In 2015, I spent the most unforgettable summer in US. I joined a Work & Travel Program in Orlando, FL. Here are steps how you apply for the visa and start your trip.

Summer Work Travel Program

College and University students enrolled full time and pursuing studies at post-secondary accredited academic institutions located outside the United States come to the United States to share their culture and ideas with people of the United States through temporary work and travel opportunities.

Before applying you should know:

What VISA you are applying for?

J-1 VISA The exchange visitor program's J visa is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences.

Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions, and agencies; teachers of primary, secondary, and specialized schools; professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; research scholars; professional trainees in the medical and allied fields; and international visitors coming for the purpose of travel, observation, consultation, research, training, sharing, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills, or participating in organized people-to-people programs.

Step 1: Find a Sponsor

Sponsor

The State Department designates U.S. government, academic and private sector entities to conduct educational and cultural exchange programs. To participate in the Exchange Visitor Program, foreign nationals must be sponsored by one of the State Department-designated sponsors.

In Taiwan, participants usually go directly to consultation institution as a bridge connecting with one of the State Department-designated sponsors. My assist institution is I.E.E Taiwan.

Step 2: Get your DS-2019

DS-2019

The DS-2019 is a controlled form provided to the exchange visitor by program sponsor.

It documents the acceptance of the visitor to an exchange program and identifies the exchange visitor and their designated sponsor and provides a brief description of the exchange visitor’s program, including the start and end date, category of exchange, and an estimate of the cost of the exchange program.This form permits a prospective exchange visitor to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to obtain a J visa to enter the United States.

To apply for form DS-2019, you also need a employment certificate to enhance the credibility. I.E.E had assisted us arranging job interview with U.S. employer. Luckily, I got a position in Sea World, Orlando and successfully got the DS-2019 from the sponsor.

SEVIS

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system that tracks F, M, and J visa participants (and their family members) from the time they receive their initial documentation (either an I-20 or a DS-2019) until they graduate/leave school or conclude/leave program.

Participants are required to pay for SEVIS, no matter who. After paying SEVIS and receiving your DS-2019, you are ready to apply for the visa.

Step 3: Get your J-1 VISA

DS-160

Each applicant, including children, must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the AIT (American Institute in Taiwan).

Arrange an interview

Schedule your appointment and visit the AIT on the date and time of your visa interview. Remember to bring all the necessary documents with you and relax.

To enter AIT, there were strict security rules to obey and X-ray machine checked was needed. However, take it easy, the interview officer wouldn't pick on you. Actually, they were pretty nice. All you have to do is to be honest and smile. The interviewer officer will notice you at the end of the interview whether your visa is approved or denied.

Finally, after all these complex procedure which had taken me 6 months to prepare, I got the ticket to America. Yeeees!🎉