The SWAP USA Summer Package
The USA Summer Package at a Glance

NOTE: 2013 Summer USA registration is now open. Download the forms here.

Eligibility: Full time students of the 2012/2013 academic year in Canadian post-secondary education, with pre-arranged temporary or seasonal work.

News: 50 places are now available to participants who do not yet have a job offer! The participant and the employer will still have to fill out the Employer Job Form, Business Registration and Workers Compensation documents but will do so once a job has been found and the participant will be responsible for submitting the documents directly to the sponsor and must wait for job approval from the sponsor before beginning work. Note: These 50 places will not be available to anyone who plans on working in New York City. Email swapinfo@swap.ca if you have any questions.

Repeat Participation: Yes

Visa Duration: Any 4 month period between April 24th and September 15th, 2013

Registration Fee:
Summer USA with 4 months Bon Voyage Insurance $650

Summer USA without insurance $500 (conditions apply)

Support Funds: $1,500. What are support funds?

Visa

Four-month J-1 American work permit. You choose the date your visa starts. You can begin working as early as April 24, 2013, no work permitted after Sept. 15 2013.

Accommodations

N/A

Support
  • Agent advice and assistance in completing the necessary visa documents and booking your travel arrangements
  • Ongoing support services, including a toll-free info line
Resources
  • Our expert SWAP materials: Electronic Welcome Pack and Final Kit to assist with trip preparation, USA arrival regulations and much more
  • SWAPPERS Guide to the USA: information on Social Security, SEVIS regulations, taxes, etc.
  • Online orientation prior to your departure
  • Social Security application forms and instructions
How to Register

SWAP SUMMER USA Registration Pack

Checklist:
Include the following documents as part of your registration

  • Read the 'SWAP Summer USA At A Glance' eligibility information (above) to ensure you meet all the requirements.
  • 2013 SWAP SUMMER USA Registration Pack
  • Once you understand and accept the Terms and Conditions, complete the SWAP SUMMER USA Registration Pack Do notforget to sign and date the Terms and Conditions form!
  • Take your Registration form and the documents outlined below to your nearest Travel CUTS/Voyages Campus, Adventure Travel Company or Merit Odyssey Travel office. Our travel counsellors are there to assist you.
SWAP Registration Checklist

Please note that online registration will not be available for this program.

Include the following documents as part of your registration (subject to change)

  • SWAP Summer USA 2013 Registration Form, siged and dated
  • Typed resume (in English)
  • Reference Letter (in English) or alternatively, you can use the SWAP Reference Letter Form
  • Copy of passport picture page (valid until Dec. 2013)
  • Original Proof of Student Status letter
  • USA Visa Application Requirements Form
  • Job Form, completed by employer
  • Proof of employers business license and workers compensation (certificate of insurance liability)
  • Bon Voyage Reciept or Signed USA Insurance Waiver and proof of coverage amounts.
  • QC residents- SWAP Language Evaluation form completed by agent
What are the Differences Between SWAP USA, SWAP Internship, and PCT USA?

SWAP SUMMER USA 2013
USA INTERNSHIP
PROFESSIONAL CAREER TRAINING (PCT)
- Focuses on temporary or seasonal work
- Focuses on training related to your studies.
- Focuses on training related to your career/studies.
-J1 visa for 4 months maximum between April 24-September 15
- J1 visa for up to 12 months.
- J1 visa for up to 18 months (12 months for hospitality traineeships).
- Summer program only.
- Year round program.
- Year round program.
- Work does not have to be related to your studies.
- Internship must be related to your studies.
- Internship must be related to your studies.
- Open to 2012/13 full time post-secondary students in Canadian schools.
- Open to post-secondary students and recent graduates up to 12 months after graduation.
- Open to professionals with either : a secondary diploma/degree and min 1 year work experience in their field OR at least 5 years work experience in their field (min. finished high school).
- Paid job offer needed to apply.
- Job/internship offer needed to apply.
- Job/traineeship offer needed to apply.
- Apply through any Travel CUTS/Voyages Campus office. Application forms available here.
- Register centrally through SWAP head office. Please see instructions and documents required here.
- Register centrally through SWAP head office. Please see instructions and documents required here.

FAQs

Can I apply without a job?

As of 2013, participants are not able to apply without prearranged, paid temporary or seasonal work. Volunteer, unpaid or internship positions will not be permittedon the summer work and travel J-1 visa. For more information, please contact swapinfo@swap.ca

Can I work anywhere in the USA?

Yes. Where you wish to work in the USA is entirely up to you.

Can my visa be mailed to me in the USA?

No, this is not permitted. Your DS-2019/J-1 visa status (allowing you to work in the US) must be activated at the border by a US immigration officer. Having your work documentation mailed to you in the States is illegal. Furthermore, not having your visa activated will mean that you will not be able to successfully obtain a Social Security card or be paid. In such cases, the only solution would be to exit and re-enter the United States.

How do I find a job?

There are a variety of ways to find work. Being resourceful with the Internet / newspapers and checking college employment boards are helpful ways to locate work. Don't forget to talk to friends, family and teachers who may have contacts in the US and may be able to provide you with some leads! Two excellent websites to try are www.summerjobs.com and www.coolworks.com

Can I begin work before my permit arrives?

You cannot. You are not legally permitted to work in the US until your employment authorization (DS-2019) and I-94 card (given to you by Immigration upon entry) are stamped with your J-1 status at the border.

Can I extend my visa?

No. SWAP USA is a summer program only. You are permitted to remain in the United States as a tourist for 30 days after the expiry date on your work visa.

Can I commute between Canada and the USA for work?

No. The purpose of SWAP USA is to experience American culture by living and working in the United States. Commuting is not permitted and contravenes US immigration regulations.

Is my American employer my official sponsor?

No. Our American partner organization, IENA, is your official program sponsor. More details will be provided to you in your Welcome e-mail.

When does my visa start?

SWAPPERS choose the visa start date (the date they intend to start working), and may enter within 10 days of that date