Embassy of the United States

SUMMER WORK AND TRAVEL 2009

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the launch of the application process for the 2009 Summer Work and Travel (SWT) program.  University students who are fluent in English may apply for this program which allows them to work and learn about American culture during their summer holidays.  Final year students, as well as students who have previously participated in the Summer Work and Travel program, are eligible to apply for the program in 2009.  This program is open to university students who are pursuing degrees at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels.  U.S. law does not impose an age limit for participation in this program.  Unfortunately, part-time students, distance-learning students, and students from vocational colleges are not eligible to participate.

The most accurate and detailed information about the Summer Work and Travel program is available for free at the State Department’s website for exchange programs at the following web address: http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/programs/swt.html

Participants of the Summer Work and Travel Program must apply for an exchange visitor J-1 visa to be able to participate in the program.  The list of required documents to submit for an exchange visitor visa is available at the Bureau of Consular Affair’s website at the following link: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#6

Bureau of Educational Affairs of U.S. State Department is authorized to accredit certain organizations as Summer Work and Travel program sponsors.  The most current list of program sponsors in the United States is available here: http://eca.state.gov/jexchanges/index.cfm?fuseaction=record.list&cat=12 
 
Potential SWT participants are encouraged to contact various U.S. sponsors and find out who the U.S. sponsors’ designated agents in Uzbekistan are.  Participants should compare the fees and services provided by several different SWT facilitators in Uzbekistan.  The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent reminds prospective SWT participants that we do not endorse any particular agency or organization in Uzbekistan that administers the SWT program.  Local SWT facilitators are private companies that provide a service in exchange for a fee.  The selection of a local SWT facilitator is completely voluntary and is solely at the discretion of the participant.

Please be advised that due to the high overstay rate for previous SWT participants from Uzbekistan, applicants must meet very strict requirements to receive a SWT visa.  Each participant must speak English fluently and convince the consular officer that he or she will return to Uzbekistan upon completion of the program.  Do not rely solely on the advice of your friends, facilitators, or internet cafes when you prepare for participation in SWT.  Reliable information about the SWT program is available for free at the State Department’s website.  Providing false or misleading information during a visa interview may lead to a permanent ineligibility to receive any U.S. visas in the future.

The valid program dates for SWT 2009 will be June 1 – August 31 for all students from Uzbekistan except those attending Westminster International University in Tashkent whose program dates will be June 1 – September 30 and the students of the Management Development Institute of Singapore in Tashkent whose program dates are set as July 18 - October 5.  Programs that go beyond this range will not be accepted.

Questions and inquiries about the Summer Work and Travel program may be directed to the Consular Section via E-mail at consulartashkent@state.gov or telephone: (998-71) 140-2215 and 140-2216.  Telephone calls are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am till 4:30 pm.