Hey friends, here is some useful info:)

As you probably all know, on January 28th, a meeting was held at the US Embassy in Moscow between embassy staff and representatives of agencies involved in the Work and Travel USA 2011 program.

US Consul Richard Beer announced the main embassy requirements for this year:

1. The list of accredited companies (i.e., those authorized to process participants for the Work and Travel USA program this year) has significantly decreased compared to last year. I am happy to announce that CMO has successfully received accreditation at the US Embassy in Moscow for the 2011 season!
2. The US Embassy has decided to limit the number of participants sent to America by each agency. The quotas for each agency will be announced within two weeks.
   Note: this means that if the quota is exceeded, participants may be excluded from the program:( Exclusion will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Changes have also affected the visa application procedure. Now we only have one chance to obtain it. In case of failure to appear on the appointed day for any reason, or in case of a refusal, documents will be returned without the right to appeal. Interviews will take place from April 18th to June 2nd.
4. The conditions for obtaining the DS-2019 form have also changed; it will now be issued by the sponsor and sent directly to the embassy only after they have verified and confirmed the job offer.
   Note: i.e., without a job offer, you cannot get the DS-2019 => you cannot apply for a visa.
5. Stricter requirements for job offers have been introduced. It will not be accepted if a fixed salary is not specified. Offers from staffing agencies are also not accepted.
6. Work dates (May 15 to September 15) and stay dates (until 30.09.2011) have been defined.
7. "Repeaters" will be able to get a visa without an interview, but only if no more than 1 year has passed since they received their previous visa.
8. "At-risk groups" (correspondence students, final-year students, etc.) can participate in the program, but their chances of getting a visa are low. However, the embassy has not expressed anything specific on this issue. Everything will be clarified within the next two weeks. It's too early to get upset=)
   Another meeting of agencies will be held at the embassy in March, where all the details will be discussed. We are looking forward to it...

As you can see, the Embassy has nothing good to tell us. Or rather, they don't want to. All that remains is to wait and hope for the best. I personally believe, and I advise you to do the same=)

(01.02.2011)