J-1 VISA APPLICATION
I.E. assisting your team members to apply & obtain their J-1 visa as early as possible
HOW TO SUBMIT A J-1 VISA APPLICATION
For students who have never had a GEC Summer Work Travel account:
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Select the green button that says “I am a first time student”
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Enter your First Name and Last Name
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Select the country that you are currently enrolled in school
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Select the home country GEC partner agent that you are utilizing, if applicable
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Enter and confirm your email address and enter and confirm your password.
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Once your information is entered, press the continue button.
*Ensure that your password is secure and contains at least 8 characters (include an upper case letter and at least 1 number – example, GECStudent#1)
Application Process
Complete the eight part application beginning with name information. Select Continue between sections of the application • Participant Details will require you to enter information about your name and birthdate. • Passport Bio will require you enter information about your passport. • Contact Information will require you enter information about your CURRENT address, phone number, email, social media accounts • Emergency Contact will require you to enter information about your emergency contact including name, address, phone number and email. • Previous Programs will require you enter information about any previously receive J-1 Visa’s. If you have had a previous visa, please select “yes” and select the yellow Add Previous Program information. Previous 2 program information is required to be reported to the U.S. Department of State, please be sure all previous J1 programs that you entered the U.S. for and completed regardless of type and sponsor are listed in your application. Do not included previous programs that you did not end up participating in (cancelled programs, unable to enter the U.S. to begin that program etc) • Visa Information will ask questions about your Visa. Anytime you answer yes, please fill in an explanation. • Program Dates will require you to provide your desired program start and end date. GEC will update your confirmed dates before any documents are processed in SEVIS. • Education Info asks questions about your current fulltime university Once all sections are complete and accurate, select the Complete Application button.
For students who have had a previous GEC sponsored program:
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Enter your email address and password and click Log In. *If you have forgotten your password, click the link to have a new password emailed to you.
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Select blue “Reapply” button
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Please review the information and make any necessary additions, corrections/updates on each of the 8 application tabs and select the "Complete Application" button.
UPLOAD YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Click the MENU in top right corner and choose “Documents”.
The list of application documents to be uploaded will be listed on the Documents page. To download and upload application forms, click on the download arrow to open and print the form. For instructions on completing each form see below.
For instructions on completing each form see below.
1- Insurance Beneficiary Form
Click the download arrow by form name Insurance Beneficiary Form to download and print form. Enter your legal name, birthdate and full address including country where indicated as the Insured. Enter your primary and second beneficiary information’s full name, full birthdate, complete address including country and their relationship to you. Sign the “Signature of Insured” line and date the form (be sure to follow the date format listed) Scan the form and save it to your PC or take a clear picture of the form and save it on your PC. Choose the blue upload button to select the appropriate completed file, Click open. The file will upload. Press the Submit button. *Form must be in PDF or image file
2- Medical, Social Security and I-94 Release Form
Click the download arrow by form name Medical, Social Security and I-94 Release to download and print the 2 page form. Review each release statement. Print your name clearly, enter your birthdate (mm/dd/yyyy), sign and date on page 1 of the HIPAA form. A witness (anyone but yourself) must also sign and print their name on page 1 of the HIPAA form. On page 2, print your name as the Name of Applicant on each release, enter your signature on each release and date (following the date format listed) each release. Scan the form and save it to your PC or take a clear picture of the form and save it on your PC. Choose the blue upload button to select the appropriate completed file, Click open. The file will upload. Press the Submit button. *Form must be in PDF or image file
3- Financial Support Confirmation
All participants of the Summer Work Travel program must be financially able to participate. In addition to programs fees, embassy fees and flights costs, each participant must being at a minimum $1000 with them to the U.S. Click the download arrow by form name Financial Support Confirmation to download and print the form. Enter your legal name where indicated, review and complete (or have the designated person complete) the appropriate sections, sign and date (following date format listed). Scan the form and save it to your PC or take a clear picture of the form and save it on your PC. Choose the blue upload button to select the appropriate completed file, Click open. The file will upload. Press the Submit button. *Form must be in PDF or image file
4- Terms and Conditions
Click the download arrow by form name Terms and Conditions to download and print the 6 page form. Carefully read each statement. If you have any questions please contact GEC before you initial, sign or upload into your application. Initial each numbered term/condition once you understand and agree to adhere to the terms and conditions of your program. Print your legal name, sign and date (following the date format listed) on the indicated lines on the last page. Scan the forms and save it to your PC or take a clear picture of the forms and save it on your PC. Choose the blue upload button to select the appropriate completed file, Click open. The file will upload. Press the Submit button. *Form must be in PDF or image file **System will allow the upload of multiple documents
Important: If you have questions regarding any of the Terms and Conditions, please contact GEC for clarification or assistance. Once you sign the Terms and Conditions, you are responsible for adhering to them during your program.
