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SUMMER W&T USA

CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL

If a student does not get the visa we keep 0$!

The program price includes health insurance for the fifth month

Payment is possible in five installments, the last one you pay after getting the visa

Possibility to attend the world recognized course in catering SERVSAFE (www.servsafe.com)

Free English language course with native speaker!

Job fairs and live interviews with employers!

Over 100 authentic student experience videos!

What is Work and Travel program?

“Summer Work and Travel USA” program is a cultural exchange program exclusively for students. The program has been approved and supported by the American government and it enables students to work in the USA during the summer break within a period of 4 months and after that, if they want, to use the fifth month for traveling. The aim of the program is to gain great experience, improve English language, meet the culture, customs and lifestyle, as well as, to get new friends.

What do we offer?

Summer Work and Travel Program is a complex program. Therefore, it is important that you have safety and all the program segments organized.

1. Safe job – interviews with the employers 2. Meeting the representative of the sponsor companies in the USA authorized by the State Department before departure to the USA. 3. Transport to the location of the employer or accommodation 4. Organization and help with getting SSN number in the USA which you cannot work without 5. Continuous support during your stay in the USA

See the necessary documentation

JOB LOCATIONS

See the full offer of jobs across the USA

For more student experiences visit

WORK AND TRAVEL GROUP APP

Find fellow travelers!

START YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY

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Work & Travel USA

Our work & travel program in the united states.

The Intrax Work Travel USA program gives you the opportunity to discover the United States from a local perspective. Don’t just travel as a tourist during your summer vacation, experience the American way of life and its rich culture firsthand as you work, live and travel alongside locals.

This is a unique opportunity for you to gain international work experience which you can include on your CV and also help cover some of your travel expenses. Create exciting new memories, learn the US culture, establish global long-lasting friendships, and improve your English skills for up to four months while you are on the program!

Let Intrax help you achieve this unique hands-on cultural and travel experience. As an official sponsor of the J1 visa program designated by the US Department of State for more than 25 years, we have worked with over 125,000 Work Travel participants from over 35 countries.

On this website you will find all necessary information and documentation about the program.

Why Intrax ?

Founded more than 30 years ago, Intrax is dedicated to fostering and advocating cultural exchange. Whether you already know exactly what you want to do with your career, looking to develop new skills, or seeking exciting cultural experiences, we can help you.

We operate in more than 100 countries and have welcomed over 350,000 participants into our various programs. We have created a reputation for quality programs, outstanding customer service with a central focus on our participants and their experience.

Experience the American Way of Life! Work with locals and travel throughout the USA.

Find out the prices for our two placement options as well as the included services.

Some eligibility criteria need to be fulfilled to participate in the Intrax Work Travel program.

Start your application!

Apply for the Intrax Work Travel program and experience the true American culture. This program allows you to earn money while also improving your english skills. Start your adventure with us.

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Summer Work Travel

College and University students enrolled full time and pursuing studies at post-secondary accredited academic institutions located outside the United States come to the United States to share their culture and ideas with people of the United States through temporary work and travel opportunities.

Participants

Summer work travel students must be:.

• Sufficiently proficient in English to successfully interact in an English speaking environment;
• Post-secondary school students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited classroom based, post-secondary educational institution outside the United States;
• Have successfully completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study; and
• Pre-placed in a job prior to entry unless from a visa waiver country.

The Summer Work Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States.

More information

Summer work travel 2024 season program dates by country, summer work travel community support groups.

Find SWT community support groups near you

Map of Summer Work Travel Participants

View the number and locations of Summer Work Travel participants across the U.S.

Readmittance, Program Length, and Returning Home

• Readmittance: Participants can be admitted to the program more than once;
• Program Length: The maximum length of the program is four months; and
• Returning Home: Students must return to their home country prior to the start date of their university or college.

Program Exclusions

Sponsors must not place participants:

• In positions that could bring notoriety or disrepute to the Exchange Visitor Program;
• In sales positions that require participants to purchase inventory that they must sell in order to support themselves;
• In domestic help positions in private homes (e.g., child care, elder care, gardener, chauffeur);
• As pedicab or rolling chair drivers or operators;
• As operators or drivers of vehicles or vessels for which drivers’ licenses are required regardless of whether they carry passengers or not;
• In positions related to clinical care that involves patient contact;
• In any position in the adult entertainment industry (including, but not limited to jobs with escort services, adult book/video stores, and strip clubs);
• In positions requiring work hours that fall predominantly between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am;
• In positions declared hazardous to youth by the Secretary of Labor at Subpart E of 29 CFR part 570;
• In positions that require sustained physical contact with other people and/or adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions guidelines (e.g., body piercing, tattooing, massage, manicure);
• In positions that are substantially commission-based and thus do not guarantee that participants will be paid minimum wage in accordance with federal and state standards;
• In positions involved in gaming and gambling that include direct participation in wagering and/or betting;
• In positions in chemical pest control, warehousing, catalogue/online order distribution centers;
• In positions with traveling fairs or itinerant concessionaires;
• In jobs that do not allow participants to work alongside U.S. citizens and interact regularly with U.S. citizens and to experience U.S. culture during the workday portion of their Summer Work Travel programs;
• With employers that fill non-seasonal or non-temporary job openings with exchange visitors with staggered vacation schedules;
• In positions that require licensing;
• In positions for which there is another specific J visa category (e.g., Camp Counselor, Trainee, Intern);
• Participants must be employees of and paid by the staffing agencies
• Staffing agencies must provide full-time, primary, on-site supervision of the participants
• Staffing agencies must effectively control the work sites, e.g., have hands-on management responsibility for the participants
• After November 1, 2012, in positions in the North American Industry Classification System’s (NAICS) Goods-Producing Industries occupational categories industry sectors 11, 21, 23, 31-33 numbers (set forth at http://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag_index_naics.htm ).

