Everything you need to know.

The J-1 Summer Work & Travel program is a US Department of State exchange visitor program that allows full-time university students from around the world to work and travel in the United States for up to 4 months during their summer break. You receive a J-1 visa, work a legal job, earn US dollars, and experience American culture. Over 100,000 students participate worldwide each year.

You must be a current full-time university student in Lithuania (or another eligible country), have conversational English skills (typically B1 level or higher), and be enrolled for the semester following your US work period. You also need to demonstrate sufficient maturity and motivation to live and work independently in the US for the summer.

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of program participation. There is no strict upper age limit, but you must be a current full-time university student. Most participants are between 19 and 25 years old.

The J-1 Summer Work & Travel program runs during the summer months, typically from May through September. Most participants arrive in the US between late May and early July, and work for 2–4 months. After your work period ends, you have an additional 30-day grace period to travel within the US before returning home.

Yes! You can participate in the J-1 Summer Work & Travel program multiple times, as long as you remain a full-time university student. Many students return for 2–3 summers. Each year requires a new application, visa, and sponsor placement, but returning participants often have an easier time finding employers since they have US work experience.

The total estimated cost is approximately $1,100–1,250. This includes: the US sponsor program fee (~$800–950), the SEVIS fee ($35), the visa application fee ($185), and the VasaraUSA platform fee (€99). Government and sponsor fees are the same regardless of which agency you use.

The €899 total includes everything: US sponsor program fee (DS-2019 issuance and insurance), SEVIS fee, visa application fee, and the VasaraUSA platform fee. The VasaraUSA platform fee (€99) covers your online application processing, job matching, document tracking, video interview preparation, community access, and bilingual chat support throughout the process.

No. What you see on our pricing page is the complete cost. We do not charge for document processing, phone calls, consultations, or “urgency fees.” The breakdown on our pricing page is exactly what you will pay. We believe in full transparency, which is why we show every fee and who it goes to.

You don’t pay anything to apply. The VasaraUSA platform fee (€99) is paid when your application is approved. Government and sponsor fees are paid at their respective stages: the sponsor fee when you select your sponsor, the SEVIS fee before your visa interview, and the MRV fee when you schedule your embassy appointment.

We are working on a payment plan option for the sponsor fee. The VasaraUSA platform fee (€99) is a single payment made when your application is approved. Since government fees are paid at different stages of the process, the costs are naturally spread out over several months.

We recommend applying as early as possible, ideally between October and February for the following summer. Early applicants get the best job selections and more time to complete the visa process. Applications submitted after March may still be accepted, but job options become more limited and the timeline gets tighter.

From application to departure, the process typically takes 3–5 months. This includes: application review (1–2 weeks), job matching (2–4 weeks), sponsor processing and DS-2019 issuance (4–6 weeks), embassy visa interview (1–3 weeks), and pre-departure preparation. Starting early gives you the most comfortable timeline.

Program start dates depend on your employer and chosen position. Most participants begin between late May and early July. Your exact start date will be confirmed when you are matched with an employer. We work with you and your employer to find a start date that works with your university schedule.

You will need: a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your program end date), university enrollment confirmation, English proficiency evidence, a recent passport-style photo, and bank statement or proof of financial means. Additional documents may be required for the embassy interview. We provide a complete checklist and guide you through every step.

After you are matched with an employer and your DS-2019 form is issued by your US sponsor, you will schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Vilnius. We help you prepare for the interview, including practice questions and document preparation. The visa is typically approved during the interview, and your passport with the visa stamp is returned within a few days.

The embassy interview is a brief (5–10 minute) conversation with a consular officer. They will ask about your program, employer, English ability, university studies, and ties to Lithuania. You need to bring your DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, passport, photo, and supporting documents. We provide detailed interview preparation including common questions and tips specific to the Vilnius embassy.

After your embassy interview, visa processing typically takes 3–7 business days. In peak season (April–June), it may take slightly longer. Your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you by courier. We recommend scheduling your interview at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure date.

Visa denial rates for Lithuanian J-1 applicants are very low (near 0%). However, if your visa is denied, the VasaraUSA platform fee is fully refundable. The US government visa application fee ($185) is non-refundable per US policy. Sponsor refund policies vary, but most offer partial refunds for visa denials. We can also help you understand the denial reason and advise on next steps.

The DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) is the official document issued by your US sponsor organization that authorizes your participation in the J-1 program. You need this form to apply for your J-1 visa at the embassy. It contains your program dates, sponsor information, and employer details. Your sponsor issues this after your placement is confirmed.

Common J-1 jobs include hospitality (hotels, resorts), food service (restaurants, fast food), retail, amusement parks, water parks, and national park concessions. Positions range from front desk and housekeeping to lifeguards and kitchen staff. Jobs are located across the US, including popular destinations like Virginia Beach, Ocean City, Colorado, Yellowstone, and many more.

Most J-1 jobs pay between $12–18 per hour, depending on the position, location, and employer. Many participants work 32–40 hours per week. Over a full summer (3–4 months), you can typically earn $5,000–8,000 before taxes. Some positions also include tips, which can significantly increase your earnings, especially in hospitality and food service roles.

Yes! Unlike some agencies that assign you to a specific employer, VasaraUSA presents you with multiple job options based on your preferences, skills, and availability. You can indicate your preferred location, job type, and other criteria. We match you with employers, but the final choice is yours. Early applicants get the widest selection of positions.

It depends on the employer. Many employers, especially those in resort areas and national parks, provide housing (often at a subsidized cost deducted from your paycheck). Others help you find nearby affordable housing. Housing details are discussed during the job matching process so you know exactly what to expect before accepting a position.

Changing jobs is possible but must be coordinated through your US sponsor. You cannot simply quit and find a new job on your own. If you have a legitimate reason for needing to change employers (unsafe conditions, significantly different job than promised, etc.), your sponsor can help facilitate a transfer. It is important to communicate any issues early.

Traditional agencies have physical offices, printed materials, and large staff, which means higher overhead costs passed on to you. VasaraUSA is a digital-first platform. Our entire process is online, available 24/7, and costs a fraction of traditional agencies. You save €140–250+ compared to traditional Lithuanian agencies while getting real-time tracking, bilingual support, and a modern application experience.

Yes. VasaraUSA is a registered company based in Vilnius, Lithuania. We work with officially designated J-1 sponsors (such as InterExchange) that are approved by the US Department of State. Your DS-2019 form and J-1 visa are issued through official government channels. We are the platform that facilitates the process digitally, making it faster, cheaper, and more transparent.

After submitting your application, you receive a unique access code via email. This code lets you check your application status anytime on our status page. It acts as your personal login to track your progress through each stage: application review, job matching, sponsor processing, visa preparation, and departure readiness. Keep this code safe.

We provide support throughout your entire journey. Before departure: application guidance, job matching, document preparation, and visa interview coaching. During the program: your US sponsor provides 24/7 emergency support as required by the US Department of State. You also have access to our community of current and past participants, and our team is available via chat and email for any questions or concerns.