Frequently Asked Questions

You will choose a summer job from a list of available positions open at the time of your acceptance to the program. Your local Intrax partner office will provide you with these options. If you choose to find your own job or have a prearranged job, your local Intrax partner office can also confirm it for you and sponsor your J-1 Work Travel Visa.

The Work Travel Program offers entry-level jobs such as cashiers, housekeeping staff, kitchen help, resort workers, casino workers, ski lift operators, lifeguards, sales help, and more. Our host companies include hotels & resorts, casinos, ski resorts, national parks, amusement parks, retail stores, fast food restaurants, and more.

Work Travel participants must be between the ages of 18 and 28 years old.

In order to participate on the Work Travel Program you must possess at least intermediate English skills and be able to communicate comfortably on your own. The level of your English language knowledge plays a large part in your placement options.

The cost of your specific program is determined by your local Intrax representative or partner. Please contact your local Intrax partner office for more information. In addition to the program fee, the embassy will charge you for your visa application; you will need to pay for a round trip flight to the U.S. and you will be responsible for the costs of your housing and meals.

You will be given at least one housing option in addition to your job placement; however, you are ultimately responsible for confirming your accommodations while in the U.S. You must arrange at least temporary housing before you leave home so that you may complete your immigration documents accurately with an accommodation address in the United States. Many employers provide housing or assistance with housing as a part of your job. Please refer to your placement documents for more information.

In order to participate in the Work Travel Program you will need to have the appropriate J-1 Visitor Exchange Program Visa. The purpose of the Visitor Exchange Program is to provide foreign nationals with the opportunity to participate in educational and cultural programs in the U.S. The Exchange Visitor Program includes 13 different exchange program categories, of which the Work Travel Program is a part.

A J-1 Work Travel visa allows you to visit the U.S., and work for up to 4 months during your university summer vacation. Additionally you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country which is when you can travel and fully benefit from the visa.

The expiration date for the visa should not be confused with the authorized length of your stay in the U.S., given to you by the U.S. immigration inspector at port-of-entry, on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. The U.S. Department of State notation, shown on your Arrival-Departure Record, I-94 is the official record of your authorized length of stay in the U.S.  Also, you are allowed to stay additional 30-day following the successful completion of the program from the end date stated on your Form DS-2019. 
For more information about visas to enter the U.S. please visit this site: http://travel.state.gov/

The Independent service is provided to those who want to make their own arrangements for a summer job. You take responsibility for securing your own work directly with a host company and housing. Intrax is still here to provide you with sponsorship, assistance, and advice.

Once you have contacted an agent in your home country and applied for the program it usually takes between 3-6 weeks for completion of all of the necessary paperwork.

By signing an Intrax Job Offer, you are agreeing to work or train for a particular employer. Intrax requires that you honor this commitment. However, if you are experiencing problems, we are here to assist you. You should always feel free to contact us at any time if you are experiencing difficulties.

If you are a Work Travel participant you can have two or more jobs. However, you must make sure that your second job does not conflict with the hours and responsibilities of the original job.

You may arrive up to 2 weeks before your program begins. This time gives you the opportunity to get settled in your housing, apply for your Social Security card, and learn your way around before starting your program. If you choose to arrive early and stay in the housing provided with the position, please contact Intrax in advance to confirm your housing will be available.

You should bring enough money to pay for food and housing for your first month in the U.S. This is important, because you may not receive your first paycheck until after you've been working for two weeks. As a general rule, you should have enough money for one month's rent, and an additional $1,000 when you arrive.

1. If you arrived in the U.S. on the summer work travel program, on or before December 31, 2010, and you purchased insurance through Intrax, view information on your insurance coverage through USI Travel Insurance Services.

2. If you arrived in the U.S. on the summer work travel program, on or after January 1, 2011, and you purchased insurance through Intrax, view information on your insurance coverage through AVI Insurance.
 

Intrax offers a toll-free 24-hour emergency help line during your stay in the U.S.: 1-888-224-0450. However, should you have life threatening emergency you should call the appropriate authorities (police, fire department and ambulance) by dialing 911 from any telephone.

There are no extensions for J-1 Work Travel programs past the "maximum duration of the program". The maximum duration of the Work Travel program is 4 months.  Once you have arrived in the U.S. we cannot change your program dates.

If you still meet the requirements for eligibility for the Work and Travel program you may return during your following summer vacation.