Frequently asked questions for Social Worker USA

How can a trainee get a visa to come to the U.S.?

Trainees enter the U.S. on the J-1 exchange visitor visa. Once a program sponsor has issued a DS-2019 form, the trainee can apply for the J-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate in his/her home country. Having a DS-2019 form does not guarantee the trainee will be issued the J-1 visa. The U.S. Consul stationed at the embassy makes this decision.

Is a DS-2019 form a visa?

No. The form is a sponsorship certificate which allows the trainee to apply for the J-1 visa.

How long can a trainee stay in the U.S.?

Trainees can stay in the U.S. so long as they maintain good standing in the program and for thirty days after the end date on their DS-2019 forms. The maximum length of time the DS-2019 form can cover is eighteen continuous months.

How are trainees admitted to the program?

Trainees enter the country on a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, which is stamped in their passport. Their exchange visitor category is “practical trainee.”

Who is the host site?

The host site is the company or institution who signed an agreement with our sponsor to provide training according to a pre-approved training program.

Who provides housing and food for the trainee?

This should be negotiated with the host site before applying to the program.

Can the host site be changed?

Only in extremely rare cases we do allow host changes.

Can a trainee work outside the host site?

No, work is permitted only as on-the-job training described in the Training Plan submitted with particular sponsor Program application. All other work is not permitted by the trainee’s J-1 visa and could result in severe fines for any employer hiring the trainee outside of activities described on the Training Plan.

Can I get a refund if my visa is denied or if I decide to cancel the program?

Yes, there are refund policies in place however there are different refund policies for the different stages of cancellation.

Can a trainee leave the U.S. during the program?

Yes. However, the Sponsor must be informed at least two weeks ahead of time. Here is how trainees can leave the U.S. and return during the training period:

1. The trainee’s supervisor should send a letter to the International Career Advancement Program on official letterhead stating:
   • The trainee’s name.
   • The trainee has approval to leave the U.S.
   • The departure and return dates.
   • The trainee is in good standing with the host site.
2. The trainee’s DS-2019 should be sent with the letter from the supervisor
3. A self-addressed stamped envelope (preferably FedEx, or registered mail) should be enclosed within the envelope. We will not send the DS-2019 form back unless this is included.

We will then sign the DS-2019 form and send it back to the trainee. The trainee will need the signed DS-2019 form to reenter the U.S.

Do trainees have vacation time?

This should be agreed upon with the host site at the time application is made to the program.

Do trainees get sick time?

Sick time policies should be understood by the trainee and the host site at the time application is made to the program.

Are trainees free during the weekend to travel in the U.S.?

Trainees should negotiate their schedules with their host supervisors.

Can the J-1 visa be changed to another visa category?

No, to change the visa to another visa category, the trainee must leave the U.S. and apply for a new visa. U.S.