Sponsors must also:

• Use extra caution when placing students in positions at employers in lines of business that are frequently associated with trafficking persons (e.g., modeling agencies, housekeeping, janitorial services);
• Consider the availability of suitable, affordable housing (e.g., that meets local codes and ordinances) and reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation to and from work when making job placements;
• Actively and immediately assist participants with arranging appropriate housing and transportation, if employers do not provide or arrange housing and/or transportation, or if participants decline employer-provided housing or transportation;
• The number of job placements available with host employers
• That host employers will not displace domestic U.S. workers at worksites where they will place program participants
• That host employers have not experienced layoffs in the past 120 days and do not have workers on lockout or on strike

Sponsors may place participants only in jobs that:

• Are seasonal or temporary;
• Provide opportunities for regular communication and interaction with U.S. citizens and allow participants to experience U.S. culture.

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Summer Work Travel Resources

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Program Sponsors

Sponsors are required to:.

• A copy of the Department of State Summer Work Travel Program Brochure;
• The Department of State’s toll-free emergency hotline telephone number;
• The sponsor’s 24/7 immediate contact telephone number;
• Information advising participants of their obligation to notify their sponsor when they arrive in the United States and to provide information of any change in jobs or residence; and
• Information concerning any contractual obligations related to participants’ acceptance of paid employment in the United States, if pre-arranged.
• Ensure that participants entering the United States without prearranged employment have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their search for employment;
• Provide such participants with information on how to seek employment and secure lodging in the United States before they depart their home countries; and
• Provide participants with a job directory that includes at least as many job listings as the number of participants in their program who are entering the United States without prearranged employment.
• Sponsors must undertake reasonable efforts to secure suitable employment for participants unable to find jobs on their own after one week;
• Sponsors must inform program participants of Federal Minimum Wage requirements and ensure that, at a minimum, participants are compensated at the prevailing local wage, which must meet the higher of either the applicable state or the Federal minimum wage requirement, including payment for overtime in accordance with state-specific employment; and
• Sponsors must maintain, at a minimum, a monthly schedule of personal contact with the program participants (in-person, by telephone or via-electronic mail), document such contact, and ensure that issues affecting the health, safety and welfare of participants are addressed immediately.

2024 Program Date Chart

2024 Program Date Chart (PDF)

• Summer Work Travel 2024 Season Program Dates by Country (PDF)

Host employers are required to:

• Provide participants the number of hours of paid employment per week as identified on the job offer and agreed to when the sponsor vetted the jobs;
• Pay those participants eligible for overtime worked in accordance with applicable state or federal law;
• Notify sponsors promptly when participants arrive at the work site and begins their programs; when there are any changes or deviations in the job placements during the participants’ programs; when participants are not meeting the requirements of job placements; or when participants leave their position ahead of their planned departure; and
• Contact sponsors immediately in the event of any emergency involving participants or any situation that impacts the health, safety or welfare of participants.

“As an employer of international kids, keep your door open and be proactive in solving their issues.” 

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Work and Travel USA

International Cultural Exchange Program

Summer Work and Travel USA Program

The Summer Work Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States.

Participants in the program must be post-secondary school students in an educational institution outside the United States who have completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study. Additionally they must possess sufficient proficiency in English and must be pre-placed in a job prior to entry unless from a visa waiver country. Applicants must be pre-placed in a job prior to entry. U.S. based exchange visitor sponsors will issue form DS-2019 once they accept applicants into their program.

Participants are allowed to work up to four months during their summer break and are generally allowed a grace period (usually 30 days) to travel in the United States after the end of the exchange program. The Summer Work Travel is not for visitors who only want to travel in the United States; to enter the United States as a tourist only the correct visa category is B-2.

See  j1visa.state.gov  or  FAQ  for further information.

HISTORY OF Summer Work&Travel

The Summer Work Travel program was created by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Senator J. William Fulbright’s legislation to increase mutual understanding between Americans and the people of other countries.

This legislation created such important academic exchanges as the Fulbright Program, among many others.

In that legislation, Senator Fulbright also saw the need for work-based exchange programs like Summer Work Travel. 

Over 50+ years, Summer Work Travel has become the U.S.’ largest student exchange program. It is privately funded and costs nothing to the U.S. taxpayer. In addition to its diplomatic and foreign policy benefits, the program has evolved to provide important economic benefits to U.S. host businesses and seasonal communities. 

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Exploring the U.S.

Travel after the program.

One of the great things about CIEE Work & Travel USA is the option to explore this amazing country on your own. Go anywhere you like – the only limits are your imagination, your budget, and the date by which you need to return home. Remember that if you want to take a short trip while still at your job, you will need to ask your employer for time off.

The program allows you to travel for up to 30 days. You will need to plan your travel dates before coming to the United States to make sure you have insurance coverage. You may not change these dates after you arrive. You must also be back in time for the start of the school year.

Traveling Before Your Job Ends You may also have the opportunity to travel while still at your job. You are expected to work for the entire length of your employment agreement. However, when you have approved time off from work, you should take advantage of it to travel and learn more about American culture.

Taking a few days off is the perfect way to see and experience some of what you’ll find in the monthly Culture Guides we send you, or the Top 10 Things to Do. Be sure to talk with your manager in advance about the possibility of taking time off.

