Embassy of the United States Moscow, Russia

Summer Work and Travel (SWT) Program

In the summer work travel program, post-secondary students may enter the United States to work and travel during their summer vacation. Participants can be admitted to the program more than once. The maximum length of the program is four months.

• For applicants studying in Russia, the dates for the program are May 15 – September 15.
• For applicants studying in Belarus, the dates for the program are June 10 – September 1.

Students are allowed to work during this four month period.  How long a student may remain in the United States after the end of the validity of the visa will be determined at the port of entry.  Usually, students are given a 30 day grace period when they can travel and sightsee around the country but they are not allowed to work during this time.

Who qualifies for the SWT program?

A full-time student enrolled in an accredited post-secondary academic institution in his or her home country who possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in the program successfully.

Evening students and 2nd degree students qualify for the program as long as they are full-time students that meet the requirement as set above.  There is no age limitation for SWT participants.

There is no age limitation for SWT participants. Vocational students do not qualify for this program.

What documents should students bring to their interview?

Students must bring the following documents to their interview at the U.S. Embassy:

• DS-160 confirmation page · $160 to pay for MRV fee
• Passport (if old passport is available, please make sure that you give it to Pony or bring it with you to the interview).
• DS-2019 form
• SEVIS enrollment confirmation

Students should also bring the following documents to the interview at the U.S. Embassy:

•   Student ID
• “зачетная книжка”
• Read and signed Wilberforce Act
• Any other documents that students believe would show their ties outside of the United States.

Know your rights

All students should read and understand the rights they have while in the United States.  If after reading Wilberforce Act you have any questions regarding your rights, please ask them during your interview at the Embassy and consular officers will be happy to address them. 

For more information on your rights, please read

Rights, Protections and Resources Pamphlet

English

• Online Reading Version (PDF 253KB)
• Double-Sided Printing Version (PDF 392KB)
  

Russian

• Online Reading Version (PDF 291KB)  
• Double-Sided Printing Version (PDF 228KB)

For additional information on SWT program, please visit Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs’ website at http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/summer-work-travel