Summer work and Travel

Frequently Asked Questions from November 12, 2007 "Vremea" interview from U.S. Consul.

1.      When has the W&T program started in Moldova?  How many regional agencies do collaborate with sponsors in the U.S., i.e. have the rights to sign contracts with students, collect money, etc?

A: The Summer Work and Travel Program (SWT) began in Moldova in 2002.  We dealt with 25 local recruiting agencies last year.  There is a strong commercial aspect to the SWT Program, made up of recruiters in Moldova, and placement companies and employers in the United States with which the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Government has no connection.

2.      How many students since then got J1 visas at the U.S. Embassy in Moldova?  How many students have participated in the program this year?

A:  Since 2002, the U.S. Embassy has issued around 7,500 visas for the Summer Work and Travel Program.  Many participants have gone more than once.  5,000 went in 2007 alone.

3.      More and more students want to participate in W&T.  Will the number of visas given to students increase?  Is there a limit in number of Moldovan students that the U.S. can accept?

A:  The number of visas issued depends on the number of qualified applicants.  There is no quota.

4.      What are the main reasons of a J1 visa denial for Moldovan students?

A:  The main reason for visa denial is failure to meet the program’s minimum standards.  The program is open bona fide post-secondary students currently enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or a full-time course of study at an accredited educational institution.  Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their country of residence and display sufficient knowledge of English to successfully participate in the program.

5.      What is easier to get – J1 or H2B?  Why?

A:  The Summer Work and Travel Program provides far more available jobs to address seasonal labor shortages, so far more applicants are accepted into that program.

6.      Are there any specifics in carrying out the W&T program in Moldova?

A:  No.

7.      J1 visa, given to students worldwide, allows the student to be on the U.S. territory during 5 months, out of which they can work the first 4 months.  Is this true?

A:  Participants in the SWT program can work for up to 4 months, and remain in the United States for up to one month after the completion of their program.  Obviously, full time students in Moldova do not have that long a summer vacation and cannot be both legitimate students and remain in the United States for the maximum period allowed.

8.      What is the U.S. embassy’s attitude towards various decisions by the universities regarding the early return of students from W&T program?

A:  The U.S. Embassy concurs with the Ministry of Education’s determination that student’s should be in class by the third Monday in September.  The program is for bona-fide students, and should not be a distraction from their studies.  This is not just the U.S. Embassy’s policy, but was the intent of the U.S. Congress when it passed the law creating the SWT Program.  It applies worldwide.

9.      If the student does not leave the U.S. territory on time according to J1 visa, will he be able to get this visa again or any other type of visa?

A:  Visitors who do not comply with U.S. immigration law risk not qualifying for future U.S. visas.

10.  Why students around the world travel to the U.S. on W&T?

A:  The Summer Work and Travel Program provides a unique opportunity for large numbers of students to visit the United States, earn money, gain work experience, and improve their English.  Their labor pays for an opportunity that would otherwise not be available on this scale.  SWT participants also earn a travel history, allowing them to travel more freely in the future.  From exposure to the United States’ customs and culture, we hope they come back with a better appreciation of their own countries and cultures.

11.  There is an opinion that the U.S. Government is interested that young and well educated people from developing countries, such as Moldova, don’t come back home, but rather stay in the U.S. and direct their energy to the development of this country.  Do you agree with this opinion?

A:  No.  We expect SWT participants to return to their universities and complete their studies, or the program would not be structured the way it is.  Again, those who fail to return on time risk limiting their future ability to travel freely.

12.  While in the U.S. on J1 visa, is it possible to get another type of visa to extend the stay in the U.S.?

A:  In theory yes, but we discourage that behavior.  The intent of the Summer Work and Travel Program is to be an exchange program, with a direct return to one’s home country at its completion.