SNAPSHOT USA

Visa options for work placement participants in the USA

J1 exchange visitor visa –
available in different categories:

Summer work and travel – for current students in a post-secondary education institution. Valid for up to four months.

Trainee/intern – allows participants to undertake a placement for up to 18 months.

Au pair – allows people between 18 and 26 years to work as an au pair for up to two years.

Summer camp – for individuals over 18 who have a good level of English. Participants work in summer camps for up to four months.

H2B seasonal visa – Non-university students can apply for an H2B seasonal visa for non-agricultural employees. Workers may be employed for up to 10 months. This visa can be applied for more than once. Jobs on offer using this visa are usually in the hospitality field in hotels, bars and restaurants.

How is the work experience market in the USA evolving?

“For work and travel, we have seen consistent interest from Eastern Europe as well as countries from the former Soviet Union. In 2008, CCI will offer its first spring option to Thai participants. We will also be working with Taiwanese and Chinese agents whose participants tend to have shorter breaks (less than 12 weeks).”
Joanne Flagler, CCI: Center for Cultural Interchange

“We have seen a shift from students in Western Europe to Eastern Europe. Most recently, the shift has been to Central and South America as well as China and Thailand.”
Damon Mastandrea, InterExchange

“This sector is definitively on the rise. The biggest interest [for internships] is in Business and Hospitality/Hotel Management.”
Philippe Kohn, Intrax Cultural Exchange  

MINI GUIDE
PAID WORK 
IN CANADA

Relevant work experience is a valuable asset on anyones CV And many canadian language schools/work experience providers now offer work placements in areas other than hospitality, including education, marketing and agriculture.