J-1 Visa Work/Travel Program - Alliance Abroad Group

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Program at a Glance

Overview: The Work/Travel program is an exchange program that assists companies with meeting current labor demands by bringing international university students to the U.S. on their summer break.

Type of visa: J-1 visa

Length of program: Up to 4 months

Participants profile: Students, from 18 to 28 years old with a minimum intermediate level of English

Types of positions: Positions include, but are not limited to:
Cook, Cashier, Dining room attendant, Housekeeper, Fast food worker, Laundry attendant, Hotel desk clerk, Dishwasher, Lifeguard, Ticket taker, Park service Parking attendant, Game attendant, Ride operator, Ski lift operator, Food service, etc.

Program Seasons:

Spring: Start Date: March 15th - End Date: June 15th
Summer: Start Date: May 15th to July 1st - End Date: Sept 15 to Oct 15th
Winter: Start Date: Nov 15th to Dec 20th - End Date: March 15 to April 15th
Please note: Students are usually available to work from 2 ½ months to 4 months depending upon the length of their university break.

We are a State Department designated J-1 visa sponsor
Ideal for companies with additional staffing needs in the winter, spring and/or summer months
Save on payroll taxes! No FICA or FUTA taxes*

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Program Purpose and Regulations

The State Department J-1 Work Travel Program is an Exchange Visitor Program designed to achieve the educational objectives of international and cultural exchange by involving young adults in the daily life of the host country through temporary employment opportunities and to return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in the educational and cultural programs in other countries. Today's global markets require international work experience, and the value added by working in the USA is immeasurable to students from overseas.
Workers will receive the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Federal Minimum Wage is $5.85/hour. Employers of "tipped employees" must pay a cash wage of at least $2.13/hr if they claim a tip credit against their minimum wage obligation. If an employee's tips combined with the employer's cash wage of at least $2.13/hr do not equal the minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference. Any international workers employed will be paid the equivalent of their American counterparts.
Participants may not be employed as domestic employees in U.S. households or in positions that require them to invest their own money to provide themselves with inventory for the purpose of door- to-door sales.
Participants must follow SEVIS regulations during their stay in the USA.
Participants are allowed to travel in the United States for a period of 30 days after the end date on their DS-2019 form. They may not travel during the time of their work contract.

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* State unemployment rules vary by state

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