USA Q-1 Cultural Exchange Program

What is Q-1 Visa Program

The "Q-1" visa is for certain international cultural exchange programs designed to provide practical training and employment, and sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of participants home country in the United States

Major Fields

·       Hospitality & Tourism Management

·       Business Administration / Retail - Sales

Program Durations

Program is available from 9 to and 15 months; depending on the contract offered by the host employer

Possible Start Dates / Deadlines:

 March / May / July within the year. Application dealines are 12-14 weeks before possible start dates.

Monthly Stipend

The participant income ranges from $ 8.00 – 10.00 USD per hour, depending on the company’s hourly wage policy and the position placed. Generally, weekly hours are approximately 40 hours per week; however, if the participant is asked to perform more than 40 hours per week, overtime payment will be provided.

Visa Process

Participants in this program are processed under the Q-1 visa and regulations of US State Department. Necessary assistance to obtain the Q-1 visa petition / documentes will be provided by USEH. To validate the Q-1 visa, each applicant must apply to the U.S. Consulate/Embassy individually. The ultimate decision to validate Q-1 visa belongs to the U.S. Consulate/Embassy.

Health Insurance

Health insurance for the participant is mandatory for the program for the program duration. Insurance fees are paid seperate from Q-1 program fee.

Housing 

Usually the host company provides housing options at the participants own expense. If the host company does not provide assistance for housing, USEH will provide the necessary assistance in finding temporary or permanent housing at the participant’s own expense.

Orientation

Prior to leaving for the USA, each participant is obligated to attend a mandatory orientation seminar provided by USEH consultants. Several subjects are covered during the orientation, but the main topics are:

·       General information about the U.S., such as living conditions, life styles, cultural similarities & differences.

·       General information about the host company and region or city

·       Performance and behavior expectations of the host company

·       Responsibilities as a participant

Travel Arrangements

Participants are responsible for their own airfare; however, USEH consultants determine the departure date. USEH can provide assistance in obtaining discounted airfares.

Ongoing Consultancy

USEH provides a continued advisory for the partiipants and the host companies along with its partner organizations as well. The ongoing program will be evaluated periodically, and each participant and host company will be asked to provide an evaluation.

New Application Requirements;

·         Between ages of 21-32

·         Currently enrolled and/or graduated from a university program pursuing Bachelor or Associate Degree in the interest area of participantship or

·         Minimum 6-9 months of industrial experience

·         Upper Intermediate level of English

Special Notes for previous J-1 Participants and Q-1 Participants!

·         You can join this program after your return from J-1 program

·         You may repeat the program after your return if you still meet the required qualifications

Application process

·       Upon deciding to apply for the program, the applicant should present his/her resume to USEH and/or fill out the online application form at the USEH website. 

·       If the applicant is found to be eligible for our programs, s/he is invited for an interview with USEH Consultants.

·       Applicants who pass the interview and evaluation are then invited to complete an official application.

·       To complete the official application, the applicant must submit the required documents, including the application fee, which is nonrefundable.

·       The placement process will begin for the official applicants, which will take 6-10 weeks under normal conditions.

·       Once the participant is secured a position, the offer letter, including the conditions such as hours per week, stipend, training plan, housing, etc., will be provided to the participant for review and signature.

·       In addition to the placement agreement (between the participant and the host company), the  participant will be asked to sign an agreement with USEH.  This agreement will outline the responsibilities and  duties of both parties, the participant & USEH. USEH will not take further responsibility for any participant who violates the agreement conditions during the program.