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Can the GACC California also be a partner for other visa types besides J-1 visa?

The GACC California is primarily focused on handling DS-2019 forms, which is the key document for J-1 visa applications. However, we have knowledge and resources to support other visa requests. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details or questions you may have.

Can the GACC California guarantee that I will receive my DS-2019?

No, there is no organization that can provide you with such a guarantee. The success of your  DS-2019 request depends on whether your selected internship or training host organization and yourself are suitable for the J-1 visa, and whether all necessary information is submitted in time. Visa agencies issuing the DS-2019 must act strictly in accordance with the criteria and guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State. Reasons for a DS-2019 rejection vary greatly. Possible reasons may be: Your selected company does not cooperate with the visa agency; your internship/training mission is not relevant to your studies; you seem to have insufficient funds to pay for your stay in the U.S.;it appears you do not intend to go back to your home country after you completed your internship/training with the U.S. company.

Do I really need a visa to perform an internship in the U.S.?

Yes. You need a valid J-1 visa covering the entire period of your internship or training in the US. The J-1 visa allows you to legally participate as well as to reside in the US for the duration of your internship/training. Without the J-1 visa you cannot enter in the USA and cannot start your internship.

Please be aware that the J-1 visa is tied to a specific host organization and can only be issued for one explicit, previously approved internship or training. Once you are in the U.S., you can only change your host company or make adjustments to your internship or training length under very limited circumstances, and only after approval.

How should I compare various visa agencies services?

Comparing various visa agencies and their services is always worthwhile. However, don’t compare by price alone!

While one service can appear to be a great deal, the important factors to a successful visa application are often in the small details of a company’s services. Most of the time a customer will only realize this once they have already chosen the service and by then it is already too late and your visa application may suffer. Here is a list of things to consider in deciding upon the right service for you:

• How qualified and experienced is the company providing the visa application service?
• What will the total cost over the entire application be?
• How long will the entire visa application process take from beginning to end?
• How much help will you receive in filling out the necessary forms, e.g. will your host organization receive the relevant support and assistance in understanding the U.S. State Department rules and regulations?
• Is insurance purchase through the visa agency optional or mandatory, or can you choose your own insurance? What are the terms of the insurance? How high are the deductibles?
• How many documents and forms will you have to gather and complete? How bureaucratic is the program, e.g. how many letters of references will you need?
• How many stipulations and requirements are to be fulfilled to participate in the program? For example, do you have to be a full-time student, can you participate after having only completed 2 semesters at a university, etc?

 

 

Is it possible for my spouse/my children to accompany me to the U.S. during my internship/training?

Yes, generally it is possible for your spouse and/or your children (under the age of 21) to accompany you. Each relative needs to apply for and be granted a J-2 visa in order to be able to do so. We will gladly assist you in completing such an application.

What does “have a sponsor” mean?

The U.S. authorities are outsourcing most of the visa procedure in the J-1 visa program to designated organizations, hereby authorizing them to act as legal sponsors during your internship/training. Sponsors are responsible for reviewing and processing your J1-visa request. You cannot apply for a J-1 visa without having such a designated sponsor.

With our visa application program, we will support and assist you throughout your J-1 visa application. Our visa agency partners, U.S. State Department designated sponsors, will review your application documents according to U.S. State Department rules and regulations. If your application and your internship/training offer meet all of the outlined requirements, your designated sponsor will approve your application and issue you a form called “DS-2019.” Legal sponsors are the only institutions allowed to grant a DS-2019 form. With this form you may then schedule your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to request a J-1 visa.

The process of applying for a J-1 visa is always as follows: First, secure an internship or a training placement, then, apply for your DS-2019 with a designed sponsor, and finally, apply for a J-1 visa with the U.S. embassy or consulate.

What is the purpose of a J-1 visa program?

According to the U.S. State Department, internships and professional trainings are classified as cultural exchanges, rather than work experiences. In order to participate in a cultural exchange, you will therefore require a cultural exchange visa instead of a work permit.

When should I begin applying for my J-1 visa?

Our experience has proven that from program registration to receipt of the DS-2019 form, the application process can generally be completed within 4 weeks in our PREMIUM Service and 8 weeks in our SELF Service. In order to avoid delays in your internship or training start date, we therefore strongly suggest to begin the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for your U.S. embassy interview, processing of your visa, as well as travel logistics.

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Do I have to submit a signed offer letter for my proposed internship/training to GACC California?

No, we do not need a signed offer letter, as long as your host organization confirms your proposed internship or training later in the process.

Does the host company have to be located in California in order to participate in GACC California’s program?

