Summer Work Travel Program

You must be a **full-time post-secondary student** (university/college) outside the United States, at least 18 years old, and enrolled during the semester immediately preceding your participation. Gap-year students and recent graduates are not eligible. Your home institution must be accredited, and you must demonstrate intent to return home after the program.

No. Your sponsor must pre-approve your job before issuing the DS-2019. Jobs must be in the **hospitality, tourism, or seasonal industries** — think hotels, resorts, amusement parks, ski slopes, and national park concessions. Positions involving childcare, healthcare, or public safety are explicitly prohibited. Your employer must also be registered with your sponsor.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is a mandatory federal charge paid before your visa interview. For the Summer Work Travel category specifically, the fee is **$35** — significantly lower than other J-1 categories ($220) or F-1 student visas ($350). Pay it at pay.gov and print the confirmation to bring to your interview.

Almost certainly **no** for most SWT participants. The two-year rule (Section 212(e)) applies if your program was government-funded or your home country skills are on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. The vast majority of Summer Work Travel participants are privately funded students and are exempt — but verify with your sponsor before making any US immigration plans.

You receive a **30-day grace period** after your DS-2019 end date. You can travel within the US for tourism during this window but **cannot work**. You must depart before the grace period expires. Overstaying — even by one day — triggers a multi-year or permanent bar from re-entering the United States.