Traveling Outside the United States

You can take a trip outside the United States during the program, but CIEE must approve it. There are important rules that you must follow.

Timing You may only travel outside the United States during the work dates in Box 3 of your DS-2019 and for no longer than 30 consecutive days.

Authorization You must be authorized to enter the United States on more than one occasion. The number of times you are allowed to enter the United States is indicated on your J-1 Visa under the section “entries.” You can have multiple entries if the letter “M” appears in this section; if it does not, you are only allowed to enter the United States the specific number of times indicated (usually one or two).

Notify CIEE by phone or email two weeks before any trip outside the United States to ensure you get your DS-2019 signed and returned.

Paperwork If you travel outside the United States, you must have your original DS-2019 signed for travel by CIEE and receive a Good Standing Letter. Send your DS-2019 and a note that explains your travel plans in an envelope to CIEE. Include a prepaid return envelope (from CIEE to your U.S. mailing address), and we will return it to you. Make sure to use a mail service that provides a tracking reference number for your package, like USPS or FedEx. Do not send money in the mail. For detailed instructions on how to obtain proper travel validation from CIEE, please call 1-888-268-6245 or email us at  [email protected] .

Do not travel without your signed DS-2019 form. Doing so will cause delays of 30 to 90 days before you may re-enter the country, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) processes your paperwork.

If you have multiple trips outside of the United States planned, please contact CIEE before sending in your DS-2019 form. Depending on your travel dates, you may not need to have your documents signed.

Insurance Coverage Travel to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas) is covered by CIEE insurance. Travel anywhere else outside the United States is not covered by CIEE insurance.

J-1 Visa Your J-1 Visa must be valid and the dates on your DS-2019 must be current when re-entering the United States. You will not be allowed back into the United States with an expired DS-2019, even for connecting flights. It is your responsibility to make sure that you meet the re-entry requirements.

Depending on your home country, you may be required to have a visa for the country you are traveling to. Be sure to check with your embassy before you travel anywhere outside the United States.

Travel Tips & Resources

Your safety is very important to us. When you travel during your CIEE Work & Travel USA program, keep these tips in mind to make sure you travel smart.

- Travel with friends whenever possible. - Plan ahead. Research hotels, hostels, and transportation if you are traveling for more than one day. - Always tell friends and coworkers where you are going and when you will be back. - Make sure you have contact information for friends and employers, and give them your phone number as well. - Take your CIEE Work & Travel USA ID card with you, along with your important documents. - Protect your personal property by keeping it in a safe place; if there are safes where you are staying, lock up your valuables and important documents. - Never hitchhike! It is illegal in many states.

Travel Guides CIEE Work & Travel USA will email you some useful travel guides, including the regional Top 10 Things to Do and our monthly Culture Guide USA. Also, there are many useful websites with information about many American destinations. Many of them also offer guidebooks. Here are a few:

Budgettravel.com Letsgo.com Fodors.com Frommers.com Lonelyplanet.com Notfortourists.com Roughguides.com Tripadvisor.com Virtualtourist.com

Individual cities and states also have helpful tourism websites.

Lodging & Transportation Visit the  Housing  and  Transportation  pages for useful tips and links to find great, inexpensive places to stay, along with the best way to travel around the United States.

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How to travel and work in the USA

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Many of you are asking me how to visit and work in the USA legally, and here I have the answer!

If you are a young person (under 30) and you are studying in a college or some professional school, you have the right to apply for J1 Visa and travel to America to live and work there for a few months! Check if your country is eligible for the program and the dates you are allowed to visit:

https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2020-Program-Date-Chart-Dec-Final.pdf

The United States Government has created the Summer Work and Travel Program  to allow young foreigners the opportunity to experience the way of life in the USA during their summer vacations.

The best thing about this program is that you have the right to apply every summer and work for four months every year during your education.

Requirements for the students who apply for the Summer Work and Travel Program:

• Sufficiently proficient in English to successfully interact in an English speaking environment;
• Post-secondary school students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited classroom-based, post-secondary educational institution outside the United States;
• Have completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study.
• Pre-placed in a job before entry unless from a visa waiver country.

You will find a step by step tutorial on how to apply for a J1 Visa and how to visit and work in the USA:

https://app.box.com/s/uk1jn6kbcza66yinapngm05i69d8lc3q

The Summer Work and Travel program is just one small part of the Exchange Visitor Program in the USA . Here you will find all eligibility requirements and if you fit one of them to apply for work in the USA.

https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Exchange-Visitor-Program-Category-Requirements.pdf

All the opportunities through the Exchange Visitors Program are for temporary employment. They vary from a few weeks up to 7 years! For people employed in the Hospitality Industry as waiters, you will have an opportunity to work in the USA for up to a year.

After you have chosen that you want to participate in the Summer Work and Travel program, the first thing you have to do is find a Sponsor! 

Program sponsors are responsible for selecting participants for the Exchange Visitor Program, as well as supporting and monitoring them during their entire program stay. Participants should contact the sponsors directly to find out more about a specific program and application requirements. Here you will find a list of designated Sponsors for the Summer Work and Travel program:

https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/sponsor-search/?program=Summer%20Work%20Travel

As a waiter or waitress and a person who works in the Hospitality Industry, you could choose the American Hospitality Academy as a sponsor and let them guide you through the rest of the process:

https://www.americanhospitalityacademy.com/

On the link above, you will find all the information you need to start the process of obtaining a J1 Visa and flying to America for an exciting summer job.

