Visa Help (Not sure which one, what's possible, etc.)

Mark200

I just got word today that I've been accepted for an unpaid internship with a non-profit in the US this summer. The problem is that the start date is May 22nd, and I don't have a visa or anything sorted...

I was told by the organisation that they're unable to take an active role in helping me get the visa, besides giving me any information I need from them for forms etc.

So I'm not really sure what to do on the visa front, what my options are, and what I even have time for.

I'm a student in my final year, so I'm eligible for a J1. But would any of the J1 companies be able to sort this out in less than 3 weeks?

If J1 is off the table, I'm not sure what my other options are.

I'm guessing that I'm not eligible to go over on the visa waiver. Although it's with a non-profit, it's not a charity (it's a 501(C)(4) if that means anything to anyone). On this page ( http://dublin.usembassy.gov/need_a_visa.html ) it says I'd still need a visa if I "intend to accept paid or unpaid employment in the United States (also applies to au-pairs, interns, representatives of the foreign press, radio, film, journalist or other information media, engaging in that vocation while in the US)". But again, not 100% sure if this applies to me since it'll be in a non-profit.

I've read up on the business visas, and for any with a description related to my visit reasons it says the company/organisation would have to file a petition... which I guess is out of the question since, as I stated above, they don't have the resources to take an active role in my visa process.

So am I right in thinking that my only option is getting a J1 or getting in on a visa waiver, if they may allow that since it's an unpaid position with a nonprofit?

And, as I said above, if anyone knows if a J1 would even be possible to get in 3 weeks it'd be great if you could let me know.

I'll pop in to USIT in the morning and I guess ring the US embassy as well, but I'd like to see if anyone has any ideas at all.

Thanks

lil_lisa

Hi Mark,

A couple of points:

• You CANNOT work on a visa waiver, paid or unpaid, profit or non-profit
• You can apply now and hope to get a J1 within a month, I'm sure if the company is willing to wait 3 weeks to have you, there's room for another week or two, especially since you're organizing your own visa
• I went with Intrax Internships a few years ago, they guarantee 3-4 weeks, I had mine within 2 weeks. Ask around at USIT or SAYIT and see what time estimates they can give you
• Keep in mind it's currently J1 season, so the Embassy will be busy too. This might push the visa application to the full 4 weeks

I hope this helps.

Mark200

lil_lisa wrote: »

Hi Mark,

A couple of points:

• You CANNOT work on a visa waiver, paid or unpaid, profit or non-profit
• You can apply now and hope to get a J1 within a month, I'm sure if the company is willing to wait 3 weeks to have you, there's room for another week or two, especially since you're organizing your own visa
• I went with Intrax Internships a few years ago, they guarantee 3-4 weeks, I had mine within 2 weeks. Ask around at USIT or SAYIT and see what time estimates they can give you
• Keep in mind it's currently J1 season, so the Embassy will be busy too. This might push the visa application to the full 4 weeks

I hope this helps.

Thanks a lot for your help, really appreciate it.

For the working under the visa waiver thing, I was referring to how it says here that volunteering is ok provided:

• "You will participate in a voluntary service program that benefits a U.S. local community, and that you are a member of, and have a commitment to, a particular recognized religious or nonprofit charitable organization;"
  
• "The work you are to perform is traditionally done by volunteer charity workers;"
  
• "You will not receive a salary or any remuneration from a U.S. source, other than an allowance or other reimbursement for expenses incidental to your stay;"
  

But admittedly it was a bit of a stretch to suggest what I'd be doing would fall under this category.

After having a quick look at the intrax page, it seems it may not be applicable to me since it says internships must be in your field of study (mine won't be - I do a science course but the internship is a political organisation).

But at the same time it's encouraging to hear you were able to get something done in 3 weeks. I'll ask around the places tomorrow for sure.