Please follow this guide to get a general overview of the application process, when what happens during the application process and when payments need to be made. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us.

THE START OF YOUR APPLICATION

All J1 Warehouse applications start on this website. You'll find an online application form for our USA Summer Work, Travel & Intern Program here. Please upload your most recent CV with your application. Based on the CV you send, we determine whether you qualify for the USA Summer Work, Travel & Intern Program.

​

Make sure the following information is present on your CV:

• Start and (expected) end date of your education

• The degree you are studying/ have graduated from (i.e. Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management)

• The exact start date (date, month and year) and end date of any practical experience you have. Practical experience can be an internship, on-the-job-training and a part-time or full-time job.

STEP 1 OF YOUR APPLICATION: A SKYPE CHAT WITH US

After you have filed your online application we contact you within two business days to schedule a Skype chat. During this Skype chat we get to know you better, talk about your education and work experience (if applicable), assess your English and ask you questions about what type of job you want to do in the United States or what J-1 Internship goals you have. 

​

We also talk in-depth about the program, its aims and procedures and go through the entire application process. We let you know immediately whether we think you are a good candidate for the USA Summer Work, Travel or Intern Program. If we think you are a good fit for the program we move on to the next step of your application. If we don't think you are suitable for the program we let you know why we think so, and what you can do to improve your application success.

PREPARATION FOR YOUR VISA PARTNER INTERVIEW

After we have spoken to you on Skype we will send you an email where we ask you to submit the following items as a preparation for your interview with our visa partners and a security deposit of $ 400 (as part of the program fees 10% in non refundable):

• A visa questionnaire: the questionnaire asks you questions about the reasons why you want to pursue a USA Internship Program, if you have ever visited the United States or other foreign countries and if you have relatives or friends in the United States.

• A 1 minute video introduction: this is the perfect way to introduce you to our visa and our hotel partners and can be a great tool in increasing your chances to be hired for a training position quickly. Talk about your personality, your education, work experience and why you want to pursue a USA Internship Program Opportunity.

• $400 security deposit: we require all candidates to a pay a refundable security deposit. We use this deposit to ensure you are a serious candidate and are 100% sure you want to go on a USA Internship program with J1 Warehouse. This deposit is refundable if we can't place you in 3 months.

OUR VISA SPONSOR INTERVIEW

We make sure your visa partner interview is scheduled within one week after we have received the above mentioned items. The aim of the visa partner interview is to find out what your personal goals are for your internship program, why you want to go to the United States and to speak more broadly about the position you are looking for and what you want to learn during your USA Internship Program.

PREPARATION FOR YOUR J-1 VISA AND HOST INTERVIEW (Summer Program)

After your visa partner interview we ask you to submit the first documents that are relevant for your J-1 visa application, and items so we can start looking for a suitable Summer job for you. We need the following items:

​

• Copy of your passport

• A professional photograph: make sure you smile!

• Proof of student status: a form to be provided by J1 Warehouse which needs to be signed by your school to prove that you are enrolled

• Proof of financial capability: a form to be provided by J1 Warehouse which has to be signed by you or your parents/guardians.

• Previous visa & emergency contact information: a form to be provided by J1 Warehouse

• Copies of any previous U.S. visas you have held: if this isn't your first J-1 Summer Program we need your previous visa information (DS2019 and a copy of the visa in your passport).

• References letters (if applicable): if you have work experience or have had previous internships we require a reference letter. The reference letter must meet the following guidelines:

  • Letter must be on company letterhead

  • Letter must be signed and dated in the past year

  • Letter must include contact details (direct phone number or direct email address) of the person signing the reference letter

PREPARATION FOR YOUR J-1 VISA AND HOST INTERVIEW (Intern Program)

After your visa partner interview we ask you to submit the first documents that are relevant for your J-1 visa application, and items so we can start looking for a suitable Host Company:

​

• Copy of your passport

• A professional photograph: make sure you smile!

• Proof of education (for current students): a form to be provided by J1 Warehouse which needs to be signed by your school to prove that you are enrolled

• Latest transcripts (for current students): all documents need to be in English, or have been translated by a certified translator.

• A copy of your diploma or degree (for graduates): all documents need to be in English, or have been translated by a certified translator.

