J1 Trainee / Internship Step-by-Step Training

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The aim of the J1 Internship/Trainee program is to gain professional experience in your field of study whether you are still a student or a recent graduate or a person with at least 5 years experience in a specific field. This program is CAREER DRIVEN and only available to those who would like to gain practical experience within a chosen field. It is not for people who’s main objective is anything else other than FURTHERING THEIR CAREER.

PLEASE REMEMBER Internships are allowed under the following categories: a. Arts and Culture b. Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counselling and Social Services c. Hospitality and Tourism d. Information Media and Communications e. Management, Business, Commerce and Finance f. Public Administration and Law. The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations. OVC can only arrange placements for category C. All other placements should be self-arranged.

STEP 1 DETERMINE WHETHER CLIENT QUALIFIES AS INTERN TRAINEEOR

What’s the difference? INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (3,6,9,12 Months) *Current Students (Part-time also allowed) OR *Recent Graduates (within 12 months of graduation) TRAINEE PROGRAM (3,6,9,12,18 Months) *5 Years professional experience in specific career field (Does not need qualification) OR Professional qualification + 1 year professional exp. in same field

TAKE NOTE: * The only major difference between an Intern and a Trainee is that a trainee may spend up to 18 months in the US, whilst an Intern may only spend up to 12 months. On the hospitality program max time is 12 months regardless of intern/trainee * The costs of the program is exactly the SAME regardless of whether the person qualifies as an Intern or Trainee

STEP 2 COLLECT APPLICATION: * RESUME (use template on fishworx) * Attach COLOUR photo to Resume * Sign Terms + Conditions * Passport copy * R2500 application fee * Client can choose position from OPL  to Clarissa at

TAKE NOTE: On the resume please make sure that the client is very specific where it asks for “training objectives”. Example: If your client is a hospitality graduate he/she must not say “I would like to gain more experience in the hotel industry”. They must specify! For instance: “I would like to gain more experience working in a 4* establishment with the objective of furthering my career as a pastry chef.” Or “ I would like to gain more experience in a small guesthouse with the aim of broadening my skills in the front office department”

STEP 3 Once application is sent to INTRAX 1 of 2 things can happen: Application rejected OVC WILL REFUND R2500 Application accepted Application will go into circulation for up to 2 months and interview will be arranged. If nothing comes up in 2 months R2500 will be refunded.

STEP 4 Once match has been made client pays Program fee + Sevis: Arranged Placements: - 18 Months : $2720 USD - 12 Months : $2400 USD - 6 Months: $2200 USD - 3 Months: On request Self-Arranged Placements: - 18 Months : $1650 USD - 12 Months: $1350 USD - 6 Months : $1050 USD - 3 Months: $900 USD SEVIS = $180

STEP 4 With payment client must submit following: - DS7002 (training plan- to be signed) - PEF (Participant eligibility form) - English test must be done online Once these 3 things have been done & payment received INTRAX will post us the DS2019 After this- start with visa

STEP 5 Schedule US visa appointment as per normal procedures. $140  Visa fee Use checklist on fishworx to ensure that correct forms are completed and correct supporting docs are taken. Take note that client must be able to prove $1500 on bank statements!!

STEP 6 Once visa is approved book flight and do final briefing.

When clients enquire on fishworx I automatically send out an that looks like this:

I copy office in… so please follow up!!! I include the latest positions I tell them to pay your office R2500

Summary of costs: Costs: Admin fee: R2500 Program fee: The most popular option is the 12 month program which is $2200 (approx R17000) Sevis: $180 (approx R1400) Visa fees:$140 (approx R1100) Travel Insurance:Included in program fee Airfare:(Approx)R9 000-R Spending Money:R5000 (Recommended) TOTAL COST OF PROGRAM WORKS OUT APPROX R35000 EXCL SPENDING MONEY

FAQ How much can clients earn: - On average most participants earn $1500-$2000 per month. - Some positions can be unpaid and some pay up to $3000 per month - Applicants usually pay own accommodation + meals. - Salaries are overall very good so use it as a selling point! What about Refunds?: - The terms and conditions are on Fishworx and contain all the details on refunds. Make sure clients are aware of the non-refundable R2500 fee. Eligibility?: Must be a student or within 12 months of graduation or have at least 5 years work experience outside the United States in a specific occupation or have a qualification degree, diploma or certificate from a registered institution + 1 years work experience. Proficient in English 21 – 36 years old Participants must be able to prove that they have at least $1500 available. Prior employment experience is an advantage.

More FAQ’s…….. Visa Info & Repeat Participation? J1 Internship Visa can be issued between 3-12 months. J1 Trainee Visa can be issued between 3-18 months. Repeat participation is allowed under following conditions: -In all cases, repeat participation should address the development of more advanced skills or a different field of expertise. -Interns may repeat as interns if they are still a student or recent graduate. -Trainees may repeat after a two-year period of residency outside the U.S. -Interns who wish to be Trainees may do so after a two-year period of residency outside the U.S. Where do we get the latest positions? Can non-SA passport holders apply? - Anyone may apply for the positions on the OPL, but please advise applicants that the visas can not be gauranteed and they stand the risk that they may lose the program fees in case of visa denial.