You have many other options for sponsors , and you should know that Sponsors charge fees, so you have to do a research and find the one that fits your interests and your budget best.

My personal opinion is that everyone should try to work in the USA for one summer! The experience will enrich you, and there is no better place to learn the Hospitality business than the USA.

For most countries, the participants will have to find a job prior to getting the J1 Visa and entering the United States . Your Sponsor will help you find an Employer and sign a contract for a job you qualify. Make sure you put the effort and the time into finding the right job!

It is not enough to fly and work in the USA for a few months! You have to enjoy it; you have to learn a lot and be able to make some money too!

Do not expect that you will make a lot of money during those few months in America! The program is created to allow people to travel in the country, make new friends, and learn the American people first hand. It is not created to make people rich! Still, you should be able to earn and save some money.

Working in a Five stars hotel in the United States will do you tons of good  in your future job searches. Have experience in America counts a lot! And you should be able to land a top job in your country or some other foreign country! If you have worked for an international company like Hilton and you have done an excellent job, they would love to keep you in the company and offer you a job in another country where you have a permit to work, or in your own country! 

During your work in the USA, try to show leadership skills and passion for Hospitality! That will help you get a promotion within the company as soon as you are relocated to your country or some other country!

We will share similar programs from every country in the world on the  Waiters Network  and help you travel and work in many different regions.

Make sure you have created your profile on the Network so hotels and restaurants from every corner of the World could search for you and offer you a job directly! 

Register  today, and don't miss the next great article on our Blog.

If you are a new waiter/waitress or you feel like learning and getting another certificate to improve your chances of landing a top job, sign up for our  Free Online Waiter Training Course . 

You have to understand that there are many waiter jobs out there that will allow you to live a life and there are many waiter jobs that will let you live like a star! Those jobs are hard to get, but you could do it! You have to learn, you have to work hard, and you have to hustle! We are here to help you all through your career in the Hospitality!

The Waiter's Academy  has helped tens of thousands of waiters  improve their skills and knowledge, get better jobs, and live better lives. We do everything for free! 

The Waiters Network is a new service that connects the companies directly with the top talent in the World and lets them hire people quickly and free of charge on the spot in a matter of minutes! Make sure you ave your profile filled out. Your next job could find you while you sleep.

No matter where you work and what kind of job you do , you can be successful only if you put your mind and heart into your job and give it your best effort! This is how success is built, this is how a character is built, and this is how the good life is achieved!

Can you do that? 

Let me know in the comments below what are your dreams and goals as a waiter! Where do you want to work and which other countries should we research next. 

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If You Test Positive for Covid, Can You Still Travel?

With coronavirus cases on the rise, summer travelers are once again facing difficult questions. Here’s the latest travel guidance from health experts.

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By Shannon Sims

As new coronavirus variants gain traction across the United States, summer travelers are facing a familiar and tiresome question: How will the ever-mutating virus affect travel plans?

In light of updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the answers may be slightly different from those in previous years.

Here’s what to know about traveling this summer if you’re worried about — or think you might have — Covid-19.

What’s going on with Covid?

Recent C.D.C. data show that Covid infections are rising or most likely rising in more than 40 states. Hospitalization rates and deaths, while low compared with the peaks seen in previous years, are also on the rise.

The uptick is tied to a handful of variants — named KP.2, KP.3 and LB.1 — that now account for a majority of new cases .

At the same time, record numbers of people are expected to travel over July 4 and the holiday weekend.

I’d planned to travel, but I’m sick with Covid. What should I do?

In short: You should probably delay or cancel your trip.

If you tested positive or are experiencing Covid symptoms, which include fever, chills, fatigue, a cough, a runny nose, body aches and a headache, the C.D.C. recommends that you stay home and keep away from others.

According to its latest guidelines, the agency advises waiting until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free and your overall symptoms are improving before going back to normal activities, including travel.

What are the isolation rules?

New C.D.C. guidelines issued in March made significant changes to the recommended isolation period for people with Covid.

The agency now says that you can resume daily activities if you meet two requirements : You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and your symptoms are improving overall. Previously, the agency recommended isolating for at least five days, plus a period of post-isolation precautions.

Even after your isolation period, you may still be able to spread the virus to others, which is why the C.D.C. encourages you to continue to take precautions for the next five days: Use masks, wash your hands frequently, practice physical distancing, clean your air by opening windows or purifying it, and continue testing yourself before gathering around others.

Are there any lingering testing or vaccine requirements?

Travelers no longer need to show proof of being vaccinated against Covid or take a Covid test to enter the U.S. (This applies to both U.S. citizens and noncitizens.)

The same is true in Europe and most other countries.

How can I prepare before traveling?

First, make sure you stay up-to-date with Covid vaccines .

Next, plan to bring any items that would be helpful should you become sick while traveling.

“Make sure to take a good first aid or medication kit with you,” said Vicki Sowards, the director of nursing resources for Passport Health , which provides travel medical services. Ms. Sowards recommended that your kit include medications that you usually take when you are ill, as well as Covid tests.

You may want to consider packing medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of Covid, like painkillers, cold and flu medicines, and fever reducers. Bringing along some electrolyte tablets (or powdered Gatorade) can also help if you get sick.

Ms. Sowards also suggested speaking with your physician before traveling, particularly if you’re in a vulnerable or high-risk group. Some doctors might prescribe the antiviral Paxlovid as a precautionary measure, she said, to be taken in the event of a Covid infection.

How can I stay safe while traveling?

