Relevant Information To Know For Student Work And Travel
The SWAT experience is the ultimate way for students to stay in school and earn enough to help to finance their education. SWAT, in this case, refers to Student Work and Travel. Not only can they earn to stay in school, they can also get to travel. Imagine the learning and the personal growth that one can experience early in life. It is something that can open up too many opportunities for them.
SWAT is indeed a rare chance for university students to experience and to be exposed to the way of life in the USA. Living and working there is a dream for many. The program intended for foreign students provides that opportunity to reach for their dream and to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university.
Interested foreign student with an “American dream” are perplexed by so many questions.
• What are the prerequisites that these students must satisfy to qualify for the student work and travel program?
1. Proficiency in English to be able to interrelate successfully to people living in an English-speaking environment.
2. Enrolled in an accredited college or university outside the United States.
3. Must have completed at least one semester of coursework successfully.
4. Pre-placed before entry unless originating from a visa waiver country.
• What visa does a student need in order to qualify and enter the United States jurisdiction for a Student Work and Travel Program?
This program is under the existing exchange visitor category. This allows successful participants to combine work, and travel while in the United States for up to 12 months.
• What is the first step in the application procedure?
Find a sponsor. This must be coming from an approved exchange organization by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Sponsorship is a protocol for all U.S. exchange visitor applicants.
• Is the sponsoring organization responsible for guaranteeing and providing employment for the student to participate in the program?
Sponsors are required to offer job placement and to assist the participants. The sponsors’ obligations are:
1. Ensure that participants have adequate financial resources while still finding a job.
2. Prepare participants with pre-departure information about seeking employment and secure lodging in the U.S.
3. Provide the participants with a job directory without pre-arranged employment.
4. Assist the participants secure a suitable job if unable to find one after a week.
How do you apply for a visa?
Once an approved U.S. program sponsor has been found, apply for your visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The proof of acceptance is Form DS-2019, issued by the program sponsor.
Do all program sponsors require fees?
Sponsoring organizations require administrative fees that are based on the kind and extent of the services required in the program. Sponsors have varying fees and it is best to ask the sponsor regarding their fees.
How long can you stay on the Student Work and Travel Program?
A valid U.S. visa allows the student to enter the United States any time after the visa is issued. The length of stay is at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The initial visa is usually valid for up to twelve months. Once you are in the U.S. you can seek for an adjustment of the visa status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Only one visa can be issued for this program. However, applicants may apply for other J1 programs afterward or before the 12-month program.
Are there limits on the type of employment that can be accepted?
Many students accept non-skilled positions and summer internships in US businesses and organizations. If there is an opportunity, participants may accept a professional level position. However, they cannot accept domestic employment in American households.
Obviously, SWAT is a passport to reaching the American dream of foreign students. In addition, because there is no age limit for the Student Work and Travel Program, one can continue to dream even after one’s youth has gone by.
