What is the J-1 visa?
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows you to participate in work and study-based exchange visitor programs in the USA. It is the visa you will travel on as a Camp Leaders participant.
The J-1 visa is part of the BridgeUSA program, which promotes cultural exchange between the people of the United States and other countries. To get a J-1 visa, you need a designated sponsor who oversees your application and is your main point of contact while you are in the US.
What is the difference between the camp counselor visa and summer work travel visa?
As a Camp Leaders participant, you will be on one of two J-1 visa categories:
Camp counselor visa is for participants working directly with children at camp, including general counselors, cabin counselors, and activity specialists
Summer work travel visa is for participants working in support staff roles such as office, kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance, or administration
Your visa category is determined by your role at camp. It is important to know which one you are on, as there are different rules for each. You can find your visa category in the visa section of your Camp Leaders profile.
How long is the visa valid?
The dates on your visa correspond to the first and last day of your employment at camp. This does not include your 30-day travel period after camp. The travel period is a separate grace period that begins the day after your camp program ends.
What can and cannot I do on a J-1 visa?
On a J-1 visa, you can:
Work at the camp you have been placed at for the duration of your contract
Travel in the US for up to 30 days after your camp contract ends
Apply for a Social Security Number to receive your pay
You cannot:
Work at any other job or location outside of your assigned camp
Stay in the US beyond your 30-day grace period
Switch between visa categories (counselor to support staff or vice versa) without authorization
Re-enter the US on your J-1 after the visa has expired
Do I need an ESTA?
No. You are entering the US on a J-1 visa, not as a tourist. Do not apply for an ESTA before leaving for camp. If you plan to leave and re-enter the US during your post-camp travel period (for example, visiting Canada or Mexico), you may need an ESTA or visitor visa at that point. This is covered in the After Camp section.