Participating Without a Sponsor or Local Agency

It is extremely important for a potential participant in the Work and Travel USA program to understand that participation in this program is not possible without the assistance of a sponsor and agency, and working on a tourist visa in the United States is strictly prohibited. Why is a sponsor and agency necessary? 1. A program sponsor is a licensed organization that is responsible for your participation in the program. The sponsor oversees all stages of the program, from obtaining documents such as the DS-2019 form to monitoring your stay in the United States. The sponsor also provides support if you have questions or difficulties during your stay. 2. The agency helps participants in their home country with paperwork, interviews, and program organization. Without the help of the agency and sponsor, it is impossible to obtain a J-1 visa, which is the main visa for Work and Travel participants. The J-1 visa is issued specifically for the exchange program and allows you to work and travel in the U.S. within the terms of the program. Why can't I go on a tourist visa? The tourist visa (B-2) is for short-term vacation and tourism only. It does not authorize you to work in the United States. If you travel on a tourist visa and work, it will be considered a violation of U.S. immigration law. The consequences can be serious: deportation, a long-term ban from entering the country, and serious problems if you try to get any other visa in the future. What are the risks of traveling independently? Without a sponsor and agency, you cannot legally work in the United States. Even if you find a job, the employer cannot officially hire you without a J-1 visa and proper documentation from the sponsor. This can cause serious problems for you and the employer. The Work and Travel USA program is designed for cultural exchange and student work in the United States in a legal and safe environment. The assistance of a sponsor and agency is a guarantee that you will participate in the program legally and receive the necessary support at all stages. Related topics: - J-1 Visa - Form DS-2019