5- GEC Work Agreement/Job Offer
Once you are eligible to receive a Work Agreement, you will be notified by email with instructions to review and sign your Work Agreement electronically. Once received, review and contact GEC with any questions before signing. The work agreement is an agreement between you, your Host Company, and your visa sponsor. It states information specific to your work opportunity and is signed by your Host Company representative, your J-1 visa sponsor, and you. Review the Work Agreement carefully and ensure that all information is accurate, you understand it and agree to it as you will present this document at the American Embassy/Consulate. You are expected to arrive in the U.S. to begin your program on the start date and work on your program until the end date. If you need to request alternative work period dates, contact GEC BEFORE electronically signing your work agreement to avoid reprint/amendment fees.
6- Program Information Guide Acknowledgment
is a document that outlines your Southwestern Advantage program during the summer. Click the download arrow by form name Program Information Guide Acknowledgment to download and print the 4 page form. Carefully read the document. If you have any questions please contact GEC before you sign and upload into your application. Initial where indicated on bottom of pages 1,2 and 3. On page 4, enter your signature on the signature line, clearly print your name and date (following the date format listed). Do not use the lines designated for GEC’s signature and date. You will present this document at the American Embassy/Consulate with the Work Agreement. Scan the form and save it to your PC or take a clear picture of the form and save it on your PC. Choose the blue upload button to select the appropriate completed file, Click open. The file will upload. Press the Submit button. *Form must be in PDF or image file
7- Program Restriction Questionnaire
Click the download arrow by form name Program Restriction Questionnaire to download and print the form. Carefully read the document and answer the questions. If you choose yes to any question, please be sure to enter the additional information requested. Print your legal name, sign and date (following the date format listed) where indicated. Scan the form and save it to your PC or take a clear picture of the form and save it on your PC. Choose the blue upload button to select the appropriate completed file, Click open. The file will upload. Press the Submit button. *Form must be in PDF or image file
8- Program Fee Disclosure Form
Click the download arrow by form name Program Fee Disclosure to download and print the form. Please review, on page 1 print your legal name and University country, initial pages 1, 2 & 3, sign and date (following the date format listed) where indicated on page 4. Scan the form and save it to your PC or take a clear picture of the form and save it on your PC. Choose the blue upload button to select the appropriate completed file, Click open. The file will upload. Press the Submit button. *Form must be in PDF or image file
9- Proof of Student Eligibility
Proof of your student status at the time of this application is necessary to determine your eligibility for the program. Please note that the student eligibility must be either a university letter as described below along with transcripts/evidence of at least one full-time semester completion OR the GEC Proof of Student Status form (POSS). To print the POSS form click the download arrow by the form name University Letter(s) or POSS form.
University Letter
You must submit an official letter from your university stating each of the following regulation requirements: a. You are a foreign national currently enrolled fulltime in classroom studies and actively pursuing a degree at a foreign-ministerially recognized post-secondary academic institution. Vocational/Technical/English language schools are NOT allowed, and studies must not occur outside the classroom (cannot be online studies). b. You have successfully completed at least one full time semester of post-secondary academic study. Part time study that occurred during a semester is not allowed, and the semester proof must not contain the inability to pass a course. c. Your university’s official academic summer break dates (It is not your specific enrollment dates or vacation schedule. Permission to leave your studies early and/or return late is prohibited in this program). • Your official university letter must be current and on university letterhead. • The letter must be signed and dated by a university official. • The contact information of the university official should be included, including their job title. • The university letter must contain the university’s seal or an official registrar’s stamp. **Generic address stamps on university documents will not be accepted.** The university letter must be in English. If it is not, it must be translated by an official translator (translated documents will not be accepted from friends, family members, teachers, etc.). Credentials of the translator must be included. All translated documents must be an exact translation of the original document and they must be dated and signed.
