WISE® Training and Internship Programs – Common Questions
Application process:
1. I would like to participate in the program, but I have not received an offer from a company in the US. Can WISE® help me find a placement?
WISE® does not generally place students with internship sites. As WISE® is a visa sponsorship organization, candidates normally apply to the program after having already received an offer from a potential host 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®.
3. How long will it take me to get my DS-2019 form?
Visa processing with WISE® takes 4-6 weeks from the date WISE® receives your full application. We recommend you send in your application at least 2 months before you are supposed to start your program. Once WISE® receives your application it is recommended that you check your email frequently so that you can respond to requests from WISE® while your application is in process. The process moves faster when we have receptive candidates and host sites.
4. When do I pay the WISE® and insurance fees?
You must submit payment, or proof of payment with your application. If your host site or another party is paying your fees, please make sure to indicate this on your application.
5. When should I make my consulate appointment?
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® instructs you to do so. WISE® also recommends that you not book your airplane ticket to the U.S. until you get your visa sticker from the U.S. consulate.
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 clicking here: arrival validation.
During the Program:
1. Can I leave and re-enter the US during my program?
During your time off, you may leave and re-enter the U.S. without obtaining a new visa stamp, provided that your J-1 visa stamp and DS-2019 form have not expired. If you hold a multiple-entry visa, your passport is still valid, and you have a valid copy of your DS-2019 in your possession, you should be allowed to re-enter the U.S.
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 program. The WISE® staff will coordinate this signature of the DS-2019, but you must follow certain steps outlined in the WISE® 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 here.
3. I have a concern or question about my program or life in the USA.
WISE® offers advising services for all participating trainees. Please go to our contact page to find WISE® contact information.
4. What if I have an emergency after business hours?
Call the toll-free WISE® Training/Internship emergency phone at 1-888-216-7238
5. Why are the dates on the visa stamp in my passport different from the dates on my DS-2019 form?
The dates on the visa stamp in your passport indicate the dates that you are allowed to enter the United States to start your training or internship program. The dates on your DS-2019 form indicate the dates that you are allowed to be in the United States participating in the program.
6. How long can I stay in the United States using my J-1 visa?
As a participant in a J-1 Training or J-1 Internship program, you may stay in the United States and participate in your training or internship for the duration of the dates indicated on your DS-2019 form (as long as you remain in active status with WISE®.) Upon successful completion of the program, you may stay for up to 30 days after the last day indicated on your DS-2019 form during an automatic grace period. During this grace period you may not work or train, but you may travel within the United States. At the end of 30 days, your visa status automatically switches to "inactive."
