Frequently Asked Questions

The types jobs available are entry-level positions such as housekeepers, amusement parks workers, fast-food, waitresses/waiters and many others to choose from.

It is a non-immigrant visa that is issued to individuals approved to participate in the Exchange Visitor program. The J1 visa is issue by the US Embassy/Consulate in your home country, which allows you to enter the USA for program.

A sponsor is a company who is designated by the US State department to promote cultural awareness through a wide range of programs. The organization is responsible for vetting of all housing, jobs in keeping with the Department of States criteria, as well as processing and issuing DS-2019 document to take to the US Embassy. Once in the US they are your point of contact for emergencies and queries related to your program.

DS-2019 is a document from the Department of State that is issued by an authorized designated sponsor. It is a support document that is required by the US Embassy when you are applying for your J-1 exchange visitor visa. It identifies the exchange visitor and their designated sponsor and provides details of the exchange visitor’s visa. E.g. start and end date of program, SEVIS number etc.

Students and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), is a system that collects and manages data on exchange visitor and foreign students during their stay in the United States. It was designed to help visitors follow the terms of their visa.

This is the document you are required to complete when applying for any form of USA visa, it must be completed on line at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Please check here https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ for information on I-94

Once all the necessary fees have been paid, embassy appointment set and DS-2019 and all relevant documents are ready; then you will go on the appointment date and time.

Yes, you can. However, the sponsor must vet, approve the employer and the job before issuing the DS-2019. The job must be an approved job under the J1 program.

Yes, you can do a second job. Please note that the sponsor must to vet the employer and the job before approval is granted.

This is a unique nine (9) digit tax number that helps the USA identify and record your wages. All individuals must obtain a SSN so they can work legally in the USA.

After you are validated in SEVIS and apply for your SSN number, it takes between 3-5 weeks to receive you card with the number.

Yes, you can. Your employer will allow you to work until it is received. However, if you decided to work a second job, that employer may ask you to show proof that you have already applied for it.

If you have your above-mentioned documents, please refer to the following as per document:

DS-2019 Form – Immediately contact your Sponsor

Social Security Card – Contact the local Social Security Office and apply for a replacement card. Please DO NOT apply for a new card.

Passport – Contact the nearest Consulate/Embassy for your country, make a report and apply for a new passport.

Yes, base on the nature of the program you have a maximum 30 days in which to travel after your J1 visa expires. However, be mindful of your school start date to return home for school on time. Please note, you cannot work during this period.