Transcripts
The university transcript should indicate that you have successfully completed at least one semester of full time post-secondary academic study. The transcripts must be in English. If it is not, it must be translated by an official translator (translated documents will not be accepted from friends, family members, teachers, etc.). Credentials of the translator must be included. All translated documents must be an exact translation of the original document and they must be dated and signed. Please upload both the original document and translated copies (if applicable) into your GEC record.
Or GEC Proof of Student Status (POSS) FORM
The university official may complete a GEC Proof of Student Status Form that lists all requirements. The Proof of Student Status Form must be completed by, signed, and dated by a university official. The contact information of the university official should be included, including their job title. The POSS Form must contain the university’s seal or an official Registrar’s stamp. Generic address stamps on university documents will not be accepted.
10-Upload a copy of your Passport Biographical Page-Your passport should be valid and clearly show all your personal details.
11- Upload a copy of all previous J-1 visa stamps (if applicable)
12- Upload a copy of all previous DS-2019 forms (if applicable)
INTERVIEW DOCUMENTATION/ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS
In order to be eligible for the J-1 Summer Work and Exchange Visitor program, you must be proficient in conversational English and reading comprehension and must have a clear understanding of the purpose of this cultural exchange program. This will be determined by an interview via Zoom video-conferencing.
In order to be eligible for a sponsor interview, please ensure before choosing a signup slot you have uploaded your passport or government ID and completed fee disclosure in the Documents section of your GEC application before your interview signup.
Interview appointment availability and instructions may viewed online at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a094baaa728a20-2021
Video interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Your signup slot contains the zoom link you will need for your interview. Click the link on the signup for your timeslot to join the zoom waiting room.
SUBMIT PAYMENT
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Go to the Dashboard menu option and select Make Payment in the green Payments section
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Select the button at the right of the screen that says “Add New Payment”
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Select a payment type (Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal) 6
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Enter the amount you are paying.
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Complete the remaining information.
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Press Save.
If you would like to pay by bank wire please request your invoice with bank information at gec@gecexchanges.com
If you are an experienced Southwestern Advantage dealer and wish to pay by dealer account (experienced dealers only), please complete the advance request form in this package and forward by email directly to GEC as indicated on the advance request form.
1- What are the 2024 GEC Program Fees?
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT- $1,475
Online application submitted, all *acceptable documents uploaded and full payment received before: December 18, 2023
GEC Video Interview Acceptable and Completed before: December 11, 2023
2024 PROGRAM FEE- $1,575
The GEC Program Fee includes:
o Review and processing of application for sponsorship o Sponsor Interview o Host Vetting and Site Visit for Site of Activity Company o Program pre-departure orientation and materials o J1 compliant medical insurance policy for the duration of your program o Mandatory U.S. government SEVIS fee payment* o Initial DS-2019 form and Work Agreement o Courier/shipping fees for your program documents to school country o 24 hour emergency support while in the U.S. o Monitoring of program in the U.S. o Arrival orientation in Nashville o Assistance with social security appointment in Nashville *Note: The $35 mandatory SEVIS fee (SEVIS - the U.S. government database that is used to create your DS-2019 Form and monitor your time in the U.S.) is included in the GEC program fee but is paid directly to the U.S. government by GEC. This fee is subject to change per the U.S. Department of State.
Please note although applications for summer 2024 programs will be accepted by GEC until April 1st, program sponsorship is subject to form availability and opportunities for an available program may be exhausted before the April 1st deadline.
2- Are there additional GEC fees? (Premium Processing, Cancellation/Rejection, Reprint)
Premium Processing Fee (if documents are needed from GEC within 10 days) $100.00
DS-2019 Form Reprint/SEVIS Amendment Processing Fee $50.00
(if at any time your SEVIS record has to be amended or DS2019 replaced or updated before program, such as lost form, incorrect information from application or during your program such as, update SOA information, date changes etc. the amendment fee will apply)
If you are unable to arrive in the U.S. to begin your program for any reason or choose to cancel your participation in a GEC program for any reason, please note the following fees deducted from fees you paid and terms of refund:
If applicant notifies GEC at gec@gecexchanges.com of cancellation or visa denial;
1-Before application is approved and DS2019 is printed- Refundable if paid
2- *After application is approved or DS2019 is printed and written notification sent to gec@gecexchanges.com before program start date- Refundable less $400
3- Visa issued- No refunds if visa has already been issued
