Frequently Asked Questions
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CSB is an exchange organization designated by the United States Department of State, under the authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act), as a sponsor for the J-1 Summer Work Travel Program. CSB has many roles and responsibilities and it is required to ensure that all parties involved in your program (program participants, international representatives and employers) comply with the United States Department of State regulations governing the program.
CSB will act as your program sponsor, and you are responsible to report to CSB sponsor for the duration of your program.
TThe Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system for maintaining information on participants and exchange visitors in the United States..
No. Participants must have a job placement secured prior to arrival.
CSB recommends that all participants bring a minimum of $800 once they arrive in the United States. This amount is exclusive of the housing expenses (first month rent and housing deposit) and transportation. It may take up to 3 (three) weeks until the first paycheck will be issued.
If you are terminated from the program, CSB will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States within 48 (forty-eight) hours.
The J-1 Summer Work Travel Visa Category is designed by the Government as a program that lasts for a maximum period of 4 (four) months. However, the dates on the Form DS-2019 may be less than 4 months. The dates on the Form DS-2019 are your program dates and they are based on the dates of your official vacation from studies and on the job offer. Your program end date is the end date of your Form DS-2019.
CSB has the discretion to extend a participant's program to its maximum regulatory duration of 4 (four) months. A new Form DS-2019 reflecting the extension is issued to the participant. However in most cases, participants already have their Form DS-2019 issued until the end of their summer vacation, hence supporting documentation must be provided.
No. The J-1 Visa cannot be extended.
Yes. You can participate more than once in this exchange program as long as you are a full-time university student, enrolled outside of the United States in an accredited academic institution. Students in final year of studies are eligible for the program, though they may not be accepted in some countries. . However, CSB will no longer be accepting participants with more than two (2) years of previous participation in order to allow more first year participants the chance to experience the SWT program.
Please always contact CSB. We are here to help you.
Yes. Each person who works in the United States should have a Social Security Number (SSN). One of the first things you should do upon your arrival is visit the local Social Security Administration Office to apply for your SSN. If you already have a SSN, you do not need to apply for a new number. Please read carefully the instructions from your handbook.
Yes. Anyone who works in the United States is required to pay taxes. However, as a non-resident alien, you must pay Federal, State and City (if applicable) taxes only. You will not have to pay Social Security and Medicare Tax (FICA) or Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA). At the end of the year, in case the amount of your earnings is above the tax free allowance, you must file an Income Tax Return that is due by April 15.
Yes. You may apply for a second/additional job, as long as you respect and maintain the schedule of your primary site of activity as a priority. Please remember that you must submit a job offer for verification and CSB must vet (verify) and approve any secondary/additional job before you may start work. CSB will normally vet such jobs within 72 (seventy-two) hours. If you start work in an unverified and unapproved job, CSB will "Terminate" your program.
No. This is not a legitimate reason for breaking your job offer. Talk to your supervisors and manager and tell them about your concerns. You are not free to change the job site without permission (in writing) from CSB. Generally, CSB may grant such permission only if the current employer violates the written job offer. By leaving without permission, you may be subject to a program "Termination". Please read carefully the instructions as written in your handbook.
If you are fired, you must notify CSB within 5 (five) days and follow all CSB instructions. Failure to notify CSB will lead to the program being "Terminated". CSB will investigate the reason and discuss the issue with you and your employer. Depending on the results, one of the below decision will be taken:You may not be allowed to continue your program, and you may be asked to return home.
You may be given a second chance by permitting you to look for alternative employment opportunities on your own. Normally, you will have 1 (one) week to search for other employment offers. You may start working only after CSB has vetted (verified) and approved the new job offer, by contacting the employer. CSB will normally vet the job within 72 (seventy-two) hours. If you start work in an unverified and unapproved job, CSB will "Terminate" your program.
If you are not able to secure a job within 1 (one) week, CSB will assist. However, if deemed appropriate, your program may be "Ended" on grounds of not locating new employment within reasonable time.
Your employer cannot cancel your visa. If your employer threatens you with visa cancellation, please contact CSB immediately.
Yes. You are allowed to do anything you would like to do in your free time, respecting and obeying all laws and program regulations.
Yes,. but you must meet all the following conditions:
Check if you need a visa for the country you wish to visit;
You must make sure your United States visa is marked under entries as "M", authorizing multiple entries. If this is the case, you must send your Form DS-2019 form to CSB to be signed. (Not doing so may cause you to be detained at the border upon your return and/or refused entry into the United States upon your return). Please include a note with the dates on which you will be out of the country and the address where you would like your form to be returned. To have it sent express mail, please include a self-addressed and pre-paid envelope.
You must re-enter the country before the end date of the period covered by the Form DS-2019 and in less than 30 days after your most recent departure date.
Note: You are only allowed to travel outside the US for 30 consecutive days.