• Proof of financial capability: a form to be provided by J1 Warehouse which has to be signed by you or your parents/guardians.

• Previous visa & emergency contact information: a form to be provided by J1 Warehouse

• One page essay: the essay should be about as to why a J-1 Intern or Trainee program will benefit your career and why it will help you when you return to your home country.

• Copies of any previous U.S. visas you have held: if this isn't your first J-1 program (Intern, Trainee) we need your previous visa information (DS2019, copy of visa in passport and DS7002 if applicable).

• References letters (if applicable): if you have work experience or have had previous internships we require a reference letter. The reference letter must meet the following guidelines:

  • Letter must be on company letterhead

  • Letter must be signed and dated in the past year

  • Letter must include contact details (direct phone number or direct email address) of the person signing the reference letter

YOUR SUMMER JOB INTERVIEW

After we have received all your documents we start looking for a suitable Summer job for you. This can take between 1 and 4 weeks, based on your preferences and the time of year you are applying. When we have found you a suitable position we send you an option for a Skype video interview with the hotel or restaurant, and we send you information about the position and the hotel itself.

​

If you are happy with the offer we move forward and schedule an interview date and time for you, and prepare you thoroughly for the interview. We have lots of experience with interviewing candidates and know what the hotel or restaurant is looking for!

​

After a successful interview we send you an offer letter. The offer letter describes your position and the dates that you will work in the United States. This needs to be signed by you.

YOUR HOST INTERVIEW (Intern Program)

After we have received all your documents we start sourcing training placements. This can take between 1 and 4 weeks, based on your preferences and the time of year you are applying. When we have found you a suitable position we send you an option for a Skype video interview with the Host Company, and we send you information about the position and the hotel itself.

​

If you are happy with the offer we move forward and schedule an interview date and time for you, and prepare you thoroughly for the Host interview. We have lots of experience with interviewing candidates and know what the Host Company is looking for!

​

After a successful interview with the Host Company we send you an offer letter. The offer letter describes your position and the dates of training. This needs to be signed by you.

INSURANCE, VISA SPONSOR CONTRACTS & PROGRAM FEES

After we have received your signed offer letter we start arranging your insurance. Insurance is mandatory for your entire program duration and is included in J1 Warehouse program fees.

​

We also need you to sign your Agreement and we go through an orientation with you to prepare you for latest steps of the application process and arrival information to the United States. You also have to pay the remainder ($ 1,150) of the Program Fees. 

INSURANCE, VISA SPONSOR CONTRACTS & PROGRAM FEES (Intern)

After we have received your signed offer letter we start arranging your insurance. Insurance is mandatory for your entire program duration and is included in TK1 Warehouse program fees.

​

We also need you to sign your Intern or Trainee Agreement and we go through an orientation with you to prepare you for latest steps of the application process and arrival information to the United States and pay the entire remainder of your program fees. 

SEVIS, DS160 FORM AND EMBASSY APPOINTMENT

You usually receive your DS2019 package within 5 business days. With the information in your DS2019 package you have to do the following things. We can assist you in this:

• Sign up for SEVIS and pay the SEVIS fee: the SEVIS fee has to be paid online by the candidate. The fee is $ 160 for Interns and is not included in the program fees.

• Complete DS160 form: after you have signed up for SEVIS, you have to complete form DS160. This is a fully integrated online visa application. The information you input during this application will be used by consular officers to process your visa application.

• Book your visa appointment and pay the embassy fee: after you have completed form DS160 you can book your in-person visa interview. The fee for the embassy appointment is $ 160.

​

Consular officers will determine whether a J-1 visa is granted to you based on the information you provide in both form DS160 and your in-person interview.

HOUSING & ARRIVAL INFORMATION

After a successful embassy interview your visa is send to you within two weeks. After you have received your visa we help you arrange safe and affordable housing which is close to the hotel you're receiving your training at.

​

You can now also book your flight to your training location. We will then prepare you for the final steps of arriving safely to the United States and help you arrange travel from the airport to your training location if an airport pickup isn't arranged.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Congratulations! You have an amazing adventure and a fantastic learning experience to look forward to!

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE J-1 VISA

• You are at least 18 years old

• You are currently a student and enrolled in a college or university in a course that leads to a degree or professional certificate.

