Understanding the J-1 Visa
The J-1 Visa is the official non-immigrant visa that permits you to participate in the Summer Work and Travel cultural exchange program in the USA. SAFRICAMPS facilitates this process for you.
- Purpose: The J-1 visa allows you to live, work, and travel in the US for the duration of your camp contract plus an additional 30-day grace period for travel.
- Sponsor: SAFRICAMPS works with an official US-designated sponsor who issues your critical visa paperwork.
The Visa Application Steps
SAFRICAMPS guides you through every step, but here are the essentials:
- Placement Secured: You must be hired and placed by a US camp first.
- Receive DS-2019: We help you obtain the DS-2019 form, your Certificate of Eligibility (required for the visa interview).
- Pay SEVIS Fee: You must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. Your Camp will pay this fee.
- Visa Interview: Attend a mandatory in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country of your residence. We help you prepare for this.
Key Documents for your Visa Interview
- Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- DS-2019 Form: Signed and dated.
- DS-160 Confirmation: Confirmation page from your online visa application.
- Camp Letter: Proof of employment/placement from your US camp.