Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

Summer Work and Travel 2009 (SWT)

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the launch of the application process for the 2009 Summer Work and Travel (SWT) program.  University students who are fluent in English may apply for this program which allows them to work and learn about American culture during their summer holidays.  Final year students, as well as students who have previously participated in the Summer Work and Travel program, are eligible to apply for the program in 2009.  This program is open to bona fide post-secondary students currently enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or a full-time course of study at an accredited educational institution, or as that status is defined in their local educational system. U.S. law does not impose an age limit for participation in this program.  Unfortunately, part-time students, distance-learning students, and students from vocational colleges are not eligible to participate.

Bureau of Educational Affairs of U.S. State Department is authorized to accredit certain organizations as Summer Work and Travel program sponsors.  The most current list of program sponsors in the United States is available here: http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/?fuseaction=record.list&cat=12

See the list of agencies participating in SWT 2009.  The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe reminds prospective SWT participants that we do not endorse any particular agency or organization in Tajikistan that administers the SWT program.  Local SWT facilitators are private companies that provide a service in exchange for a fee.  The selection of a local SWT facilitator is completely voluntary and is solely at the discretion of the participant.

Do not rely solely on the advice of your friends, facilitators, or internet cafes when you prepare for participation in SWT.  Reliable information about the SWT program is available for free at the State Department’s website.  Providing false or misleading information during a visa interview may lead to a permanent ineligibility to receive any U.S. visas in future.

Dates and Deadlines:

Applicants:

1. Must be enrolled in a full-time course of post-secondary study and pursuing a degree   from an accredited educational institution 
2. All post-secondary students may participate
3. Must demonstrate they will resume studies in Tajikistan after participating in SWT
4. Final year students will need to show strong plans for graduate school or work after returning to Tajikistan
5. May be citizens of other countries as long as they are studying in Tajikistan
6. Need to demonstrate English proficiency at a level at which they can successfully perform their job and live in the U.S.
7. Students who are refused in 2008 may also re-apply.

Required Documentation:

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:

1. Completed application Form DS-156
2. One color photo (size 5cm x 5cm) stapled to Form DS-156. The photo must be on a white background. No head coverings or glasses.
3. Form DS-157 for male applicants
4. Form DS-158
5. Confirmation from university about current student status
6. Copy of passport
7. Original Form DS-2019
8. SEVIS fee confirmation
9. Job Offer
10. Proof of financial situation of parents - Job letters (if available)

Note: The documents should be packed in the above order

DOCUMENTS TO BRING FOR AN INTERVIEW
1. Consular fee receipt - payment made on interview day (USD 131 or in somoni at the rate determined by the Embassy)
2. Passport
3. Original Transcript
 
Passports with printed visas can be picked up by Coordinators on the next working day after the interview.

Recruiter Requirements:

Agencies that wish to participate in the SWT program must be able to provide students with Department of State authorized DS-2019 forms. The Embassy does not endorse any one particular agency, and encourages those who wish to participate in the Summer Work and Travel Program to contact the agencies directly for more information.

Return Verification:

Applicants for Summer Work & Travel programs in 2009 must complete their programs and return to Tajikistan by October 1, 2009.  Once again, we will ask agents to verify the return of their participants.

Sponsors must obtain proof from participants that they have returned to Tajikistan. We consider any of the following checks as sufficient proof of return:

• Meeting participant in person following return to Tajikistan.
• Review of original external passport containing re-entry date stamp.
• Review of original boarding pass, which contains passenger’s name and flight information.

We ask sponsors to verify the return of their participants, and provide us a list indicating whether or not each participant’s return has been confirmed.  This list must be submitted by October 30, 2009.

Contact Information:

Questions and inquiries about the Summer Work and Travel program may be directed to the Consular Section via E-mail at DushanbeConsular@state.gov or telephone: (992-372) 29-2300.  Telephone calls are accepted from Tuesday through Friday from 13:00 pm till 17:00 pm.