No, as long as your host company meets the U.S. State Department requirements, we will assist and support you in your J-1 visa application no matter which U.S. state your organization is located in.

Does the host organization have to be a member with GACC California?

No, your host company does not have to be a member with GACC California. As long as your organization meets the U.S. State Department requirement, we w will support you and your host organization in the J-1 visa application process.

Is it possible for the GACC California to secure an internship or training for me in the U.S.?

Generally, GACC California’s assistance focuses on assisting you in applying for a DS-2019 and answering any questions you may have about the J-1 visa. However, over the last few years we have established close relations with many U.S. organizations that are always looking for new J-1 visa interns and trainees. Simply contact us through E-mail or our website to inform us about your plans and we may be able to assist you.

Is it possible to complete an internship/training with a very small company?Yes, it is possible to complete an internship or training with a small organization. However, if we have not previously assisted your organization with a J-1 visa application and

Yes, it is possible to complete an internship or training with a small organization. However, if we have not previously assisted your organization with a J-1 visa application and it has fewer than 25 employees OR less than 3 million USD annual revenue, an on-site visit will have to take place. There will be a one-time fee of 179 EUR that will have to be covered by you or your host company.

Is it possible to earn a stipend during my internship/training?

Yes, if your host organization has offered you a stipend for your internship/training, you are allowed to accept this. However, please be aware that U.S. State Department rules and regulations prohibit you from receiving money through other forms of employment than your internship or training, such as part-time jobs. Any violations will result in immediate termination from the J-1 visa program and you will have to leave the U.S. right away.

What rules do I have to obey for trainings in the field of hospitality/tourism?

Please take note that a training in the field of tourism and hospitality has been limited to 12 months. However, if your training will not include housekeeping, for example, and focus solely on the business management of the hotel, you may be able to justify an 18 month training.

When is an “on-site visit” needed?

There are some circumstances in which the host organization will require an on-site visit to ensure that all of the U.S. State Departments for the proposed internship/training are met. If we have previously worked with your host organization on another J-1 visa application, this visit will not be needed anymore. However, should this be an organization new to our program, an on-site visit will be required if the organization has fewer than 25 employees OR less than 3 million USD annual revenue.

Which requirements must my host organization fulfill in order to be able to offer an internship or training to me?

Your host organization must demonstrate proof of the following requirements in order to be able to host an intern or a trainee in the J-1 visa program:

• Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) number
• Employer Identification Number EIN (tax number)
• A valid website that verifies the host organization’s physical address, telephone number, and email address
• Verification of Workman’s Compensation
• If your host organization has fewer than 25 employees OR less than 3 million USD in annual revenue, there will be an on-site visit needed

Which sort of internships and training positions can I accept?

You may apply if you are currently a student outside the U.S. or you have completed your studies over one year ago and/or have collected five years of professional experience, your training has a clearly defined training objective that aligns with your studies and your professional experience. (Please remember that you cannot apply as a Trainee or Intern under a J-1 visa with the purpose of seeking full-time employment in the U.S.).

If you are currently enrolled in a degree seeking program and considered a student, your internship does not necessarily have to align with your studies. However, you are required to choose an internship with an objective in an area that you have previously collected some professional experience to justify your interest.

Internships or trainings are possible in the following fields, among others:

• Management
  Business Management, Hotel Management, Transportation Management, Tourism and Travel Services Management
• Business Administration
  Marketing, Auditing, Accounting, Logistics, Legal, Human Resources, etc
• Economics and Finance
  International Trade, Banking, Financial Support Services, Accounting, Economic Relations, Financial Management, etc.
• Natural Sciences
  Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Embryology, Oncology, etc.
• Engineering
  Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Robotics, Industrial Engineering Chemical Engineering, etc
• Architecture
  Architecture, Landscape, Urban Planning, Urban Architecture, etc.
• Mathematics
  Analysis, Statistics, Abstract Math, etc.
• Public Administration
  Public sector work, International Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, Public Relations, etc.
• Applied Arts
  Graphic Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Advertisement Art, Arts Management, Theatre, Fashion Design etc.
• Communications
  Advertising, Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism, Printing/Publishing, Public Relations, etc.

Some training programs in the U.S. do not necessarily require previous schooling. Such unskilled occupations can make up a maximum of 20% of your internship or training. Some examples of such positions include receptionists, bookkeepers, and clerical assistants.

Please note: Internships or training programs in medical fields and social work (doctors, veterinarians, psychologists, social workers, therapists, etc.) are only possible under limited circumstances. Direct patient contact is not permitted, however, administrative work or other assistance may be possible.

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Can I immediately complete an internship/training following my High School graduation?

