Please read this if you have not yet travelled to the USA or have cancelled your programme and have received an email to register in SEVIS
Update 19th May 2020:
We ...
Participants currently in the USA should contact CIEE on 1-888-268-6245
Applicants in the UK should email info@istplus.com or use the contact form on this page
Please read this if you have not yet travelled to the USA or have cancelled your programme and have received an email to register in SEVIS
Update 19th May 2020:
We ...
Further information can be found on the CIEE updates page for US Host Organisations currently hosting international participants
If you already have your J1 Visa in your passport and have not been able to travel to the US as a result of COVID-19 please contact our team using the form at the bottom of this page.
CIEE is in contact with Host Companies in the US to revise these dates and make changes in SEVIS to allow you to travel to the US at a later date. In many cases this will mean we need to get your dates in SEVIS revised and may need to send you new legal documentation once these have been finalised.
CIEE is in contact with Host Companies in the US to revise these dates and make changes in SEVIS to allow you to travel to the US at a later date, once travel restrictions have been lifted and embassy interviews are once again available. It is likely that once these have been revised we will need to send you new documentation matching your new dates to take to your embassy interview.
If you have any questions regarding this please use the contact form at the bottom of this page
At present, processing of some programmes (notably programmes in Hospitality) until the present pandemic crisis is passed. If your application has not yet been approved, CIEE will work with your hosts to confirm new dates - you should be in contact with your host company supervisor to discuss these as this will speed up the process once approval can be granted.
If you have any questions regarding this please use the contact form at the bottom of this page
If you now wish to cancel your J1 Visa programme in the USA please contact our team using the contact form at the bottom of this page. You can see a list of cancellation charges on your specific programme page under Costs.
Yes, if both the host organization and participant are in agreement that they would like training to continue and all program rules and policies are being fulfilled, training may continue.
No, if training is being fulfilled as outlined on the training plan, training may continue.
If, once in the United States, a participant has to return to their home country due to: personal choice, host ending the program, a Covid-19 emergency as determined by an official decision of the local government, American government, or any official authority, CIEE will continue to provide a high level of support to our in-country participants; however, there will be no reimbursement of fees.
While this is permitted by the U.S. Department of State, there are factors outside of CIEE’s control which may not guarantee a successful return to the U.S. Before leaving the U.S., CIEE recommends that exchange visitors discuss their options with the host organization, as well as notify CIEE 1-888-268-6245 and the International Representative of the decision. Participants should also contact the International Representative when they begin to consider returning to the United States. Depending on the circumstances, participants may need to check with the local U.S. embassy to renew their visa, or confirm eligibility directly with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services if they have been outside the U.S. for more than 30 days.
Participants will only be permitted to return to their previously approved host organizations. Participants should not return to the U.S. to train at a different host, or with intent to find a new host.
CIEE recommends exchange visitors remain informed on their home country government or university requirements and advice and make choices that are best for their specific circumstances.
If the participant has been outside of the U.S. for less than 30 days, it is anticipated that they should be able to re-enter without difficulty.
It is our understanding there will be flexibility in the case of a participant has been outside of the U.S. for more than 30 days. However, we recommend reconfirming this with your local embassy or the Department of Homeland Security.
If the participant’s internship eligibility has expired, it is possible that Career Training USA may be an option. Check CIEE’s website and materials for eligibility requirements.
No. J-1 participants are not eligible for these benefits.
IST Plus
Shakespeare Business Centre
245a Coldharbour Lane
London
SW9 8RR
Tel: +44 (0)207 788 7877
email: info@istplus.com