For Participants
Q. I need a work visa. Should I apply to the International Practical Training program?
No. The International Practical Training program issues a J-1 Visa intended for purposes of training only. The Practical Training program is not intended to substitute for a work visa (H Visa). Use of a J-1 Visa issued by the International Practical Training program for purposes other than training is a violation of U.S. immigration law. For more information regarding the work visa (H Visa), please visit http://www.state.gov.
Q. What is the difference between a J-1 Visa and an H Visa?
A. J-1 Visa is a temporary visa used for exchange visitor programs such as the Training program. The H Visa is a WORK visa. The J-1 is not intended to be a substitute for a work visa. If you want to be employed, you do not qualify for the J-1 Visa.
Q. Can I buy a DS-2019 form?
No, absolutely not. A DS-2019 form is issued to a qualifying applicant upon DS sponsor's acceptance of her/his application and full payment of program and insurance fees.
Q. I am currently participating in the Work & Travel program. Can I apply to the International Practical Training program?
You may apply to the Practical Training program, but you must return to your home country to do so. The International Practical Training program may not function as an extension of the Work & Travel program.
Q. Can I have a second job while participating in a Training program?
No. Applicants on the J-1 Training visa cannot get a second job.
Q. My host employer has asked me to start my training next week. Is there time for me to apply?
No. The length of the application process for the International Practical Training program depends on a number of factors, including the completeness of the application. ICCE strongly recommends that self-arranged applicants submit their applications at least 6 weeks prior to the date on which they intend to begin their training.
Q. What type of jobs can I get?
The Work Travel Program offers entry-level jobs like cashiers, housekeeping staff, kitchen help, resort workers, casino workers, ski lift operators, lifeguards, sales help, and more. Our host companies include hotels & resorts, casinos, ski resorts, national parks, amusement parks, retail stores, fast food restaurants, and more.
The Internship Program offers entry-level internships in in hospitality, business management, marketing, advertising, web development, accounting, public administration, and law.
The Training Program provides training opportunities in accounting, advertising, arts, administration, businesses management, finance, hospitality, marketing, sales, and more.
Q. How much will I be paid?
Internship and Training participants may often receive a stipend from their host companies, but you should be sure to have sufficient financial resources to support yourself while in program.
Q. How many hours will I work?
A typical Work Travel job has a schedule of around 30 hours per week. Internship and Training opportunities may vary from 20-40 hours per week.
Q. How good does my English have to be?
For the Internship or Training Program you must be fluent in English and feel confident with both your written and spoken skills. The level of you English language knowledge plays a large part in your placement options.
Q. What is a J-1 Internship visa?
A J-1 Internship visa allows students and recent graduates to inter with a US-based host organization for up to 12 months. In addition, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country.
Q. What is a J-1 Trainee visa?
A J-1 Trainee visa allows students and young professionals to train with a US-based host organization for up to 18 months. Hospitality and Tourism is up to 12 months. In addition, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country.
Q. What is the 30-day grace period?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides all J-1 program participants a 30-day travel status period to follow the completion of their program. This grace period allows participants to travel domestically and/or to prepare for and depart from the USA, and cannot be used for any other purpose.
Q. What if I don't like my job?
ICCE will be able to assist you in speaking with your employer and solving any difficulties you may find. If you receive permission to leave your job or training position, you will be responsible for finding a new one, unless we determine that there was an error in your initial placement.
Q. Can I study while I work/intern/train?
No, you may not study while participating in any J-1 Internship/Training program. Being a foreign student in the USA requires a different designation of visa and needs to be sponsored directly through a university.
Q. Can I travel to other countries during my program?
ICCE will be able to assist you in speaking with your employer and solving any difficulties you may find. If you receive permission to leave your job or training position, you will be responsible for finding a new one, unless we determine that there was an error in your initial placement.
Q. Can I come back again?
Work Travel Program participants: If you still meet the requirements for eligibility for the Work and Travel program you may return during your following summer vacation.
Internship Program participants: You may return as long as you are still qualified for the Internship Program and can participate in the Training Program after 2 years of residency outside of the USA.
Training Program participants: After 2 years in your home country and completion of the first program of training participants may return.
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