Check the USA Main page to see which programmes you qualify for. If you can find what you're looking for or need more information email info@istplus.com or use the CONTACT US link on the top menu

YES! The programmes are open to all nationalities! As long as you qualify under the criteria, there's no reason you can't apply for a programme. However, it is worth noting that citizens of some countries find it harder to get visas than others, so if you are a non EU student we always recommend getting a letter of support from your university or educational establishment before you go to the US Embassy for the face to face interview.

You can't get a J1 visa without using a DESIGNATED LEGAL SPONSOR. This is an organisation authorised by the US Government to issue the legal documentation needed in order to apply for the J1 visa at embassy (the DS-2019 form). We're not the only company you can use, but we like to think we're the best.

Application forms for all the programmes are available from the DOWNLOAD page of this website

The fees depend on the programme and the length of time you plan on being in the USA. Please see the specific fees page for the programme you are looking at. For Internship USA, Graduate Internship USA and Professional Career Training USA you can also use our Online Fees Calculator

In most cases YES! There are restrictions on the amount of time you need to leave between visas, and the type of J1 you had before etc. The best thing to do is email info@istplus.com, giving specific details of the type of visa you had previously (ie: Summer Work and Travel, Camp etc.). Let us know the programme you're looking to go on and we will be able to advise you!

You can pay in any number of ways.
We accept cheque, card payment or online bank transfer.

• If you're paying by cheque, please make sure you write your name clearly on the back!
• If you want to pay by debit or credit card please put a note in with your application and we will contact you to take the details and payment. NEVER send your card details to us in the post! **Please note debit cards are free to process, but credit cards incur an additional 4% charge
• If you would like to pay using online banking, please email info@istplus.com and we will give you the details by which you can make payment - remember though we will only take payment once an application has been received.

If you are over 18 and have not yet started university, the only programme you are eligible for is the CAMP USA programme. All other programmes require you to have already completed at least one term of university (or equivalent) level study.

YES!! It's a common mistake to think that just because you are on an unpaid internship in the USA, you don't need the visa.
YOU DO!
The US Government is very clear on this. If you are on any form of Internship or Work related activity in the US you need a visa. For students on unpaid internships in the USA you still need to apply for a J1 programme in the same way you would if you were being paid. The difference is you also need to prove you have access to at least $750/ month to support yourself during your time in the USA.

Medical and liability insurance is provided on all of our programmes to the USA. If you are a CIEE participant you can see the full coverage at www.ciee.org/insurance. If you are on a Camp USA Programme, please contact info@istplus.com or InterExchange directly for further information.

Sorry- no.
The Intern category allows you to be in the USA ONLY to undertake work related activities at the Host company you have been authorised to go to. Under no circumstances are you allowed to take part time work as well. If you do, you will be terminated from the programme and will have to leave the USA immediately. You may also find that the US authorities ban you from going back to the USA.

Sorry- no.
The Intern category allows you to be in the USA ONLY to undertake work related activities at the Host company you have been authorised to go to. Under no circumstances are you allowed to take part time work as well. If you do, you will be terminated from the programme and will have to leave the USA immediately. You may also find that the US authorities ban you from going back to the USA.

Sorry- no.
The Intern category allows you to be in the USA ONLY to undertake work related activities at the Host company you have been authorised to go to. Under no circumstances are you allowed to take part time work as well. If you do, you will be terminated from the programme and will have to leave the USA immediately. You may also find that the US authorities ban you from going back to the USA.

YES! There are no restrictions on getting a second job while you are on Summer Work and Travel USA.
HOWEVER - if you found your job through CIEE DIRECT it must be with the approval of your first employer, and can not conflict with your employment there. Before you are allowed to start any new job your new employer will need to complete an Employer Offer Agreement form, and you will need to send this to CIEE. Only once you have received approval from CIEE will you be able to start.
Download the Employer Offer Agreement form (pdf) here

No. The dates you gave on your application form are "locked in", and there is no option to extend these.

As your programme comes to an end, you might discover that your Host Company has much more to teach you. If you feel that you could benefit from additional instruction, requiring an extended stay at your Host Company, it is important for you to keep in mind that program extensions are only granted under specific conditions. CIEE is supportive of Interns and Trainees who have had a positive experience at their Host Company and wish to extend; however, we must ensure that any extension offered to you by your Host Company will involve training that advances your development and is in no way a repetition of your original training experience.
Internship USA participants have a max allowed time at their US Host company of 12 months - you can not extend past this. Find out more
Graduate Internship USA participants have a max allowed time at their US Host company of 12 months - you can not extend past this. Find out more
Professional Career Training USA particpants have a max allowed time at their US Host company of 18 months and may not extend past this. Find out more

If you are a CIEE participant (Summer Work and Travel, Internship USA, Graduate Internship USA or PCT USA, you need to call them directly TOLL FREE on 1-888-268-6245.
If you are on a Camp USA Program with Interexchange, the first thing you need to do is contact your supervisor at camp. You can also contact Interexchange using one of the details below:
1-212-924-0446
1-800-597-1722
campusa@interexchange.org