Training And internship News
FIRST quarter 2010	“WISE Support- it makes the difference”
Happy 2010! In the last year, as the economy has shifted, WISE is adapting to a new market environment by expanding our designation to include new industry categories, such as Information Media and Communications, and Arts and Culture. As WISE continues to explore new ways to serve industry partners and international participants, we also stay abreast of changing visa regulations. Last year, the Department of State introduced a revised form for use for all training plans. In this edition of the e-flyer, we will highlight the expansion of WISE programs, and provide an overview of the new training plan form. Also, there guidance about how to help trainees and interns with their 2009 tax returns. In this edition: Revised Form for the DS-7002 Training Plan WISE expands into new industry categories Wise Tip: Taxes
Revised form for the DS-7002 Training Plan
The Department of State has introduced a revision to the DS-7002 training plan form in August, 2009. Among other changes, this form highlights the importance of some key regulatory requirements. The Employee Identification Number and D-U-N-S number are now requested in fields on the first page of the plan. Detail of the new DS-7002 Training Plan WISE staff are available to assist partners with developing training plans in the new format. Please contact WISE if you need any assistance. Back to top
WISE expands into new industry categories
Interns and trainees are not limited to hospitality service and management programs. The Department of State designates sponsors to host programs other areas and industry categories as well. Last year, WISE expanded the industry categories available to us by expanding our designation into new areas. This allows us to offer a more diverse service to our partners, and expands the options available for qualified international candidates. Students and graduates in WISE programs can now participate in internships and trainings in the following areas:
· Information Media and Communications (New!) – programs in Public Relations, Publishing, Radio and Television, Advertising and others. · Arts and Culture (New!) – programs in Graphic Design, Illustration, Commercial and Advertising Art, Theatre Arts Management, and others. · Construction and Building Trades (New!) - programs in Building Management, Carpentry, Electrical and Power installation, and others.
WISE Continues to offer programs in these industry categories: · Hospitality and Tourism – programs in F&B, Rooms, Front Office, Culinary, Spa, Recreation, and others. · Management, Business, Commerce and Finance – programs in Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing and others. · Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing – programs in Dairy Husbandry and Production, Agricultural Business Technology, and others. The new categories have already been put to use with participants taking part in Television and Film Production, Public Relations and other programs.
Back to top Wise Tip: Taxes This time of year there are always questions from participants about how to file their tax returns. Like regular employees, trainees and interns are required to file a 2009 return with the IRS. This year, the filing deadline is April 15. Participants can do this one of two ways. They can either fill out the paperwork themselves by downloading the proper form from the IRS website, or they can use a paid service which specializes in helping J-1 trainees with their taxes. Here are instructions for each process: 1. Filing a tax return with a paid service: Taxback.com provides a substantial benefit for J-1 trainees and interns who are filing taxes, as they have expertise in tax law as it applies to this visa category. To use this service, simply go to their website and follow the instructions provided: www.taxback.com/wise Remember that Taxback.com charges a fee for this service. 2. Filing a tax return directly with the IRS: First the participant should determine whether they are considered a “Non-resident Alien” (Most are). A procedure for determining whether an individual is considered a Non-resident alien is on page 20 of the WISE participant manual (page 27 in some editions.) · If the participant is a non-resident alien (most are), go to the IRS website here: www.irs.gov · Click on “More forms and instructions” on the left-hand side. · Select "2009 Form 1040-NR-EZ" and "2009 Inst 1040-NR-EZ Instructions" · Click "review selected forms" to download the forms. · Fill out this form and submit it with a copy of your W-2 according to instructions Note that this form will apply for most, but not all participants. Please read instructions carefully. Back to top
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