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Program Description

International Camp Counselor Program—ICCP

ICCP is the oldest J-1 visa sponsor in the United States, first bringing international staff to U.S. summer camps in 1959. J-1 visas are cultural exchange visas. The U.S. Department of State authorizes the International YMCA to sponsor this program and regulates the ICCP program. 
 
The summer program has two designations: one for Counselors and Program Specialists, one for support staff (office, kitchen & food service, and maintenance) called Work & Travel. Work & Travel participants must be full-time university students and available to work during their “official” university break and vacation period. Once given this designation at the time the visa is issued, they may not work as counselors or as program specialists. Similarly, counselors and program specialists may not be used in support staff roles but it is not required that they be students.
 
In addition, J-1 visas may be granted for Returning Staff and Direct Placements (an international known or referred to a U.S. camp). The same regulations apply regarding counselors and support staff.
 
Participants in the ICCP summer program can work for a maximum of 120 days, beginning May 1st, but no later than September 20th, whichever date comes first. Approved program dates appear on the participant’s DS-2019 form. Following the ending date, the participant may remain in the U.S. legally, for the purpose of travel within the U.S., for a maximum of thirty days.
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