No, unfortunately, the U.S. State Department does not permit High School graduates to complete an internship/training until they can proof that they are currently enrolled in a post secondary degree or certificate granting institution or have at least five years of professional experience.

Can my prospective host organization assist me with the visa application fees by covering the expenses fully or partially?

Please inform us if your host organization has offered to pay part or even the entire application fees for your J-1 visa application. We will then contact your designated supervisor with an invoice. Should you have already paid the application fee and your host organization decides to assist you later on, we will still be able to issue the organization an invoice and provide you with a refund as soon as we have received payment. If you require support in contacting your host organization in regards to financial assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will gladly assist you in this process.

Do all documents have to be completely gathered in order to begin processing my visa application?

No, this is not necessary. In order to begin your visa application process, we will only need the following documents: signed participant agreement, signed terms and conditions, and your resume. In order to download the terms and conditions and the participant agreement, you have to register on our website. Once you have created an account, there will be additional documents that will be important for your visa application process.

Do I have to use the insurance offered through GACC California's third party insurance agency?

No, the insurance offered through our licensed insurance agent(s) is optional. However, it is very important to be fully insured, and you will be required to present sufficient insurance. Carefully review all insurance policies and their coverage terms. If you already have an insurance policy in place for your stay in the U.S., but you have questions about the policy, please do not hesitate to contact us, as we are more than happy to provide you with further feedback.

Do I need to be insured during my internship/training period?

Yes. All interns and trainees as well as their relatives (J-2 visa) must be fully insured during their entire internship or training period. The insurance has to meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of State. We can either provide you with insurance coverage through our licensed third party insurance agency, or you can find an insurance policy on your own.

Do program fees differ depending on whether I am a student, graduate or young professional?

No, there is no block pricing. Our level of commitment and service does not differentiate between visa applications for students, graduates, or young professionals. This is one of the big advantages of our services.

How and where do I have to apply for my J-1 visa?

Each J-1 visa application has to be processed by a U.S. State Department designated sponsor. This sponsor will decide whether to approve your proposed internship or training and issue you a DS-2019 form, which is needed to apply for a J-1 visa at the U.S. embassy. We will actively assist you in organizing a DS-2019 form with the help of our visa agency partners.

First, set up an online account with us. Then, simply complete the registration form for our visa service program after logging into our website, so that we can contact you with further information and send you an invoice. After payment has been received, we will start processing your application immediately. According to our experience you should receive your DS-2010 app. within 4 weeks (PREMIUM) or 8 weeks (SELF) if you follow our instructions and tips accordingly.

Once you receive your DS-2019 in the mail, you have to organize an appointment for the interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. As an applicant of our visa service program, we will make sure that you receive the relevant information and documents to be completed for this appointment. The U.S. embassy or consulate official conducting your interview will make the final decision in whether or not to approve your J-1 visa request.

Is there a fee for incomplete documents?

Some visa agencies will issue a fee for incomplete applications. We advise you to read the fine print for more details.

We believe that such fees are hidden costs that will increase the overall expense of an allegedly low-priced program. Especially once you have begun the application process, you have no choice but to pay these fees. Some agencies will charge you an extra fee each time your host organization has not completely filled out the required documentation. You will receive an invoice with the request to complete all documentation before further processing can continue.

Our visa service program does not have incomplete fees! We treat each application as equally important and can guarantee you that you will not incur unexpected fees.

What are the advantages of GACC California’s PREMIUM service in comparison to its simple SELF service?

Even if you and your potential host organization meet all of the U.S. State Department requirements for the DS-2019, it may be possible that your application will experience procedural and administrative problems that could jeopardize your approval. It may occur that your host organization is not willing to welcome you as an intern or trainee anymore because of the numerous and complex forms requested by the U.S. Department of State. Some companies simply do not have the resources or the time for all of the intricacies, especially creating the DS-7002 (Training and Internship Placement Plan), and decide it may be easier to withdraw your internship or placement offer. You will have invested a lot of money and time for an internship or training which you won’t be able to start.

To minimize the risks of not meeting all the necessary requirements, rules and regulations required by the U.S. State Department you can choose our PREMIUM service. As your trusted partner we can handle all communication with your host organization and work with your supervisor in a professional manner. Procedures are explained in depth to the host organization and any questions that may arise will be addressed. Our extensive experience in filling out the required forms allows us to provide great assistance to your host organization avoiding potential pitfalls, mistakes and delays in the process.

What does the insurance GACC California offers include?

The insurance offered through GACC California's third party insurance agency meets and exceeds all of the U.S. Department of State's requirements for the J-1 visa program. It contains health insurance, liability insurance, casualty insurance, as well as a luggage insurance. Advantages: 100% reimbursement of expenses without deductibles. So please check what other insurances really cover. Please examine and compare insurance offers closely.

