SEVIS is an Internet-based system that provides tracking and monitoring functionality, with access to accurate and current information on nonimmigrant students (F and M visa) and exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit electronic information and event notifications, via the Internet, to the DHS and DoS throughout a student's or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. SEVIS will be informed of status events for students and exchange visitors including, but not limited to, entry/exit data, changes of current United States address (residence), program extensions, employment notifications, and…
Video Transcript Remarks by Michael Shamblen, Business ManagerWisp Resort - Recreational Industries, Inc. A Wisp Resort is a four-seasons resort located in Western Maryland. Our participants that come here through the J-1 Visa program, mostly we hire them through the winter months. They're here for a three-month time period,and we have a variety of jobs that they do. We have the opportunity to have young, excited international students that bring a level of diversity to the resort that we thoroughly enjoy that students here get to meet and mix with our local population and our guests and customers here. Being…
By Eli Rolli, Camp Director, YMCA Camp Benson Read testimonials from international students who served as camp counselors at YMCA Camp Benson during the summer of 2017. "While at camp we often heard the phrase 'child X needs camp', I never really understood this phrase but I went with it anyway. It was only at the end of the summer after 10 weeks of camp in the USA that I fully understood the phrase. At 21 years old, I realized that I needed camp. My J-1 experience not only allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of…
By, Liz Horne, J-1 Camp Counselor Alumna from Australia I can vividly remember my first drive down Frost Valley Road, it was mid-June 1986, the light dancing through the trees, the crystal clear water of the Neversink River (smiling in the back seat of the caravan I thought “what a great name for a river – should be good for teaching someone to swim”), the smell of the Catskills Mountain summer and the welcome I received from the summer camp leadership team. I had arrived early and knew I would be helping with those last minute preparations before camp. Over…
Designation The Office of Designation Academic and Government Programs (D-AG) deals specifically with the following: Reviewing designation and re-designation applications Reviewing annual reports to acknowledge, assist, and to resolve sponsor’s issues or concerns to administer a successful program Assisting sponsors with J-visa related inquiries and requests for change of category, extension, reinstatements, or permission to issue Providing daily outreach to assist sponsors and to evaluate the effectiveness of program categories Reviewing program requests: * Adding officials * Amendments * DS-2019 allotments * Other matters regarding program administration Pay.gov Sponsors should submit all program requests and reports electronically. Contact:…
Event takes place from 5:15pm – 8:30pm. Partnered with Stop Hunger Now, this event is offered to all J-1 Visa participants and friends and provides a hands-on opportunity to change lives! Participants will learn about global hunger, leadership skills, and creative problem solving. The group will package nutrient-rich meals for undernourished people globally, followed by a free dinner and games. For questions: contact Tanya Burovtseva at tburovtseva@interexchange.org This events is open to all J-1 Visa Exchange Program participants.
By Lynette Evans-Tiernan, Communications Manager for the J-Visa Exchange Visitor Program At the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, we have a steadfast and enduring commitment to safety and security. This commitment extends not only to U.S. citizens and diplomats overseas, but also to the thousands of exchange visitors from every sector of society who participate in educational and cultural exchange programs abroad and here in the United States. On February 26, Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer Zimdahl Galt hosted a dialogue with sponsors that administer the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program to discuss how to continue to strengthen efforts to safeguard…
OPA’s SWT/CC Team has two new resource pages for our categories—one for the Summer Work Travel (SWT) program and one for the Camp Counselor (CC) program. We believe these sites would be a great help to exchange visitors considering applying for the EVP, for EVs preparing for their future programs, and for those currently on program. Attached are drafts of the website pages, along with copies of various documents that we would like to see incorporated within them. I based the content of both drafts on OPA’s Au Pair, Intern and Trainee, and AG pages that are currently live on…
Much like how the Ocean City, Maryland community embraces their J-1 student visitors, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware also goes to great lengths to make students feel welcome, safe, and appreciated. Recently, I attended a lively dinner with some 250 international students and 20-30 community volunteers at the Epworth church in Rehoboth Beach. Rather than being a one-off, special event, the Rehoboth community churches of varying denominations hold these J-1 dedicated dinners for students four nights a week! This arrangement driven by the faith communities provides students with many dining options, and plenty of free meals. And, of course, all are welcomed,…
