There is just over a month left before the Consulate interviews begin (a reminder that J-1 Visa interviews this year are held from April 18th to June 2nd). And what is happening with me? I have an offer, and that makes me happy=) The only thing that upsets me is that it is still unverified... It has been under review for a month now. I check my IEC.Exchange page daily, waiting for the cherished OK to appear in the contract status) And it will definitely happen soon!)

Based on my past experience, I can say that in 2008 it was much easier to get a J-1 Visa. Of course, the sponsor wants us to work there, support ourselves, and earn money for traveling around beautiful America, rather than hanging around doing nothing or getting involved in any kind of illegal activity:

"The White House has tightened requirements for residents of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Romania arriving under one of the most popular international student exchange programs, Work and Travel USA. The explanations from officials look simply ridiculous. The US has started recruiting intelligence agents and 'brain draining' promising specialists. The US Consul General in Russia, Richard Beer, explained the new measures as a necessity to stop involving students in illegal labor activities.

Richard Beer referred to cases where participants of the Work and Travel USA program were involved in illegal labor activities because they arrived in the US without a prior job arrangement. From now on, applicants will not receive a visa until an authorized organization finds them a specific job in a specific location. Special firms accredited by the US Embassy will look for work overseas. The Consular Section also announced a reduction in such embassy-accredited companies — from 62 to 27. In addition, this year, students can submit documents for visas only between April 18 and June 2.

Presumably, this decision is related to last year's scandal. Let us recall that more than 20 Russian students were arrested in New York on suspicion of stealing several million dollars. The detainees were charged with computer fraud, hacking bank accounts, money laundering, and using forged documents. Most of the accused arrived in the US on a J-1 Visa."

Waiting for... a miracle))) Just two cherished letters - OK.

Good luck to everyone and don't give up!=))

Everything is going to be all right!!!)))

(16.03.2011)