FAQ
About Job | About Travel | About Form and Visa | About Housing | About Tax | General Questions
| About Job | Do I have to stay at one job? What if I don't like my job after I've started working? By signing the employment contract, it means you agree to work for that employer. If you cannot work for that employer for any reasons, you must contact us and your sponsor for assistance. If you do not show up at work without notifying BOTH Intrinsic and your sponsor in advance, you will be dismissed from the Program and have to return home immediately. Your refundable administration fee and certificate of completion will be forfeited. Make sure you contact us and your sponsor if you encounter any difficulties at work. We will work with you and your employer to resolve your doubts. However, if, for any reason, a change of employer becomes necessary, you must contact your sponsor to obtain the approval before changing a job. Can I be placed at the same employer as my friend? Yes. Just choose the same employer, but it is not guaranteed since the final decision is made by the employer. Can I find a second job? Yes, in addition to the first job, you might be able to work as a part-time employee for another employer. By doing so, you will have to inform your sponsor first. Always make sure your second job will not affect the working schedule of your first job. | ||
| About Travel | When will I leave hometown to the U.S.? Can I travel around in the U.S. upon arrival before my job starts?
However, before you start planning your trip, you will need to send your DS-2019 form, a copy of your J-1 visa, a self addressed, prepaid and trackable envelope (e.g.. Fed Ex), with a note stating your travel dates, U.S. mailing address & phone number to your sponsor at least TWO WEEKS PRIOR to your trip. The responsible officer will sign the back of your DS-2019 and attach a “Letter of Good Standing” so that you can re-enter the country at the end of your trip. You cannot re-enter USA with the J-1 visa after your Program end date listed in section 3 on your DS-2019 form. You will not be able to re-enter the U.S. after your Program has ended. NEVER spend more than 30 days outside the U.S. during your work period. If you do this, you may have trouble re-entering the country, your Program may be terminated, or you may be deported. | ||
| About Form and Visa | What is a DS-2019 form? The DS-2019 form is one of the documents required for the J-1 Work/Travel Visa application. Without this form, you cannot apply for a J-1 Visa. And, in order to obtain this form, one must be sponsored by an organization designated by U.S. Department of State. What is a J-1 Work/Travel Visa? A J-1 Work/Travel Visa allows your entry to the U.S. as a participant of Summer Work and Travel Program to work for up to 4 months. Am I guaranteed a J-1 Work/Travel Visa? No. In addition to the visa application fee, complete forms and various required documents, you will be required to attend an interview at U.S. Consulate and discuss the purpose of your visit which will determine the result of your visa application. What happens if my visa application is rejected? In the case of a visa denial, a certain amount of the Program Fee will be charged as placement cost and the rest of your Program Fee and part of administration fee (RMB1,000) that you have paid will be refunded. Your administration fee is non-refundable. In order to collect the refund, you will need to return the original DS-2019 form, along with proof from U.S. Consulate showing your visa application is rejected. What is SEVIS? SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) has been set up by the U.S. government in an effort to keep track of all J-1 participants' whereabouts. Therefore, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you register with SEVIS no later than 10 days after the start date of your DS 2019 form. If you do not register for SEVIS, you are in danger of losing your visa sponsorship and being terminated from the program! | ||
| About Housing | How do I find housing? You are responsible for your accommodation while in USA. While some employers may provide housing for employees, you should always get prepared to arrange your own accommodation. Make sure you have a safe place to stay in the U.S. before departure. If you cannot manage to reserve housing for the entire summer, you should arrange short-term housing for the first week. Though it is your responsibility to make your housing arrangement, your sponsor and employer will try their best to assist you if necessary. Once you have secured a place to stay in USA, you must notify us of where you will be staying. You must do this before you leave home. What if I don't like my housing? In most cases, you are asked to sign a lease or housing agreement with the landlord for protecting both parties' interests. Before you decide to move to another housing, please make sure you can take care of any possible fallout. Check out the terms and conditions of the housing lease you signed. For example, you may have to give up the housing deposit you’ve paid. In fact, to avoid such kind of difficult situation, you are advised to carefully consider your housing options before making any commitment. Also, if you move to a new place, you need to notify us and your sponsor of your latest address as soon as possible. | ||
| About Tax | Should I pay tax in the U.S.? How am I supposed to do that? | ||
| General Questions | How much money should I bring? There’s a 24-hour emergency support line for Program participants. Emergencies are defined as the following:
For other concerns, you may contact your sponsor during office hours. Examples of problems that they can help you with are:
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