• The course you are following has a minimum duration of 2 years

• The university you are studying at is accredited by your government

• You have good English language skills

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE J-1 INTERN VISA

• You are at least 18 years old

• You are currently a Hospitality student and enrolled in a college or university in a course that leads to a degree or professional certificate.

• The course you are following has a minimum duration of 2 years

• You have good English language skills

​

OR

​

• You are at least 18 years old

• You have graduated from a Hospitality related degree or professional certificate in the past 12 months

• The course you have followed had a duration of 2 years or more

• You have good English language skills

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE J-1 TRAINEE VISA

• You have graduated from a Hospitality related degree or professional certificate longer than 12 months ago

• The course you have followed had a minimum duration of 2 years

• You have 12 months of full time work experience in Hospitality

• You have good English language skills

​

OR

​

• You have 5 years of full time work experience in Hospitality

• You have good English language skills

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE J-1 INTERN VISA

Candidates who join the USA J-1 Program can work in the United States during their Summer break for a maximum duration of 4 months. After your job ends you have to return to your home country.

​​

No extensions are permitted on the J-1 Program.

PROGRAM DURATION RULES

• Minimum duration of the J-1 Program is 10 weeks

• The precise duration of the Program differ per country, but is generally between 2 to 3 months, with a maximum of 4 months.

• You need to return to your home country before the start of your new school year.

• You need to return to your home country after the program ends. No extensions are permitted.

PROGRAM DURATION RULES (Intern)

• • Minimum duration of J1 Warehouse Internship program is 6 months (shorter duration may be possible during certain times of the year. Contact us for possibilities)

  • The dates of your training are agreed upon before departure and can't be changed once you have accepted the offer for an internship position, nor can they be extended or reduced while you are in the United States

  • You need to return to your home country after the program ends. No extensions are permitted.

30 DAY TRAVELING PERIOD

• • Candidates have the possibility to travel through the United States for up to 30 days after your program ends. Use this possibility to see the spots of the United States that you didn't get to see during your program!

J1 Warehouse offers placements in seasonal locations in the United States. Seasonal locations are locations that get particularly busy during certain times of the year. Your flexibility about the location of your placement is important. Seasonal locations we place in are Florida, South Carolina, Missouri, Colorado and more. There are some limitations we put in place, and flexibility about your internship location is very important. Besides being flexible, seasonality plays a role in placement possibilities.

PERSONAL PREFERENCES

We take your preferences about a placement location very seriously, but they need to be reasonable. Examples of preferences that are reasonable are: beach resort placement, city location, cold climate, warm climate.

​

Examples of preferences that J1 Warehouse can't take into acount are: placement in New York City, placement in a business hotel in Dallas, placement in a beach resort in Tampa bay. We can't take these preferences into account because they are too specific.

​

Acceptable request

• Beach Resort Placement

• Rural Hotel Placement

• Business Hotel Placement

• City Hotel Placement

​

Unacceptable request

• Tampa Bay Beach Placement

• Rural Hotel Placement in Montana

• Business Hotel Placement in Dallas

• Placement in New Orleans

​

​

​

PEAK SEASON IN THE UNITED STATES

Seasonality plays a role in the availability of placements at given times during the year. To get an indication of the availability of placements and seasonality please find an overview here.

​

• City Locations: city locations are the least influenced by seasonality. They are busiest during special events, holidays and conferences and may experience periods of low occupancy.

• Beach Locations: beach locations in the United States are busiest during the period May to October. Summer dates starting in these periods are highly likely to be placed in a beach location.

• Ski Locations: although some ski locations in the United States operate year round, most of them are seasonal. Peak ski season is from November to April and that's when hotels experience their busiest time. Placements starting from July to October are most suitable for ski locations.

WHERE WILL MY PLACEMENT TAKE PLACE?

The following factors are taken into account when it comes to the location your placement:

​

• Personal Preferences: you file your personal preferences with your application. We also discuss your preferences for a type of placement during your interview. These preferences are important to make your placement a personal success to you, so please think carefully about your personal goals and preferences.

• Type of position you're applying for: some positions are easier to arrange then others. Food & Beverage, Housekeeping and Food Preparation jobs are easiest to arrange. Positions in Animation, Sales or other jobs are harder to arrange for us.