Wearing a mask on a plane or in crowded areas is still a good idea, said Ms. Sowards. Covid is spread through airborne particles and droplets, “so protecting yourself is paramount, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions.”

If you do get sick, start wearing a mask and using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever or joint aches, Ms. Sowards advised.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

• Services & Software

How to Renew Your US Passport Online

There's a limited number of spots each day, so you should have all your documents prepared before you log on.

The window for passport renewal applications opens each day at 1 p.m. ET.

You can now renew your passport without going in person to a passport acceptance facility. The US State Department has simplified the process by opening six new passport agencies across the country and relaunching a beta version of its online passport renewal system . You can save a lot of time by renewing your passport online, but you have to act quickly to make it happen.

There are a limited number of slots for US passport holders to renew online each day. The window for passport renewal applications opens each day at 1 p.m. ET and closes when it reaches an unspecified number. During the first week of the new beta test, CNET found that the application window closed in mere minutes.

MyTravelGov  -- the website for the US State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs -- first introduced online passport renewals back in 2022, and had multiple open windows for the pilot program before it shut down in March last year. For this beta release, a certain number of applicants can apply each day during a "limited midday eastern time window."

Learn everything you need to know about the new online US passport renewals, including who is eligible and how you can apply. For more travel tips, check out  how to plan your travel with AI ,  how to perfectly pack your carry-on luggage and how to avoid airline baggage fees .

A limited number of people can apply for US passport renewals each day.

How does the new US online passport renewal system work?

Most US citizens currently renew their passports  by printing and filling out form DS-82 , then mailing that form with a new passport photo and a renewal fee in the form of a check or money order. The online passport renewal system instead uses a website form and a payment system that allows credit cards, debit cards or online ACH transfers. 

Renewing your passport online doesn't mean that you'll receive it any sooner than usual, though. The State Department is sticking to its " routine service " for passport renewals, whether they're online or by mail. That means you'll receive your new passport in six to eight weeks, no matter how you apply. If you need your passport sooner than that, you'll need to apply by mail and pay $60 more for expedited service .

Who is eligible to renew their US passport online?

The most important qualifying factors for renewing your passport online are:

• You are at least 25 years old.
• You live in the US (state or territory).
• Your current passport is or was valid for 10 years.
• Your current passport must be at least 9 years old and have been issued within the last 15 years (2009-2015).
• You still have your existing passport, and it's not mutilated or damaged.

Along with the main eligibility requirements, the State Department provides a list of further restrictions for online renewal:

• You can only renew regular passports online, not "special issuance" passports (like diplomatic, official or service passports).
• You cannot change your name, gender, place of birth or date of birth from your previous passport.
• You must be able to pay for online renewal using a credit card, a debit card or ACH transfer.
• You must be able to upload a new passport photo.
• You cannot travel internationally for eight weeks after submitting your online renewal application.

That last restriction is important because your existing passport, if still valid, will be immediately canceled as soon as your online renewal application is accepted.

If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for renewing your passport online, you'll need to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency .

If I'm eligible, how do I renew my US passport online?

Right now, MyTravelGov is accepting a certain number of online passport renewals each day (including weekends) around midday ET. Several news publications, however, including the Thrifty Traveler , are reporting the window will open each day right at 1 p.m. ET.

Before you can apply for an online passport renewal, you'll need to create a MyTravelGov account, if you don't already have one. Visit the MyTravelGov website , click on the blue Sign In  button in the top-right corner, then click Create an account . This will begin the process of creating an account with login.gov , the US federal government's authentication system.

You'll then need to enter an email address and your choice of language -- login.gov is available in English, Spanish and French. After submitting your email address, you'll need to verify it by clicking on a link in an email message from login.gov, after which you'll choose a password and preferred form of multifactor authentication.

You'll then need to provide personal information for the account, at minimum your first and last name. Once you're finished, you should be able to access the online passport renewal page . Hit the blue Start button at the bottom of the page to begin the application.

If the online passport renewal application window is not open, you'll receive a message that you'll need to return and try again tomorrow. If you're lucky enough to begin the application, you'll need the following items:

• Your existing US passport.
• A digital passport photo.
• Credit card, debit card or your bank's routing and account numbers for ACH transfer.

In the first part of the application, you'll enter information about your current passport, your legal name and whether you want a passport book, passport card or both. Next you'll update your digital passport photo , and then finally your payment information.

MyTravelGov will send you two email verifications after you submit your renewal application -- the first will confirm your pending payment; the second will confirm that the payment has been received. One week after you apply, you can sign up for email updates about your passport using the State Department's online passport status system . You should expect to receive your new passport in the mail within six to eight weeks.

You can renew whichever US passport format you currently hold.

What about renewing US passport cards online?

Passport cards are objects that look much like US driver's licenses and can be kept in your wallet. They allow for travel from the US by land or sea to Canada, Mexico or Caribbean countries. They are not valid for any international travel by air.

You can renew both passport books and cards online. Basically, you can renew whichever US passport document that you currently hold. If you have an old passport book and passport card, you can renew both at the same time. If you have one or the other, you can only renew that specific document.

More than 3 million pass through US airport security in a day for the first time as travel surges

The Associated Press

July 8, 2024, 11:35 AM

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More than 3 million people passed through U.S. airport security on Sunday, the first time that number of passengers have been screened in a single day as travel surges , according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

The record, which was widely predicted to happen at some point over the July Four holiday weekend, topped the June 23 mark of more than 2.99 million screened passengers. Eight of the 10 busiest days in TSA’s history have come this year as the number of travelers tops pre-pandemic levels.

