Here are some general questions many applicants have. Any other questions? E-mail us! support@iena.org
DO I HAVE HEALTHCARE IN AMERICA?
- Yes and this is included in your fee. We will cover you up to 120 days. Anytime over that, will be at your own expense.
WHAT SORT OF PAPERWORK DO I NEED TO COMPLETE?
- The J-1 Visa: The J-1 Visa is a government program that allows post-secondary students, youth workers and teachers to share their cultures and ideas with the people of the United States, in a camp setting. It runs from the start of your contract to the end of your contract. It also allows for 30 days pre camp travel and 30 days post camp travel around the United States, to experience its culture and seeing all that it has to offer. The actual Visa is attached inside your passport and is given to you after a successful interview at your local US Embassy. You are only permitted to work as a Counselor or Support Staff at the camp outlined on your original DS-2019 Form. You are not permitted to get the visa and then go and work where you please. You must arrive at camp on the designated day on your camp contract or your program may be cancelled.
- DS-2019 Form: This form can only be issued by a US Department of State designated visa sponsor. IENA is one of those. It certifies that you are eligible to take part in the cultural exchange program and is a vital part of the application process. In essence, it is evidence that you have a bona-fide job offer in the USA. You will need it for your embassy appointment AND you will need it when you enter into the USA. Guard it as you would guard your passport.
- SEVIS Receipt (or SEVIS I-901 Receipt): SEVIS stands for “Student Exchange Visitor Information System”. It is a system by which the US Department of State keeps track of you on the program. You will need this form when you visit the embassy for your interview.
WHAT PAPERWORK WILL THE CAMP REQUIRE?
- Social Security: The US Government requires all employees to apply for a Social Security Number. Camp will help you do this during your first few weeks at camp and will involve a visit to the local Social Security office. During the summer you must obtain a Social Security Card. If you already have one, then that’s yours for life.
- Form I-9: All employees, foreign and domestic, are required to complete this form for each employer. It is a straightforward form and you will need your passport (including J-1 Visa) and your DS-2019. Camp will help you complete this.
- Form I-94: This is your arrival and departure record. It is a good idea to print this when you get to camp and keep it with you. You cannot print it until after you have arrived in the USA. It can be printed here
- W-4: This form is for tax purposes. Your camp May withhold a small amount of taxes from your salary. You must file a tax return for teh year you haev worked in the USA. IENA partners with Sprintax to make filing your return as simple as possible