You will find more detailed information in your account.

What is the SEVIS fee?

Since September 2004, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) requires you and your host company to sign up in the SEVIS database. This requires you to pay a SEVIS fee of 180 USD. Your payment must be processed before your appointment with the U.S. embassy. The SEVIS fee is a government fee that supports the visa process of all foreign interns and trainees and if applicable their relatives. Information includes biometrical data, information on your internship, insurance, and your financial situation. In addition, SEVIS keeps a permanent record of your residence. You must contact your visa agency partner immediately after arrival in the U.S., so that they can confirm your status and acknowledge your address within SEVIS. In case of a change of address you must inform the department within 10 days (this applies to the entire period of your internship). If you fail to report your arrival or any changes to your residence, your SEVIS status will be deactivated and you will have to leave the U.S. immediately. Further, a negative mark in SEVIS can potentially create problems for any of your future visa applications or travels to the U.S.

What is the U.S. embassy fee?

The U.S. embassy issues a processing fee for all visa applications. For example, in Germany and Austria the current embassy fee is 91,70 EUR and in Switzerland it is 157,20 SFR. Do not forget to bring your payment receipt to your appointment. Unfortunately, once paid, the embassy fee cannot be refunded.

What requirements have to be fulfilled for an applicant to be eligible to apply for a J-1 visa?

In order to be eligible to apply for a J-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Interns:

1. Your internship length cannot exceed 12 months
2. You are at least 18 years old
3. You are currently enrolled in a post-secondary degree or certificate granting institution
4. You will begin your internship during your studies OR within 12 months of graduation
5. You have secured yourself an internship placement
6. You have sufficient communication skills in the English language
7. You can provide proof of financial support of at least 1,000.00 USD per month
8. You have an insurance policy meeting all of the U.S. State Department requirements
9. You are planning at least 4 weeks (PREMIUM) or 8 weeks (SELF) for the visa application process

Trainees:

1. Your training program cannot exceed 18 months in length
2. You are at least 18 years old
3. You have successfully graduated from a degree or certificate granting institution and collected at least one year of professional experience in the field of your proposed training OR you have at least five years of professional experience in the field of your proposed training if you do not have a degree in this field.
4. You have secured a training placement that ties to your educational and professional background
5. You have sufficient communication skills in the English language
6. You can provide proof of financial support of at least 1,000.00 USD per month
7. You have an insurance policy meeting all of the U.S. State Department requirements
8. You are planning at least 4 weeks (PREMIUM) or 8 weeks (SELF) for the visa application process

Which program fees will be refunded to me in the event that my J-1 visa application will be denied?

Should the U.S. embassy or consulate reject your J-1 visa application, you will receive a partial refund of the program fees, as long as certain requirements have been fulfilled. You will find specific details in our price list, which can be downloaded after completing the free registration process on our website. However, the U.S. embassy fee and the SEVIS registration fee will not be refunded.

Why is the processing of my J-1 visa application so expensive?

The process of reviewing and verifying a J-1 visa application is a complex and lengthy procedure since the U.S. Department of State has increased security and tightened entry regulations as of September 11, 2001. Attaining a J-1 visa in time requires expertise and support. In any case fees to your selected visa agency, to the U.S. Embassy and to SEVIS cannot be avoided. Expect a minimum of 500 Euro for the visa application from any reputable visa agency. Of course you should consider that the total price will depend on the service and the level of commitment of the selected visa agency. The more you do on your own, the cheaper the program will be. However, this will also translate into a higher the risk of having your application rejected. It is therefore wise to invest a little extra money and have professionals take care of your application.

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Can I apply a second time for a J-1 visa?

You can now apply for the J-1 visa categories INTERN and TRAINEE numerous times.  Note the following regulations:

INTERN:

Repeat application are possible as long as you are enrolled in a post secondary institution and seeking a degree.

TRAINEE:

There is a 2 year homestay requirement prior to being able to apply for the J-1 Trainee category.  This also holds true if you previously held a J-1 Intern visa and are now applying for the J-1 Trainee visa.

Can I apply for tax refund?

If you earned a stipend in the U.S. during your internship/training, you must file taxes the calendar year after your internship/training took place. You will file your taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the US Government, as well as with the state you resided in. It is quite possible that you are eligible for a tax refund. We gladly assist you with the application for a federal tax refund. You will find further information hier.

Can I change my host company?

If due to unexpected circumstances the training or internship at the host company cannot continue, or if you do not receive the training agreed upon in form DS-7002, participants must contact GACC California before termination. Participants are made aware that a transfer to a new host company requires approval through GACC California and can only be granted if reasonable cause is being presented.

The training in the new host company must fulfill the same program requirements and must be in the same field outlined in your Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002). There are no guarantees that your application for a transfer will be approved.

Can I extend my J-1 visa?Yes, it is possible to extend your visa. The only limitation is to not have reached the allowed internship/training period in the USA of 12 months max for internships and 18 months max for trainings. For instance: Your J-1 visa h

Yes, it is possible to extend your visa. The only limitation is to not have reached the allowed internship/training period in the USA of  12 months max for internships and 18 months max for trainings. For instance: Your J-1 visa has been granted  for a 10-month internship. It can only be extended for another 2 months. If you participate in a 10-month training, you can now extend another 8 months. If you decide  to extend your internship or training while in training in the U.S., please contact us as early as possible to complete the necessary procedures. You must apply for an extension while you are still doing your internship/training in the USA and cannot do so anymore once you have returned to your home country.

If you would only like to extend your residence permit without extension of your work permit, please refer directly to the Department of Immigration in the USA: http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/

Can I plan my travel arrangements to the U.S. while I am requesting my DS-2019?

We highly recommend not to arrange an interview appointment at the U.S. embassy until you have received your DS-2019. Only after having received approval from the U.S. embassy or consulate should you then finalize your travel arrangements (flight, accommodation, etc.).

Do I have to pay taxes during my internship or training in the U.S.?

If you will receive a stipend during your internship/training, your host organization will ask you to fill out a W-4 form, which will determine the amount of taxes to be withheld from your stipend. However, due to US tax treaties with several countries, J-1 Visa interns and trainees are exempt from Federal Unemployment, Medicare, Social Security, Federal, and most State and Local Income taxes. If your organization has automatically taken these taxes out of your stipend, you are eligible to claim a refund when you file your taxes. We will gladly assist you in this process: for more information click hier.

How do I arrange an appointment at the U.S. Embassy when I have my DS-2019?

All applicants trying to attain a J-1 visa must personally appear with all required documents at their respective U.S. Embassy.  We advise you to check the procedures of the U.S. Embassy of your home country in advance. 

Here you will find the U.S. embassies in your country: http://www.usembassy.gov/

How long can I stay in the USA after my internship is up?

At the end of your internship you may stay in the USA for up to 30 days (e.g. to travel.)

You must leave the country within 30 days in order to avoid any complications with the U.S. government. Exiting and re-entering the U.S. during this period is not recommended.

How long do I have to wait to get my J-1 visa?

The processing time of your J-1 visa application depends on many different factors, especially on how flexible and efficient you and your host organization are in completing all required documents. If each party cooperates in a timely manner, the entire process may take approximately 4 weeks with our PREMIUM Service and 8 weeks with our SELF Service until you receive your DS-2019. The specific wait time for your embassy appointment and the time that your embassy needs to issue your J-1 visa, varies according to your home country.

Is it possible to accept a work offer while I am an intern/trainee in the U.S.?

No. The J-1 visa is only valid for working at the host company stated in your initial application.

Accepting other work offers would infringe upon U.S. visa regulations. Immediate departure to your home country will be executed. The U.S. Department of State may even ban you from coming back to the U.S. for many years.

What do I need to consider when traveling outside the U.S.?

If you plan to leave the U.S. and re-enter, you must contact GACC California beforehand in order to have the Responsible Officer sign your form DS-2019. This will allow you to return to the U.S. within the time of your training or internship. This does not only apply to visits to your home country, but also to short visits to Canada or Mexico. While this signature is only required once a year, you must inform GACC California of any trips you will take during this time. Please send us your DS-2019 together with a self-addressed envelop at least 2 weeks before your scheduled departure.

When leaving the country you will need to hand your I-94 card to a U.S. Official. When re-entering you will need to show your form DS-2019 to the Immigration Officer. Be sure to get your form DS-2019 back. You will receive a new I-94 card.

Who can I contact if I have problems during my internship ot training?

GACC California will support you in case a problem arises during your internship/training. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to you even past your application and guarantee our best services.

Will I need a biometric passport to enter the U.S.?

No, if you currently do not have a biometric passport, you are not required to apply for one. However, your passport must be readable by the appropriate machines and be valid for at least six months after you are planning on leaving the U.S.

Will I need a social security number?

Yes, obtaining a social security number is really important for your stay in the U.S. You will need it for identification purposes, to open a bank account, to apply for a driver’s license and to get a tax refund. Therefore, you should visit a social security office with your passport, I-94, DS-2019 and your “Employee Letter”. You can find the nearest office by visiting the following website https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp