Intrax Career Development - International Participant FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a job in the USA?

All three Intrax Career Development programs give you the option of the Premium or Independent service.

For the Work Travel Program you can choose a summer job from a list at your local representative's office (Premium Placement Service), or you can find your own job, and have us confirm it for you (Independent Placement Service).

For the Internship Program you can prearrange your own internship (Independent Program) or let us present you with suitable internship opportunities (Premium Program).

For the Training Program you can have the security of a training program arranged by our staff (Independent Program) or secure your own training/internship (Independent Program).

What type of jobs can I get?

The Work Travel Program offers entry-level jobs like cashiers, housekeeping staff, kitchen help, resort workers, casino workers, ski lift operators, lifeguards, sales help, and more. Our host companies include hotels & resorts, casinos, ski resorts, national parks, amusement parks, retail stores, fast food restaurants, and more.

The Internship Program offers entry-level internships in in hospitality, business management, marketing, advertising, web development, accounting, public administration, and law.

The Training Program provides training opportunities in accounting, advertising, arts, administration, businesses management, finance, hospitality, marketing, sales, and more.

How much will I be paid?

A typical Work Travel job has an average wage of $6.50 per hour. Please note that the actual earnings may vary by position and by state.

Internship and Training participants may often receive a stipend from their host companies, but you should be sure to have sufficient financial resources to support yourself while in program.

How many hours will I work?

A typical Work Travel job has a schedule of around 30 hours per week. Internship and Training opportunities may vary from 20-40 hours per week.

How old do I need to be?

In order to participate in the Work Travel or Internship program you need to be between the ages of 18 and 28 years old. Training participants need to be at least 20 years old.

How good does my English have to be?

In order to participate on the Work Travel Program you must possess at least intermediate English skills and be able to communicate comfortably on your own. The level of you English language knowledge plays a large part in your placement options.

For the Internship or Training Program you must be fluent in English and feel confident with both your written and spoken skills.

Can I be placed at the same job as my friend?

Yes! You just need to choose the same employer.

What if I already have a job?

If you have already secured a job and the host company is ready to hire you, you should contact an Intrax local representative in your home country to help you with the rest of the Independent Placement process. Intrax Career Development will provide you with the necessary visa paperwork, medical insurance, program orientation and on-going support.

What type of visa do I need in order to work in the USA?

In order to work in a summer job (Work Travel visa), participate in an Internship (Internship visa) or training position (Trainee visa), you will need to have the appropriate J-1 Visitor Exchange Program visa. The purpose of the Visitor Exchange Program is to provide foreign nationals with the opportunity to participant in educational and cultural programs in the USA. The Exchange Visitor Program includes 13 different exchange program categories, of which the Work Travel, Internship and Training programs are part of.

What is a J-1 Work Travel visa?

A J-1 Work Travel visa allows you to visit the USA, and work for up to 4 months during your university summer vacation. Additionally you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country which is when you can travel and fully benefit from the visa.

How long does the Work Travel Program last?

The Work Travel Program is a 4-month program.

What is a J-1 Internship visa?

A J-1 Internship visa allows students and recent graduates to inter with a US-based host organization for up to 12 months. In addition, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country.

How long does the Internship Program last?

The Intrax Internship Program can be for any period of time up to 12 months.

What is a J-1 Trainee visa?

A J-1 Trainee visa allows students and young professionals to train with a US-based host organization for up to 18 months. Hospitality and Tourism is up to 12 months. In addition, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the country.

How long does the Training Program last?

The Training Program can be for any period of time up to 18 months (excluding hospitiality and tourism which is up to 12 months).

What is the 30-day grace period?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides all J-1 program participants a 30-day travel status period to follow the completion of their program. This grace period allows participants to travel domestically and/or to prepare for and depart from the USA, and cannot be used for any other purpose.

What program is best for me?

The Work Travel Program is ideal if you are a university student wanting to spend your summer vacation working and traveling in the USA. This program is a combination of cultural exchange and work experience. Work Travel jobs are generally entry-level and don't require any special skills; the wages help you cover the cost of living (including housing) while you are in the USA.

The Internship Program is perfect for you if you want to develop practical skills in the workplace to reinforce your academic studies. Internships are usually related to your area of study and can last for up to 12 months.

The Training Program is geared towards young foreign professionals and university graduates, with previous work experience, looking for the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience and enhance their careers with businesses in the U.S. The practical training is directly related to your field of study and/or work experience so your responsibilities will vary depending on your skills and interests.

What is the difference between the Independent and the Premium service?

The Independent Placement Service is provided for those who want to make their own arrangements for a summer job or training placement. With the Independent Placement Service you take responsibility for securing your own work or training placement directly with a host company. Intrax Career Development is still here to provide you with sponsorship, assistance, and advice.

The Premium Placement Service is an upgraded service designed to facilitate the process of finding a job or training placement. The Intrax Career Development teams guides you through the process of your application, gives you the tools to find the right job or training program, supplies all necessary documentation for your J-1 visa and provides general support both in your home country and once in the USA.

How much do I need to pay?

The cost of the programs is determined by your local Intrax Career Development representative. Please contact their offices for more information. In addition to the program fee, the embassy will charge you for your visa application; you will need to pay for a round trip flight to the USA and you will be responsible for the costs of your housing and meals.

How long does the entire process take?

Once you have contacted an agent in your home country and applied for the program it usually takes between 3-6 weeks for completion of all of the necessary paperwork.

Do I have to stay at one job?

By signing an Intrax Job Offer, you are agreeing to work or train for a particular employer. Intrax Career Development requires that you honor this commitment. However, if you are experiencing problems we are here to assist you. You should always feel free to contact us at any time if you are experiencing difficulties.

What if I don't like my job?

The Intrax Support Team will be able to assist you in speaking with your employer and solving any difficulties you may find. If we give you permission to leave your job or training position, you will be responsible for finding a new one, unless we determine that there was an error in your initial placement.

Can I get a second job?

If you are a Work Travel participant you can have two or more jobs. However, you must make sure that your second job does not conflict with the hours and responsibilities of the original job. Intrax Internship and Training participants are not allowed to intern or train with more than one company.

Can I study while I work/intern/train?

No, you may not study while participating in any Intrax Career Development program. Being a foreign student in the USA requires a different designation of visa and needs to be sponsored directly through a university.

What information do I need to know before coming to the USA?

We're here to make this the best experience possible for you! Before leaving your country Intrax Career Development staff or an Intrax representative will provide you with all the information you may need while in the USA. The orientation covers topics such as the U.S. workplace, cultural shock, taxes, social security, finding housing, rules and regulations, program responsibilities, etc. You can also visit the sections for current participants in this website.

Can I come before my job starts?

On any of the Intrax Career Development programs you may arrive up to 2 weeks before your program begins. This time gives you the opportunity to get settled in your housing, apply for your Social Security card, and learn your way around before starting your program.

If you choose to arrive early and stay in the housing provided with the job, please check with Intrax in advance to confirm your housing will be available.

How much money should I bring?

You should bring enough money to pay for food and housing for your first month in the USA. This is important, because you may not receive your first paycheck until after you've been working for two weeks. As a general rule, you should have enough money for one month's rent, and an additional $1,000 when you arrive.

How do I find housing?

You are responsible for your accommodations while in the USA. You must arrange at least temporary housing before you leave home so that you may complete your immigration documents accurately.

If you are a Premium Placement participant, you will be given at least one housing option in addition to your job or training position.

Many employers provide housing or assistance with housing as a part of your job. Please refer to your placement documents for more information.

What about medical insurance?

All exchange visitors are required to have medical insurance. Intrax Career Development provides coverage with AVI International. This insurance includes basic travel insurance but does not cover pre-existing medical conditions or medical expenses if you are the driver of a car. If you stay for the 30-day grace period it is your responsibility to maintain your medical insurance coverage by contacting us and purchasing an additional 30 days of insurance.

Will health insurance from my home country work in the USA?

It is not likely that insurance from your home country will work in the USA. You will need to speak with and ask your insurance company if you would be covered while in the USA. Remember that the USA does not have national health insurance and it is worth spending time to educate yourself on your coverage options prior to your arrival.

Who can I contact in case of an emergency?

Intrax Career Development offers a toll-free 24-hour emergency help line. However, should you have life threatening emergency you should call the appropriate authorities (police, fire department and ambulance) by dialing 911 from any telephone.

Can I extend my stay in the United States?

There are no extensions for J-1 programs past the "maximum duration of the program". The maximum duration of the Work and Travel program is 4 months. The maximum duration of Internship Program is 12 months. The maximum duration of the Training Program is 18 months.

Can I travel to other countries during my program?

If you are in good standing with the program, you have a multiple entry visa, and you are able to obtain a visa for the country you wish to visit, you may travel outside of the United States during your program however you must have your DS-2019 signed by Intrax Career Development before departing.

How long after the expiration of my visa must I leave the USA?

The expiration date for the visa should not be confused with the authorized length of your stay in the USA, given to you by the U.S. immigration inspector at port-of-entry, on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. The visa expiration date has nothing to do with the authorized length of your stay in the USA.

The U.S. Department of State notation, shown on your Arrival-Departure Record, I-94 is the official record of your authorized length of stay in the USA. You cannot use the visa expiration date in determining or referring to your permitted length of stay in the USA.

Can I come back again?

Work Travel Program participants: If you still meet the requirements for eligibility for the Work and Travel program you may return during your following summer vacation.

Internship Program participants: You may return as long as you are still qualified for the Internship Program and can participate in the Training Program after 2 years of residency outside of the USA.

Training Program participants: After 2 years in your home country and completion of the first program of training participants may return.

Frequently Asked Questions

JOB INFORMATION

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PROGRAM INFORMATION