• The Summer dates: most countries have their Summer dates during the months May-September. This is peak season for warm destinations in the United States. During these months the availability of beach location placements is very high, and ski destinations lower. For countries with Summer dates during October-February it works the other way around.

SEASONALITY (Intern)

Seasonality plays a role in the availability of placements at given times during the year. To get an indication of the availability of placements and seasonality please find an overview here. Seasonality does not impact 12 month placements as 12 month placements experience both one high and one low season.

​

• City Locations: city locations are the least influenced by seasonality. They are busiest during special events, holidays and conferences and may experience periods of low occupancy.

• Beach Locations: beach locations in the United States are busiest during the period April to October. Most 6 to 8 month placements in beach locations start from February to May.

• Ski Locations: although some ski locations in the United States operate year round, most of them are seasonal. Peak ski season is from November to April and that's when hotels experience their busiest time. Placements starting from July to October are most suitable for ski locations.

As a company dedicated to Cultural Exchange and offering people opportunities we try to keep our fees as low as possible. We also want to be transparent about our pricing and about inclusions and exclusions of our fees. If anything is unclear to you, please contact us.

PROGRAM FEES & INCLUSIONS

Our Program Fees include:

• Education on the J-1 Summer Program

• Job Interview preparation

• An hourly paid position in the Hospitality industry

• Visa documentation (DS2019)

• Sponsorship of the J1 Summer visa

• Assistance with finding safe and secure housing

• Health insurance during your stay in the United States*

• Pre-departure orientation

• 24/7 emergency support while in the United States

• Assistance with your tax return after your program ends

​

* Health insurance is included with a standard deductible of $ 250 and excludes hazardous activities insurance. If you wish to have a lower deductible or include hazardous insurance, the price of the insurance will be higher. We will bill you seperately for the difference in price.

​

Fee: $1250

Insurance: Included with Package

PROGRAM FEES EXCLUSIONS

The following fees are excluded from the program fees and need to be paid separately by the candidate:

• SEVIS Fee: $ 35- this fee needs to be paid online by the candidate when signing up for SEVIS.

• Embassy Fee: $ 160 - this fee needs to be paid online by the candidate when booking the embassy appointment at your local U.S. Embassy.

​

Other costs you will incur during your program:

• Housing Deposit - you might incur a housing deposit when you sign your lease. The housing deposit is usually one month's rent.

• Plane Ticket: $ 700 - $ 1,000 - this is the amount of money you should budget for a return ticket.

• Rent - you have to pay rent for your housing. Your rent is usually around 1/3rd of your hourly pay.

• Living Expenses - think about costs for food, transportation, mobile phone, sightseeing, shopping etc.

TIMING OF PAYMENTS

It is important to know when you need to make payments during the application process. Please find the timing of  payments here:

​

1. The first payment is a security deposit of $ 100 which is payable after your Skype interview with us. This deposit is refundable if we can't place you within 3 months.

2. The second payment takes place when you accept your offer Summer job offer. You will have to pay the remaining program fees ($ 1,150) at that time.

PROGRAM FEES & INCLUSIONS (Intern)

Our Program Fees include:

• Education on the J-1 Internship Program

• Internship Interview preparation

• An hourly paid internship position

• Visa documentation (DS2019)

• A tailor-made Training Plan (DS7002)

• Sponsorship of the J1 Intern or the J1 Trainee visa

• Assistance with finding safe and secure housing

• Health insurance during your stay in the United States*

• Pre-departure orientation

• 24/7 emergency support while in the United States

• Assistance with your tax return after your program ends

​

* Health insurance is included with a standard deductible of $ 250 and excludes hazardous activities insurance. If you wish to have a lower deductible or include hazardous insurance, the price of the insurance will be higher. We will bill you seperately for the difference in price.

​

6 Months: $2495

12 Months: $3080

PROGRAM FEES EXCLUSIONS (Intern)

The following fees are excluded from the program fees and need to be paid separately by the candidate:

• SEVIS Fee: $ 180 - this fee needs to be paid online by the candidate when signing up for SEVIS.

• Embassy Fee: $ 160 - this fee needs to be paid online by the candidate when booking the embassy appointment at your local U.S. Embassy.

​

Other costs you will incur during your program:

• Housing Deposit - you might incur a housing deposit when you sign your lease. The housing deposit is usually one month's rent.

• Plane Ticket: $ 700 - $ 1,000 - this is the amount of money you should budget for a return ticket.

• Rent - you have to pay rent for your housing. Your rent is usually around 1/3rd of your hourly pay.

• Living Expenses - think about costs for food, transportation, mobile phone, sightseeing, shopping etc.

TIMING OF PAYMENTS (Intern)

It is important to know when you need to make payments during the application process. Please find the timing of  payments here:

​

1. The first payment is a security deposit of $ 100 which is payable after your Skype interview with us. This deposit is refundable if we can't place you within 3 months.

2. The second payment takes place when you sign your offer letter for your training position. You will have to pay all remaining program fees at that time.

PAYMENT METHODS

We accept payments with Mastercard, Visa, American Express and bank wires.

J1 Warehouse only offers hourly paid positions in our Hospitality programs. Hourly compensation differs from position to position and from state to state. Your hourly pay is stipulated in your visa documentation and on your training plan, so you can start budgeting for your U.S.A. Internship Program well in advance.

HOURLY PAY PER POSITION

Americans make a difference between tipped and non tipped positions. The hourly pay you receive during your Summer Program depends on whether your position is tipped or non tipped.

​

Food Preparation Positions: food preparation positions are always non tipped positions. They pay a regular hourly compensation. The hourly compensation you can expect is between $ 8 and $ 10.

​

Housekeeping Positions: housekeeping positions are always non tipped positions. They pay a regular hourly compensation. The hourly compensation you can expect is between $ 8 and $ 10.

​

Activities/ Kids Club Positions: these positions are always untipped and they pay a regular hourly pay. You can expect an hourly wage of between $ 7,25 and $ 9.

​

Food & Beverage Positions: these positions are usually tipped positions. This means that you get to keep the tips you receive from guests. It also means that your hourly pay will generally be lower. When you are in a tipped position you are still guaranteed an hourly pay of $ 7,25.

​

Americans are generous tippers. When they receive great service they won't disappoint you with a small tip. The average tips are between 15% and 20% of the bill and can therefore be a big part of your compensation.

HOURLY PAY PER POSITION (Intern)

Americans make a difference between tipped and non tipped positions. The hourly pay you receive during your training depends on whether your position is tipped or non tipped.

​

Front Office Positions: front office positions are always non tipped positions. They pay a regular hourly compensation. The hourly compensation you can expect is between $ 9 and $ 12.

​

Culinary Positions: culinary positions are always non tipped positions. They pay a regular hourly compensation. The hourly compensation you can expect is between $ 8 and $ 11.

​

Food & Beverage Positions: during your program there are stages in your training plan that might offer tipped positions. This means that you get to keep the tips you receive from guests. It also means that your hourly pay will generally be lower. When you are in a tipped position you are still guaranteed an hourly pay of $ 7,25.

​

Americans are generous tippers. When they receive great service they won't disappoint you with a small tip. The average tips are between 15% and 20% of the bill and can therefore be a big part of your compensation.

TAXES

You will have to pay taxes on your hourly compensation in the United States. There are some taxes you have to pay and some taxes that you will not have to pay. The general amount of tax that will be withheld is between 10% and 20% of your hourly pay.

​

Taxes you have to pay:

• Federal Income Tax

• State Income Tax

• Local or City Income Tax (if these exist in your internship location)

​

Taxes you don't have to pay:

• Social Security & Medicare Tax

• Federal Unemployment Tax​

​

At the end of the fiscal year you might be able to claim part of your paid taxes back. J1 Warehouse can assist you with doing so.

As part of our program fee we offer housing options. There are several types of housing we offer, depending on the area and the type of placement offered to you. One thing is 100% certain, and that is the security of knowing where you will be staying during your USA Summer Program before you leave your home country.

​

There are a couple of standards we maintain when it comes to housing:

• Housing is shared with other candidates

• Housing is always shared with people of the same gender

• Housing is affordable in line with your hourly compensation

• Housing is close to the host party you'll be working at

​

Please note that you have to pay rent for your housing. The candidate is responsible for all rent payments, but J1 Warehouse makes sure the housing is affordable and close to the hotel.

TYPES OF HOUSING

Several types of housing are offered, but the type of housing depends on your job location, your host company and the availability in the local area.

​

Housing is arranged by the Host Property: some positions offer housing in the hotel, or in an apartment complex nearby the hotel. The hotel usually has an arrangement in place, and the rent for your housing will be deducted from your paycheck. Housing is shared with other candidates at the same Host Company.

​

Housing is not arranged by the Host Property, but they give options: the hotel doesn't have an agreement with an apartment complex nearby, but does have contacts in the vicinity of the hotel.

J1 Warehouse will, in these cases, contact the party that arranges the housing for you, but you are ultimately responsible for signing the lease. The housing usually consists of shared apartments with Americans or other candidates.

​

J1 Warehouse arranges housing options: if the Host Company does not have any housing options, J1 Warehouse offers you housing sources that are affordable and close to your Summer job. We help you get in contact with the party that offers housing, but you are responsible for signing the lease.

Intern

One of the most important things during your USA J-1 Internship will be your J-1 Visa and your Training Plan. The J-1 Visa gives you the right to stay in the United States for the duration of your training, and the Training Plan describes what you will be learning during your program.

​

Work & Travel

One of the most important things during your USA Summer Program will be your J-1 Summer Visa. The J-1 Summer Visa gives you the right to stay and work in the United States during your Summer vacation.

J-1 SUMMER VISA

The J-1 Summer Visa gives you the right to stay and work in the United States during your Summer vacation, for up to 4 months. J1 Warehouse helps you arrange you visa application, will send you important visa documents in collaboration with our visa partners and helps you get hired for a great Summer job in the Hospitality industry.

​

The J-1 Summer Visa gives you the following rights:

• To stay and work in the United States during your Summer vacation

• To earn an hourly wage, and to get a second job

• You are guaranteed a minimum of 32 hours of work per week

• You get to travel through the United States for up to 30 days after your program ends

OFFER LETTER

The offer letter is the letter you receive from your employer in the United States. This letter is important because it explains the following things:

• The position you are hired for

• The dates of your employment

• Contact information of the hotel or restaurant you'll work at

​

The offer letter is also important because you will need this for your J-1 Summer visa application.

J-1 VISA (Intern)

The J-1 Visa gives you the right to undergo in-depth training in the United States for up to 12 months in the Hospitality industry. J1 Warehouse helps you arrange you visa application and will send you important visa documents in collaboration with our visa partners.

​

There are two types of J-1 visas for Hospitality training:

​

J-1 Intern Visa: this visa is used for current students and recent graduates who have little experience in the Hospitality industry. This visa allows you to receive hands-on experience in the U.S. Hospitality industry and to gain exposure to the U.S. culture. The program bridges the gap between formal education and the workplace. This visa is generally used for candidates who have less than 12 months of full time work experience.

​

J-1 Trainee Visa: this visa is used for candidates who have graduated longer than 12 months ago, and who already have experience in the Hospitality industry. This visa allows young professionals to receive training in the U.S. Hospitality industry and to enhance current skills, learn new skills and learn about U.S. methodologies and practices. This visa also has a maximum duration of 12 months.

TRAINING PLAN (Intern)

The Training Plan is your go-to guide about your learning experience in the United States. All USA J-1 Internship Programs are structured. This means that your training is documented and what you will learn during your internship is therefore clear to all parties before you arrive to the United States. The Training Plan officially called the DS-7002 form. Each training plan is different is tailored to your experience and the Host Properties amenities. A Training plan must consist of a rotation through different departments and the rotation must be comprehensive to ensure a thorough learning experience.

​

Training Phases: each USA J-1 Internship Program consists of different phases of training. A phase of training consists of a maximum of 6 months in which you receive in-depth training in a certain field. Please find a guide to the number of phases below.

​

Internship Duration

• 6 Months

• 6 to 9 Months

• 9 to 12 Months

​

J-1 Intern

Number of Phases

• 2

• 2-3

• 3-4

​

J-1 Trainee

Number of Phases

• 2

• 3-4

• 4

​

​