Fewer J-1 workers available in 2011
Important changes to government regulations
Student workers coming from Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, and
Belarus now require a job offer that has been confirmed by a J-1 Sponsor before their visa interview. Students from these countries make up half the international seasonal workforce.
The U.S. State Department has announced changes to the rules that govern J-1 Work & Travel USA student workers. It is important that you understand these changes so that you are still able to hire the international seasonal staff you need.
January 24th update: Download the new regulations here.
April 26th update: An interim-final rule revising the regulations governing J-1 student workers was published in the Federal Register. The rule carries a 60-day public comment period, and takes effect July 15th. A key provision of the new regulations is that beginning with winter 2011/2012 only participants from Visa Waiver countries may enter the U.S. without a confirmed job placement. Employers should plan ahead to hire J-1 student workers early for all seasons.
CIEE featured on Maine Public Radio discussing changes to the J-1 Work & Travel USA program.
What does this mean for you?
There will be fewer J-1 student workers overall coming to the U.S. this year.
In order to guarantee that you will have the staff you need, you must make job offers early. CIEE urges you to make all of your job offers as soon as possible.
CIEE can help you hire the staff you need based on these new regulations. Call us at 866.609.CIEE, email
hire@ciee.org, or visit
www.ciee.org/hire to get started today!
CIEE is designated by the State Department as a J-1 visa Sponsor. This means that we are a source of both staff and information for you. To make the best use of J-1 student workers, always work directly with a Sponsor.
J-1 student workers from Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, and
Belarus make up more than half of the number of international seasonal workers.
Take action now so you are not short staffed this summer! Visa interview slots in these countries will fill quickly. Contact us by calling 866.609.CIEE,
email hire@ciee.org, or visit
www.ciee.org/hire.
COUNTRIES IMPACTED
Bulgaria, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, and
Belarus
A JOB OFFER IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO VISA INTERVIEW
Students from these six countries must have a job offer that has been confirmed by a sponsoring organization BEFORE the student can apply for a visa.
NEW DEADLINES
Because of these requirements, employers and J-1 students must get a head start on the hiring and visa application process. CIEE urges you to make all of your job offers as soon as possible.
CONTACT A CIEE REPRESENTATIVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW REGULATIONS
Learn how your business can benefit from the Work & Travel program.
Learn More.