Issue link: https://resources.twc.edu/i/1502358
3 The Washington Center • International Student's Pre-Arrival/ J-1 Visa Guide International Students Pre-Arrival/ J-1 Visa Guide The Exchange Visitor Program The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. The J-1 Visa Process We would like to welcome and congratulate you on your acceptance into The Washington Center (TWC)'s program. These instructions will help you to understand the State Department's regulations for international students regarding the J-1 Visa. The TWC program is inclusive of a full-time internship program (32+ hours per week), an academic course, leadership programming and cultural activities. Specific internship information and terms and conditions of your internship (i.e., site name, address, job duties, work hours, deductions, compensation, etc.) were provided during the internship placement process by your site supervisor and/or your TWC program advisor. Please remember that you cannot travel to the U.S. with a tourist visa. Make sure that you understand the following points and be ready to answer questions at your interview at the U.S. Embassy or at the U.S. port of entry. If you are a Canadian citizen, please skip to page 5. Securing Your J-1 Visa (Non-Canadian) • To receive your J-1 visa, you will need to follow the steps detailed in the "Visa Paperwork and Scheduling the J-1 Visa Interview" section below. • When attending your J-1Visa interview, remember you are coming to the U.S. for an "Internship-Training Program." If the officer asks you whether you have come to study or to work, answer that you have come to study. Part of this training program is the "on-the-job training" component. This means that you will be placed at an organization or company to learn about U.S. procedures and work environments. However, you will be "learning" and not "working." Part of the learning experience may include completing research, writing documents and giving presentations. Again, the important aspect is that you are coming to "learn" and "receive training" and NOT to replace a U.S. worker.