TSA was created after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and replaced a collection of private security companies that were hired by airlines. The agency operates under the Department of Homeland Security, which said that agents on Sunday checked 35 passengers every second.

While Americans continue to grapple with inflation, travel costs including airline tickets and hotel prices have eased significantly from a year ago. Hotel rooms were 1.2% cheaper in May compared with a year ago, according to recent government inflation data. Those costs have been trending lower since the beginning of the year.

While most U.S. airlines lost money in the first quarter — traditionally the weakest time of year for travel — they were all expecting a summer of full planes.

This spring, American and Southwest said they expected solid second quarter profits. They joined Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in giving an upbeat outlook for the April-through-June period, which includes the start of peak season for carriers.

Delta reports its second-quarter earnings on Thursday, with analysts predicting sales of $15.5 billion, nearly $1 billion more than the same period a year ago. Next week, United and American issue their quarterly results, with Wall Street forecasting higher revenue from a year ago for both carriers.

Increasingly full planes since the pandemic shut travel down four years ago has brought some downside for airlines: complaints .

The Transportation Department said last week that it received nearly 97,000 complaints in 2023, up from about 86,000 the year before. The department said there were so many complaints that it took until July to sort through the filings and compile the figures.

That’s the highest number of complaints about airlines since 2020, when airlines were slow to give customers refunds after the coronavirus pandemic shut down air travel.

The Transportation Department said the increase in complaints was partly the result of more travelers knowing about their rights and the ability to file a complaint. Airlines receive many more complaints from travelers who don’t know how or don’t bother to complain to the government, but the carriers don’t release those numbers.

Associated Press Airlines Writer David Koenig contributed to this story.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Father of 2 who super-commutes from texas to ariz. for job credits these two things for making long travel work.

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A married father of two who super-commutes from Texas to Arizona for his job credits his military background – and his understanding family – for making the lengthy travel manageable.

Dennis Dabney, who resides in Fort Worth, has been flying to Phoenix for work since he scored a promotion at his company in 2022, according to a Business Insider report.

The 57-year-old program director and his family initially moved to the Lone Star State in 2019 when the company asked him to relocate from Virginia.

But when the promotion meant working out of Phoenix, Dabney refused to force his two teenage kids, as well as his 88-year-old mother who lives with the family, to move again.

Instead, he and his wife decided he would buy an apartment in Phoenix and live there during the week, flying back home on most weekends with a low-cost airline like Spirit or Frontier to the tune of $20,000 yearly.

Every other Friday when he has off, Dabney books a two-and-a-half-hour flight home and sometimes his family will visit him in Arizona.

“I couldn’t do this without the support of my family and my wife,” he told Business Insider. “And that has been crucial to decisions that I’ve made over the years about where to go and where to work.”

The dad also said it’s necessary to have “open communication” with family members.

“Things change, attitudes change, and you just have to figure out when things are getting out of hand or when things are going smoothly,” he told the publication.

Before this super-commute, Dabney drove five hours weekly to Louisiana for a different position at the company, but was back home on weekends for family time.

The family was used to hopping around considering Dabney spent 26 years in the Air Force.

“We moved quite a bit, but after we got to Texas, I got a clear signal from my family that they didn’t want to move anymore,” he told the outlet.

He credits his background in the Air Force that made the latest super-commute as seamless as possible because he’s used to frequent travel.

“It’s just my mindset, my background, and how to leverage all of that and learn how to create the quality of life that I want,” he told the outlet. 

Overall, he called the experience “very gratifying.”

How do Australian worker commute times compare to Europe and North America?

It is "quite normal" for people to live more than an hour from their workplace. 

Urban sprawl and the search for affordable housing are contributing factors.

What's next?

Experts say governments can ease commute times by bolstering public transport.

The average Australian worker spends more than an hour a day stuck in rush-hour traffic, fighting for a seat on the bus or trying to zone out on the train.

Commute times nationwide are longer than for many European countries — they also surpass other car-dependent countries such as the United States.

But is there a reason we're lagging behind? And what can we do to make our travel time shorter?

Are commuter times likely to get better soon?

It's all relative but commuter times in Australia have been increasing .

For example, workers averaged a weekly commuting time of about 3.7 hours just more than two decades ago. That grew to about 4.5 hours in 2017.

Dr Alan Both from the Australian Urban Observatory said the urban sprawl in some of the larger cities including Melbourne and Sydney was contributing to the increase in commuter travel time.

"It's quite normal for people to be living over an hour away from work," he said.

"Affordability is the main issue with these sorts of things — you can't expect young professionals to be able to afford anywhere near the city, they just simply have to live further out.

"And because of that, they have the experience of longer commutes."

Dr Both explained there were solutions to ease the traffic and add more public transport in newly built suburbs in some of the country's growth areas.

"One of the last things to go in are things like bus stops. So in general, if you're moving to a new area, you are a car user," he said.

"So you have to drive and that increases the traffic on the roads and slows everything down."

He added that due to the heavy reliance on car usage and a lack of public transport options in some of these newly built outer suburbs, delays in getting to work were inevitable.

"New suburbs have really bad congestion. You even see it in the sort of middle- and outer-ring suburbs where just getting onto the highway is a traffic jam," he said.

"So not even actually getting to the highway just, you know, entering and exiting."

RMIT University's Dr Koorosh Gharehbaghi specialises in public transport systems.

He said the average distance people were living away from work was increasing but there were other factors at play.

"In cities that are doing sort of a large upgrade with the Sydney Metro, even Melbourne, for example, the commuter time has increased because they're doing a lot of maintenance works and upgrades," he said.

"But what it comes down to is the actual distance of travel to work."

How does Australia compare to other parts of the world?

Australia does not compare well to international examples in both Europe and North America.

In Europe, more than 60 per cent of workers in the EU travelled less than half an hour from work to home.

But experts including Dr Gharehbaghi have said European examples might not be the best comparison when it comes to Australia.

For example, cities such as Copenhagen were smaller in size and population.

But Dr Gharehbaghi said there were elements like frequency of service that Australia could try to emulate.

"The level of public transport service they have … are not only the latest systems available, but the frequency that they have with their public transport is quite high," he said.

What are some international examples that Australia could look to?

Experts have said Australia should look at cities that have a comparable size with similar levels of urban sprawl of large capitals including Melbourne and Sydney.

"In smaller cities and countries, they have much more [stricter] sort of planning schemes, which means they heavily monitor due to lack of available land," he said.

It's why he thinks some of Australia's largest cities should look to Toronto for models to improve commuter travel.

"What you find with Toronto, is it has a lesser commuter wait time compared to Melbourne," he said.

"Why that is, because they're spending a lot of money on upgrading and updating the systems, more than the state government of Victoria, as well as the federal government."

What can governments do to improve work commute times?

The frequency of public transport services is top of the list for both experts but they say there needs to be more foresight in planning our cities.

"Increasing frequency is one but also in making sure that, again, that the system can be able to handle that higher-intensity service required," Dr Gharehbaghi said.

He believes a bigger problem for increased commuter times, especially in some of the larger capital cities, is unchecked growth in some outer-suburban communities.

"We have urban growth corridors that are designated by the state governments in terms of the population sort of growth for the future," he said.

"But what happens is, when the population of cities are expanding, [they are] not in the particular area that the government had in place in terms of possible growth." 

Dr Both explained there were several things in play, including increased frequency of services and higher density.

But he said there were some quick wins governments could have in improving commuter times.

"One of the big barriers for people using the transit system is inflexibility. You quickly become beholden to the schedule of the public transit," he said.

He added there might be difficulty in increasing services on trains in the short term but said there was an opportunity to strengthen the bus network.

"If you go to the outer suburbs or even middle-ring suburbs, there might be a bus only every 30 minutes," he said.

"If you've just missed that bus, you're waiting there for another 30 minutes."

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NATO Summit Washington 2024

Washington d.c., united states.

• 09 Jul. 2024 - 11 Jul. 2024
• Last updated: 08 Jul. 2024 16:19

All timings are local time – EDT

Heads of delegations ' arrivals at Joint Base Andrews

Wreath-laying Ceremony by the NATO Secretary General at Arlington National Cemetery

Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin

• English Photos English

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg receives the US Department of Defense's Medal for distinguished Public Service

NATO-Day celebrated at baseball game at Washington Nationals Park

• NATO Secretary General will throw the first pitch. For direct media coverage please contact Valerie Krebs, VP, Communications, Washington Nationals +1-202-640-7066 or [email protected]

Women, Peace, and Security round table

• Remarks by NATO Secretary General Special Representative Irene Fellin and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta Available on live stream in the Media Centre. Photos and video recording will be available on nato.int after the event.

Women, Peace, and Security reception

• Remarks delivered by NATO Secretary General Special Representative Irene Fellin Available on live stream in the Media Centre. Photos and video recording will be available on nato.int after the event.

Keynote speech by the NATO Secretary General at the Defense Industry Forum

• Available live in the Media Centre and on the NATO website

NATO 75th Anniversary Celebratory Event at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium

• Available live on the NATO website, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed, as well as on X @NATOPress and NATO News on YouTube. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com

NATO Secretary General’s Doorstep

• Available live on the NATO website, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed, as well as on X @NATOPress and NATO News on YouTube. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Original sound only

Leaders’ Doorsteps

• Available live on the NATO website, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed, as well as on X @NATOPress and NATO News on YouTube. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Simultaneous doorsteps accessible live on separate feeds in the editing booths and via satellite. Original sound only

NATO Secretary General’s address at the NATO Public Forum

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Welcome Ceremony and Official Photo

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Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and Government

• Public opening remarks by the NATO Secretary General and welcoming remarks by the President of the United States of America Available live on the NATO website, NATO News on YouTube, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Multiple live sounds: Original, English, French, Ukrainian, Russian - locally, via satellite & online

Arrivals of Heads of Delegation from Partner Countries and Doorsteps

• Available live on the NATO website, NATO News on YouTube, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Original sound only

Secretary General’s Press Conference

• South Press Theatre Open to all accredited media representatives. Available live on the NATO website, NATO News on YouTube, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Multiple live sounds: Original, English, French, Ukrainian, Russian - locally, via satellite & online. Photos and transcript will be available afterwards on the NATO Website

Social dinner for Heads of State and Government and their spouses, hosted by the President of the United States and the First Lady

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Social dinner for Foreign Affairs Ministers hosted by the Secretary of State of the United States

• Welcome Remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a Toast by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană Video and photos will be available after the event

Social dinner for Ministers of Defence hosted by the Secretary of Defense of the United States

Leaders’ Arrivals and Doorsteps

• Available live on the NATO website, NATO News on YouTube, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Simultaneous doorsteps will be accessible live on separate feeds in the media centre and via satellite. Original sound only

Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, Indo-Pacific Partners and the European Union

• Public opening remarks by the NATO Secretary General Available live on the NATO website, NATO News on YouTube, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Multiple live sounds: Original, English, French, Ukrainian, Russian - locally, via satellite & online. Photos and transcript will be available afterwards on the NATO website

Meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of Heads of State and Government

• North Press Theatre Open to all accredited media representatives. Available live on the NATO website, NATO News on YouTube, in the media centre on CCTV and Host TV feed, via satellite on Worldfeed. Available after the event on natomultimedia.tv and https://wdcnatosummit2024video.com. Multiple live sounds: Original, English, French, Ukrainian, Russian - locally, via satellite & online. Photos and transcript will be available afterwards on the NATO website

Pre-summit press conference by the NATO Secretary General

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SUMMIT ESSENTIALS

• Overview - 2024 NATO Summit in Washington
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How To Succeed At Your Job

This may be your first official job. Even if you have past experience, you may find that working in the United States is different. The following tips can help you succeed and enjoy your time at work.

