About the Work & Travel Program - Information for Students
Program Dates and Duration
You can choose the length of the program in which you are interested. WISE® will issue the visa for the length of time specified by the offer letter of the company you will work for. Most companies are interested in students that can make at least a three month commitment. There are a few opportunities for students available for two and a half months. If you successfully complete your program you will be able to stay for an additional 30 days in the US as a tourist, but you are not permitted to work during this period. The general dates of availability are listed below. There are some minor variations of the eligibility dates, depending on the country where you are attending school. If you are unsure, please contact us for confirmation.
Spring Program: March - July (4 month maximum)
Students arrive as early as March 1 and work as late as July 5. Participants are from Thailand and the Philippines.
Summer Program: May - October (4 month maximum)
Students arrive as early as mid-May and as late as early July. Participants are generally from the Northern Hemisphere.
Winter Program: December - April (4 month maximum)
Students arrive from early to mid-December. Participants are from generally from the Southern Hemisphere.
Please note that once WISE® receives your application, the process takes 4-6 weeks. Once you receive your DS-2019 form you will still need to go to the US Consulate to interview for the J1 visa. Some consulates take up to 4 weeks to issue the visa. Please plan ahead so that you can arrive on time for work in the US!
