the Consulate for the visa interview, they should bring the receipt or their I-797 to prove you have paid the SEVIS fee.

When the Embassy receives the completed application, the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn will assign an interview date and time and if the visa is issued, the agent will pick it up.

How much should a student expect to earn while in the U.S.?

Sponsors are required to advise program participants about U.S. Federal Minimum Wage requirements, and to ensure that the participants receive the same pay and benefits as received by their American counterparts in the same or similar positions.

How long can I stay in the United States?

Participants may stay for no more than 4 months in the United States. Students must return before the official start date of their university program. (For most Estonian universities this is September 1, 2008.)

Any student who does not return before the official university start date will jeopardize any future participation in the Summer Work and Travel Program.

State Department website regarding Exchange Visa Programs: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/private/swt.htm

Visa Forms
http://evisaforms.state.gov

SEVIS Fee Information
http://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml