STEP 1
Instructions to U.S. Host Company

• Complete HOST COMPANY INFORMATION section of the application.
• Create a TRAINING/INTERNSHIP PLAN for the applicant. Use the Form provided.
• Sign the DS-7002 (Federal Training/Internship Program Plan Form). Both Participant and Host Company signatures must be on one form. Original signatures are NOT required.
• Prepare a LETTER OF OFFER/CONTRACT for trainee/intern.
• Print, read and sign copy of HOST COMPANY AGREEMENT.
• Prepare the required ATTACHMENTS.
• Receive completed Participant Application.
• Prepare PROGRAM FEE and INSURANCE FEE (PAYABLE TO INTERNATIONAL YMCA).
• Send the complete application and all attachments to YMCA for review.
• Email a copy of the training plan to ips@ymcanyc.org

• Complete PARTICIPANT INFORMATION section of the application.
• Read (and sign if required) the LETTER OF OFFER/CONTRACT from the host company.
• Read and sign PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT.
• Read and sign Page 1 of the DS-7002 (Federal Training/Internship Program Plan).
• Complete an IN-PERSON INTERVIEW (contact your local YMCA representative or the host company representative in your country.)
• Have the interviewer complete and sign the Interview Report Form is included in the application.
• Sign the YMCA PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
• Make a Photocopy of your passport (including all pages with stamps)
• Make photocopies of DS-2019s (formerly IAP-66) for all previous J-1 visas.
• Obtain PROOF OF EDUCATION COMPLETED by providing one of the following:
      a Certified Copy of your post-secondary certificate, degree, or diploma; OR
      an Official Letter from your post-secondary educational institution confirming your graduation    date, educational level completed (degree/certificate/diploma), and field of study; OR
      an Official Transcript from your post-secondary educational institution
• Obtain a POLICE BACKGROUND CHECK from your local police station. A Police Background Check is a 1-page document that states whether or not you have a criminal record. This is required for all trainees/interns applying for positions that require contact with children (i.e. camps, youth programs, education programs, etc.).
• PROOF OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (use form)
• PROOF OF WORK EXPERIENCE. This is required for Trainee applications only. If you have a post-secondary degree/certificate/diploma, 1 year of work experience is required. If you did not complete post-secondary education, 5 years of work experience is required. All education and experience must be from outside the U.S. as stated in the J-1 visa regulations.
• Complete and sign the PARTICIPANT BUDGET FORM. This is provided to help you estimate and budget adequately for the cost of participating in this program and living in the U.S. Contact the International YMCA, your local YMCA representative, or the host company for information.
• Provide PROOF OF PERSONAL FUNDS. This is required only if no stipend is provided and you are self-funding your entire stay. Proof of Personal funds includes a notarized copy of your bank statement and/or a notarized letter from parents/funding sources stating the amount they will provide to support your program.
• Return all documents to the host company. Keep a copy for your records.

• Host Company application and attachments
• Participant application and attachments
• Program Fee
• Insurance Fee

• Screen and process application. Processing time is 3-5 weeks.
• Approve or reject the application.
     Submission of an application does not guarantee approval.
     Application approval does not guarantee that the J-1 visa will be awarded by the U.S. Embassy.

• If approved, an Acceptance Package will be sent by express mail directly to the participant.
• The package will include:
     the YMCA-issued DS-2019 Certificate of J-1 Visa Sponsorship Signed by the YMCA
     the DS-7002 Training/Internship Program Plan Signed by the YMCA
     the SEVIS Fee Receipt
     An insurance card and Claim Form
     YMCA Trainee/Intern Manual
     details on how to apply for the J-1 Visa at their local U.S. Embassy
     Other supporting documents and information.
• DO NOT SCHEDULE A VISA INTERVIEW UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE ACCEPTANCE PACKAGE.

• When you receive your Acceptance Packet from YMCA, CHECK THE FORMS CAREFULLY.
• SIGN AND DATE THE DS-2019.
• READ THE YMCA TRAINEE/INTERN MANUAL before applying for your J-1 Visa.
• Contact your local U.S. Embassy to schedule a visa interview. Follow the instructions provided in the YMCA Manual. The Embassy may require fees to apply for the visa and schedule the interview.
• Complete the Visa Application Forms.
• DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE J-1 VISA.
• Notify YMCA and your Host Company to provide your expected date of arrival to the U.S.