Consulate of the United States

Summer Work and Travel

Application Procedures

I. Applicants

• To qualify as a participant, the applicant must be currently enrolled in a full-time course of study at an accredited Russian academic institution or university.
• Vocational school students are not eligible.
• First and final year students are eligible to apply this season. However, these groups of applicants, particularly students graduating before departure to the U.S., will face much greater scrutiny and have much more difficulty proving sufficient ties to Russia to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.
• Need to demonstrate English proficiency at a level at which they can successfully perform their job and live in the U.S.
• Students from other countries who study in Russia may participate in the program.
• There is no more restriction on the number of times a student may participate in SWT programs, although we encourage students to select different locations for repeat participation.

We strongly discourage applicants who fall into the following categories:

• Graduate and post-graduate students;
• Students who are not of normal student age.

II. Procedures

Students may apply either independently (through a State Department-approved sponsor agency) or through local overseas partners registered with the Consulate General for the Summer Work and Travel Program in 2009. Students who wish to participate may proceed in one of three different ways:

1) They may independently contact U.S. sponsor agencies (please see the State Department-approved sponsor agency list: http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges) to obtain employment offers and a signed, original DS-2019 form. Independent applications must be completed during the "Open Season" period from January 14 to April 22.

2) They may work independently through non-registered local overseas partners to obtain employment offers and a signed, original DS-2019 form. The non-designated local overseas partners must provide evidence of a valid contract with approved U.S. sponsor agencies. Applicants should include copies of these contracts in their applications. Independent applications must be completed during the "Open Season" period from January 14 to April 22.

3) They may work through one of 13 registered local partners (see below) to obtain employment offers and a signed, original DS-2019 form. (Note: this list is subject to change in 2010).

• Sindbad International Exchange Center
• International Exchange Center - Kaliningrad
• Artek Tour
• Interbridge
• St. Petersburg International Exchange Center
• Stock Company Forum
• Candidate Ltd.
• PROSTO Tour/Media
• AmerEx
• NewWorkCity
• S.T.A. Baltic
• Bellnor
• Pandorada Ltd.

III. Dates and Deadlines

February 4, 2009	First day of accepting applications from agencies
March 11, 2009	Start date for SWT interviews
April 22, 2009	Last day to submit applications for all applicants
June 4, 2009	Final Day of SWT interviews
September 1, 2009	Final Day of SWT program
October 1, 2009	Deadline for participants to return to Russia

IV. Open Season: January 14 - April 22, 2009

Students applying independently should submit application packets to Pony Express between January 14 and April 22, 2009 that include:

• An original, signed DS-2019;
• The original, signed visa application forms DS-156 (with an attached color photo of the applicant against a light background taken within last six months), DS-157 (for male students), and DS-158;
• A student spravka which indicates the name of the school, class year, faculty of study, and contact information for the dean of the faculty (address and telephone/s);
• An original travel passport;
• The $131 application fee (payable in Russian roubles).

The following documents are required for the visa interview:

• Any previously valid, original travel passports (if an applicant has traveled to the United States);
• A student identification card;
• A student academic record book;
• A SEVIS receipt (indicating payment of the $35 fee).