Agriculture Program

Going to the US

Agriculture Program - Going to the US

Worldwide Farmers Exchange (WFE) sponsors year-long practical general agriculture education programs, as well as a separate Viticulture and Enology Program. The steps from application to visa and travel may take two weeks to six months and possibly longer. Placements are very competitive. Get started now!

1. Apply

At this time, WFE accepts applicants from established partner organizations only, with very limited exceptions.  When submitting the application, include: 

  • Your Application form
  • A copy of the identification page of your passport
  • Any previous J visas you have received
  • Your CV, résumé, and diploma (if applicable)
  • Your Medical Statement form, completed by a licensed physician

Please be as detailed as possible when filling out the application. 

2. Placement and Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002)

If approved by WFE, your application will be sent to prospective hosts. Please understand that your application may not be accepted by any host. If you are accepted, WFE and the host cooperate to prepare a Trainee/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002), which must be signed by you and the host. The DS-7002 is required by the U.S. Government, and is an agreement between you, the host, and WFE to carry out the training outlined in the form. Under U.S. Government regulations, WFE is prohibited from preparing visa documents until both you and the host have signed the DS-7002.

3. Visa Application Documents

When the DS-7002 has been signed by both you and the host, WFE will prepare and send a DS-2019 form, along with other documents you need to apply for an Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa. WFE sends these documents to you by international express mail  through an in-country partner.  Visa application document packages include:

● DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor [J-1] Status)
● Letter of support to the consular section
● DS-7002 form (signed by WFE, host, and you)
● Documentation related to your specific host (if applicable)
● Summary of health insurance coverage provided by WFE
● Region-specific cultural exchange materials
● U.S. State Department Exchange Program Welcome Brochure

4. Visa Process

While your documents are traveling to you, you can use your SEVIS Id number and Program Number (shown on your DS-7002 form) to begin the visa application process:

DS-160: The first step is to fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160). Be sure to check the requirements for the DS-160 before beginning the form, as it is usually necessary to create an account, upload a photo, etc. Make sure you are applying for a Nonimmigrant Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa, as the wait is usually shorter for an interview for this visa type.

Pay the MRV fee: The consulate charges an MRV fee (~USD160), which covers their cost to interview you and print your visa. The MRV fee must be paid in local currency. It is usually necessary to pay the fee before scheduling an interview, but sometimes the fee is collected at the consulate before the interview appointment.

Schedule an interview appointment (if required): After the DS-160 is complete and the MRV fee paid, you will be able to schedule an interview with a consulate. Do this as soon as you can, as appointments may be made for weeks or months in advance. Please inform WFE of your interview date right away.

Attend your visa interview: During the interview, be prepared to discuss your intentions for your training while in the U.S., how this program will help you pursue your professional goals when it is complete, and your ties to your home country which demonstrate that you do not intend to emigrate to the U.S. When you go to your visa interview, make sure you take the required documents:

-DS-7002 and DS-2019 forms
-passport
-DS-160 confirmation page
-receipts for payment of the SEVIS fee and MRV fee
-any other forms required by the consulate


VISA ISSUANCE OR DENIAL: Please contact WFE immediately to let us know the result of your visa interview. If your visa is granted, the consulate will keep your passport to print the visa inside. They will then either return the passport to you or ask you to come pick it up within a few days. If the visa is denied, you are entitled to reapply. Please see this page regarding visa denials.

VISA TIPS:

  • The dates on the visa show when you will be permitted to enter the U.S., not how long you can stay!  The dates on the DS-2019 show how long you can stay. Your visa can expire anytime, as long as the dates on the DS-2019 are current. Visas will be issued for a period of between six and twelve months, or more.
  • You are permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your start date and exit the U.S. up to 30 days after your end date.  For more information about the visa and the 30-day grace period, see this page.

Interview appointments are set by the U.S. Consulate, and the decision to approve or deny your visa is at the sole discretion of the consular officer.

5. Travel to the U.S.

If you are granted a visa, you must contact WFE to coordinate travel to the host site. Your visa will be for a limited period, but you only need it to enter the United States. Failure to notify WFE of your arrival date can cause major problems with your visa status, insurance, ability to apply for a Social Security number or Driver License, and tmay affect your host's ability to pay you! WFE recommends you make your travel plans ONLY after you have received your passport with the visa inside, and you have coordinated your arrival date with both WFE and your host.

Before traveling, please check current requirements for entry into the U.S. and COVID-19 retrictions.

 

Program Fees

What's included in the WFE Program Fee:


● All document processing and record maintenance within the SEVIS system
● Medical insurance coverage for up to four months during entire stay in the U.S.
● Tax return assistance through Sprintax following your Program (if applicable)

WFE charges no program fee until you are granted a visa. In most cases, WFE collects your program fee while you are in the U.S. participating in the program.  Fpr more details about WFE's current stipend amounts, fee structure and payment methods, see the WFE GAP Fees and Stipend Information page.