WISE® Agricultural Program – Frequently Asked Questions
Application process :
1. I would like to participate in the Agricultural program, but I have not received an offer from a company in the US. Can WISE® help me find a placement?
WISE® does often match participants with Agricultural training sites Often candidates apply to the program after having already initiated contact with a potential training site. Many participants find placement opportunities through the intern office or advisor at their college.
2. I have questions about my application. What should I do?
Contact WISE® and we will put you in contact with a representative in your country.
3. How long will it take me to get my DS-2019 form?
WISE® must receive your full application before the process can begin. If WISE® is making the placement, we will submit your application to hosts we feel are appropriate matches for applicants based on education, experience and interests. Hosts then make a decision about who to offer a training or internship placement to. This process can take from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on many variables including host site availability and applicant’s qualifications. If applicants already have a contact with a prospective host site, the process may be quicker than those that do not have prospective host contact but WISE® staff must also qualify any new host sites. WISE® will assist hosts in preparing a DS-7002 for participants. Visa processing with WISE® takes 4-6 weeks from the date a host makes an official offer to an applicant. The process moves faster when candidates and training sites are cooperative and timely with the exchange of paperwork.
4. When do I pay the program fees?
You will need to communicate with your local agency about fees as they vary from country to country. In addition to program fees, your agency will explain embassy fees and SEVIS fees. On the Agricultural program, WISE® takes care of paying your health insurance premiums
5. When should I make my consulate appointment?
Your local agency or WISE® will contact you during the application process and instruct you when to make your consulate appointment. Do not make your consulate appointment until WISE® or your agency instructs you to do so.
Arrival in the USA:
1. I have just arrived to the US? Do I need to contact WISE®?
Yes, within two weeks, you need to validate your visa by either removing the validation page from your participant manual, completing it and faxing it to the fax number listed or going to the Ag Validation link and following the instructions there.
During the Program:
1. Can I leave and re-enter the US during my training program?
In order to complete the training or intern program, you should not schedule travel until the completion of your program as a general rule. However, allowances can be made for emergency at home and as long as your J-1 visa stamp and DS-2019 have not expired.
Before you leave the United States, WISE® must coordinate a signature on the front of the DS-2019 form to show that you are in good standing with your training program. The WISE® staff will coordinate this signature of the DS-2019, but you must follow certain steps outlined in your participant manual. Contact WISE® if you have any questions about this process.
2. I have a question about my insurance coverage.
Go to the insurance page.
3. I have a concern or question about my training program or life in the USA.
WISE® offers advising services for all participating trainees and interns. Please go to our contact page to find WISE® contact information.
Many questions can be answered by reviewing your participant manual. The manual includes all contact information. Once you are in the U.S., please contact the Agricultural program at the National Office during normal business hours. If you experience a time-sensitive emergency after normal hours, or have a flight or travel delay that would effect the arrangements made for your pick up the day of your arrival, you should contact the emergency number. WISE® staff monitor this number and are happy to help you but appreciate your using discretion though and avoid using the emergency number if your question or concern is not truly time-sensitive.
