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

Eligibility: Full time students of the 2011/2012 academic year in Canadian post-secondary education.

Registration Deadline: Registration now open

Repeat Participation: Yes

Visa Duration: The rest of Canada May 15- Sept. 1 2012. BC residents May 15- Sept. 15 2012 (Please note recent change)

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

Summer USA without insurance $500 (conditions apply- see 2012 Registration Pack)

Support Funds: $1,000 with job offer, $1,500 without job offer. 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 May 15, 2012, no work permitted after Sept. 1, 2012. BC residents no work permitted after Sept. 15 2012.

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

Registering for SWAP USA Summer is easy. Download the SWAP 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.
  • 2012 SWAP SUMMER USA Registration Pack
  • Once you understand and accept the Terms and Conditions, complete the SWAP USA Registration Pack. Don't forget 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

Include the following documents as part of your registration

  • SWAP USA 2012 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. 2012)
  • Original Proof of Student Status letter
  • USA Visa Application Requirements Form
  • Job Form and W9 Form, completed by Employer (if applying with job)
  • 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 2012
USA INTERNSHIP
PROFESSIONAL CAREER TRAINING (PCT)
- Focuses on casual work & travel and summer internships.
- Focuses on training related to your studies.
- Focuses on training related to your career/studies.
-J1 visa for 3.5 months maximum between May 15-Sept.1 (BC Residents May 15-Sept. 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.
- 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).
- No job offer needed prior to departure, job can be found once in the US.
- 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 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 four-month 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 have a cultural experience 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 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


For more information on registration and what happens next click here.