This is one of the most frequently asked questions. First of all, the Work and Travel program is a cultural exchange program conducted by the U.S. government and is offered exclusively to university students. Participants who are not full-time students cannot benefit from this program. The type of visa required for those who want to participate in this program is the J1 visa.
We can answer both yes and no to the question of whether it is easy to get a J1 visa because there are certain requirements that participants must meet. As long as these requirements are met, obtaining the visa will not be difficult at all. These requirements include having a GPA of 2.00 or above, being between 18-23 years old, and having an intermediate or higher level of English.
Definition and Purpose of the J1 Visa
The J1 visa is a type of visa granted to individuals who are in the United States for a certain period for the purpose of education or work. Students who want to participate in the Work and Travel program must apply for this type of visa, which allows them to work temporarily during the summer period. Students who are eligible for this visa gain both work experience and the opportunity to closely experience American culture.
The Process of Obtaining a J1 Visa from Turkey
Obtaining a J1 visa from Turkey is a process that requires specific steps and documents. First, participants must have secured a job. These job opportunities are provided to the authorized agencies by sponsors in the U.S., and the agencies present them to the students. Sponsor organizations are government-approved institutions that meet the program’s requirements. The first step in the application process is to obtain the DS-2019 form, which confirms that the program is approved and that the participant meets the necessary criteria. After this stage, the visa application form, DS-160, must be completed. Once the form is filled out, the visa application fee must be paid.
Required Documents
Some documents must be prepared when applying for a J1 visa. These documents include a passport, the DS-2019 form, the DS-160 form, and documents showing your academic performance and achievements. Having a GPA above 2.50 will make it easier to get visa approval. Therefore, we advise all participants aiming for this program to focus more on their studies. Additionally, an appointment for an interview at the consulate must be made. At Edumaster, your visa appointment is made by the agencies. The months for the interviews are set as March, April, and May.
Challenges and Points to Consider
The difficulty in obtaining a J1 visa from Turkey generally arises during the preparation of the documents and the consulate interview stage. At Edumaster, we provide visa seminars to our students, and we prepare them for the interview by conducting one-on-one practice on potential questions. Since each student’s profile is different, one-on-one preparation is highly important.
In addition, while visa interviews are ongoing, we share the latest questions with our students and prepare them for every possible scenario they might face. Unexpected questions may arise. The process progresses entirely at the discretion of the visa officer. The most frequently asked questions include what type of job they will be doing in America, why they want to join this program, as well as questions about their education and family.
Being sincere and clear during the face-to-face visa interview will greatly increase your chances of obtaining the visa. In conclusion, obtaining a J1 visa from Turkey requires careful preparation and attention. Preparing the documents accurately and completely, as well as preparing well for the consulate interview, will increase your chances of getting the visa.
The Work and Travel program is a great and unique opportunity for students who want to gain international experience and undergo a cultural exchange. Therefore, despite the challenges of the process, participants should be encouraged to pursue their goals. If you want to spend your summer vacation in the U.S., you can contact us.
With our high visa success rate, you are one step closer to your dreams. Please check our other articles to learn more.