Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of jobs can I get?

A: The Work Travel Program offers entry-level jobs such as cashiers, housekeeping staff, kitchen help, resort workers, casino workers, lifeguards, sales help, and more. Our host companies include hotels & resorts, casinos, ski resorts, national parks, amusement parks, retail stores, fast food restaurants, and more.

The Internship Program offer entry-level internships in hospitality, business management, marketing, advertising, web development, accounting, public administration, law training and more. 

 

Q: How old do I need to be?

A: For Work Travel and Internship, participants must be between the ages of 18 and 28 years old. For Career Training, participants must be at least 20 years old.

 

Q: How much do I need to pay? 

A: The cost of your specific program is determined by your local Intrax representative or partner. Please contact your local Intrax Partner office for more information. In addition to the program fee, you will need to pay for your J1 visa at the point of entry, a round trip flight to the U.S. and you will be responsible for the costs of your housing and meals.

 

Q: How do I find housing?

A: You are ultimately responsible for confirming your accommodations while in the U.S.; however, Intrax provides you with the resources to find suitable housing. You must arrange at least temporary housing before you leave home so that you may complete your immigration documents accurately with an accommodation address in the U.S. many employers provide housing or assistance with housing as a part of your job. Please refer to your placement documents for more information.

 

 

Q: What type of visa do I need in order to work in the U.S.?

A: In order to participate in the Work Travel, Internship or Career Training program, you will need to have the appropriate J-1 Visitor Exchange Program Visa. The purpose of the Visitor Exchange Program is to provide foreign nationals with the opportunity to participate in educational and cultural programs in the U.S. The Exchange Visitor Program includes 13 different exchange program categories. Intrax will work with you to determine which type of J-1 visa you will need for your specific program (either a J-1 Work Travel, Internship or Trainee visa)

 

Q: What is a J-1 Work Travel visa?

A: A J-1 Work Travel visa allows you to visit the U.S., and work for up to 4 months during your university summer vacation. Additionally you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country which is when you can travel and fully benefit from the visa.

A J-1 Internship visa allows students and recent graduates to intern with a U.S.-based host organization for up to 12 months. In addition, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country.

A J-1 Trainee visa allows students and young professionals to train with a U.S.-based host organization for up to 18 months. Training within the hospitality and tourism industries allow up to 12 months. In addition, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country.

 

Q: How long after the expiration of my visa must I leave the U.S.?

A: The expiration date for the visa should not be confused with the authorized length of your stay in the U.S., given to you by the U.S. immigration inspector at port-of-entry, on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form 1-94. The U.S. Department of State notation, shown on your Arrival-Departure Record, I-94 is the official record of your authorized length of stay in the U.S. Also, if you are allowed to stay additional 30-day following the successful completion of the program from the end date stated on your Form DS-2019. For more information about visas to enter the U.S. please visit this site: http://travel.state.gove/

 

Q: What is the difference if I only want to use your independent J-1 visa sponsorship service?

A: The Self-Arranged service is provided to those who want to make their own arrangements for a summer job. You take responsibility for securing your own work directly with a host company and housing. Intrax is still here to provide you with sponsorship, assistance, and advice.

 

 

Q: How long does the entire process take?

A: Once you have contacted an agent in your home country and applied for the program it usually takes between 3-6 weeks for completion of all of the necessary paperwork.

 

Q: Do I have to stay at one job/internship?

A: By signing an Intrax Job Offer, you are agreeing to work or train for a particular employer. Intrax requires that you honour this commitment. However, if you are experiencing problems, we are here to assist you. You should always feel free to contact us at any time if you are experiencing difficulties.

 

Q: Can I get a second job?

A: If you are a Work Travel participant you can have two or more jobs. However, you must make sure that your second job does not conflict with the hours and responsibilities of the original job.

 

Q: Can I get a second internship?

 A: Internship participants are not allowed to intern or train with more than one company at a time.

 

Q: Can I come before my job or internship starts?

A: You may arrive up to 2 weeks before your program begins. This time gives you the opportunity to get settled in your housing, apply for your Social Security card, and learn your way around before starting your program. If you choose to arrive early and stay in the housing provided with the position, please contact Intrax in advance to confirm your housing will be available.

 

Q: How much money should I bring?

A: You should bring enough money to pay for food and housing for your first month in the U.S. This is important, because you may not receive your first paycheck until after you’ve been working for two weeks. As a general rule, you should have enough money for one month’s rent, and an additional USD $1,000 when you arrive.

 

Q: Who can I contact in case of an emergency?

A: Intrax offers a toll-free 24-hour emergency help line during your stay in the U.S.: 1-888-224-0450. However, should you have life threatening emergency you should call the appropriate authorities (police, fire department and ambulance) by dialing 911 from any phone.

 

Q: Can I extend my stay in the U.S.?

A: There are no extensions for J-1 Work Travel programs past the “maximum duration of the program”. The maximum duration of the Work Travel program is 4 months. Once you have arrived in the U.S. we cannot change your program dates.

The maximum duration of an Internship Program is 12-18 months depending on your specific program. If you are interested in extending your program please contact Intrax.

 

Q: Can I come back again?

A: If you still meet the requirements for eligibility for the Work and Travel program you may return during your following summer vacation.

You may apply for additional internship programs if you still qualify for an internship program, and have completed at least 2 semesters of study in between the internship programs.