Know What’s Expected of You Full-time employment is a big responsibility. If you have a positive outlook and willingness to be part of a team, the experience can be truly rewarding. The right attitude can make going to work something you look forward to every day, and will help you form friendships with your co-workers.

Employers notice employees who enjoy their work, especially if you interact with your supervisor and co-workers. They’ll recognize your effort and respond with respect and trust.

Every workplace is different. While most are relaxed and informal, we expect CIEE employers to always be professional. Here are some simple ways to do well at your job:

• Always be on time
• Be cooperative and pleasant to everyone
• Do your best at every task that’s given to you
• Dress appropriately. Some jobs require you to wear a uniform

Your employer also is required to treat you well. You should not tolerate unreasonable demands or inappropriate behavior. Report any incidents to CIEE immediately.

Employers have the right to request that you take a drug test. You may be tested before starting work or at any time during your employment, and a positive test means loss of your job and the end of your program. You may also be tested if you are involved in an accident.

Your First Day

When you arrive at your job, feel free to ask questions if you’re unsure of anything. Your first day includes completing paperwork and an orientation. You will meet with your supervisor or someone from Human Resources. Bring these documents with you:

• Passport and J-1 visa
• DS-2019 form
• I-94 form - Click here to obtain the I-94 form
• Proof of application for your Social Security number. Your employer may not know that you can start work and get paid before your Social Security number is issued. If you need advice, call CIEE at 1-888-268-6245.

There are a few more forms to fill out. Your employer will help you with the following paperwork:

This form confirms your employment eligibility. The form asks for your Social Security number. Your employer can fill that in later, once you get your number. Make sure to give your employer the number once you have it.

Your employer automatically sets aside (deducts) money for federal taxes from your paycheck. This form tells the employer how much to deduct, so that you do not under or overpay.

Follow these instructions to fill out the federal form W-4

Important: As non-resident alien, the standard instructions on the form do not apply to you.

Personal Allowances worksheet: Ignore this section. Box 1: Enter your personal information including your U.S. address. Box 2: Enter your Social Security number (SSN). If you have not been issued a Social Security number but have applied for one, write, “Applied For.” Give your employer your SSN once you receive it. Box 3: Check or fill in withholding as “single,” regardless of actual marital status. Box 4: Leave blank. Box 5: Enter “1.” There are no exceptions to this. Box 6: Write “NR” to indicate Non-Resident Alien status. Box 7: Leave blank. Non-Resident Aliens cannot claim “Exempt.” Boxes 8 – 10: Leave blank. Sign and date the form.

Most U.S. states require tax to be deducted from your paycheck for state taxes. The state tax form looks different from the federal form, but asks for the same information.

Dealing with Issues in the Workplace

CIEE works with America’s best seasonal employers. However, sometimes problems may come up at work. Often these are the result of simple misunderstandings. An employer may not notice your good work, or treat you in a way that you do not feel is fair. Try to handle the situation by talking with your supervisor calmly, professionally, and constructively. If you feel you need additional support, CIEE is here to help you.

Some issues are very important and you should call CIEE immediately at 1-888-268-6245 if any of these happen:

Sexual Harassment & Racial Discrimination An important part of cultural exchange is learning about and respecting other people’s beliefs, values and boundaries even when they are different from our own.  You should also expect to be treated with respect. Sexual harassment and racial discrimination are very serious matters in the United States and there are laws here to protect workers. To learn more about these important issues, please  click here . Layoffs & Firings You could be laid off for any number of reasons. For example, if business is slow, your employer may not need as many workers. Getting fired usually means the company is unhappy with your performance. Talk to your employer if you have any questions or contact CIEE to talk about any issues before they become serious problems.

Leaving Your Job

If you are having issues at work, you should attempt to resolve the issues with your employer. If you decide that you still want to leave your job, you must contact CIEE first. If you quit or change your job without first receiving approval from CIEE, you risk withdrawal from the CIEE Work & Travel USA program. Additionally, any new job must be approved by CIEE before you do anything.

Before you decide to leave, know that it can be difficult to find a new job. You have 30 days to find a new employer and report your job to CIEE, or your program will end and you will have to return home. Make sure to keep CIEE informed of your search and any change of address.  Read more about getting a new job .

Handling your departure from your job in the right way ensures that you receive your final paycheck promptly and makes it more likely that your employer will give you a recommendation letter. It is customary in the United States to give a written two-week notice to your current employer to help them plan for your replacement.

Employers, especially those involved with summer or winter tourism, rely on you to work until the agreed-upon end date. Leaving your job early causes problems for your employer and may jeopardize opportunities for future Work & Travel USA students. You should never simply quit your job. If problems persist after you have spoken with your supervisor, or you need advice on how to speak with your employer, contact CIEE.

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