Imerica Consulting - International Connections

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS (J-1)

J-1, like many other letter-number combinations represents a temporary classification under US immigration law. J-1 programs are exchange programs. Such a program is approved because it offers a cultural or training experience in the US that is not available in the home country. The purpose of the program is to provide these experiences to foreign persons so that they can bring the fruits of their training back to their home countries. A foreign person may achieve J-1 status through a variety of different programs. Each program must be approved by the US Department of State. When approved, a program is entitled to issue the Form DS-2019 (formerly called Form IAP-66) to foreign persons it accepts. This document is the basis upon which the foreign person applies for a J-1 visa to get to the US to participate in the program.

Summer Work/Travel Program

One of many types of J-1 programs permits foreign students (at any university level) to get “training” in the US during the four “summer months” of the student’s academic year. Obviously, the summer months are opposite for students in the northern and southern hemispheres. These J-1 Summer Work/Travel Programs (SWTPs) are designed not to conflict with the foreign students’ academic work at home.

It is hard for many people (including Americans) to understand why the SWTPs are called training programs if they offer no formal training. In fact, their purpose is to provide experience to foreign students in applying for jobs, following workplace rules and requirements, living independently, and traveling freely. The SWT model actually encourages travel in the US as well as the employment experience. The division of time and personal resources between working and traveling is a personal decision for each J-1 trainee, as long as the terms and conditions of his/her J-1 program are followed.

Other Training Programs

IC plans to offer eligible clients a range of exchange program choices. The following types of programs may also be available to IC clients. Contact an IC specialist to find out if any of these programs are right for you.

Student
Short-term scholar
*Trainee
*Teacher
Professor
Research scholar
Specialist
International visitor
Alien physician
Government visitor
*Camp counselor
*Au pair

* IC is currently arranging exchange placements in these areas. Ask an IC specialist if one of them is right for you!