Step 02 · Arrival
Arriving in the US on a J-1: entry, I-94, SEVIS check-in and Social Security
The first days decide whether your status is active and whether you get paid on time. Entry, the I-94 record, the sponsor check-in and the Social Security office, in the order you meet them.
6 pages in this section
Entering the US on a J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa: Port of Entry, Documents, CBP
What happens at the US port of entry for a J-1 Summer Work and Travel participant: earliest arrival, documents to carry, CBP inspection, stamp and I-94.
First Week in the USA on J-1 Work and Travel: A Step-by-Step Checklist
Your first week on a J-1 Work and Travel season, in order: I-94, sponsor check-in, housing, Social Security number, bank account, insurance, first paycheck.
I-94 for J-1 Summer Work and Travel: How to Get, Print and Read Your Record
How a J-1 Summer Work and Travel participant gets, prints and reads the I-94 record: online access, Admit Until Date, I-94 number, errors, fee and leaving.
Phone and SIM Card for a J-1 Summer Work and Travel Season: What to Check
How to get a working US phone number on a J-1 summer: unlocked phones, prepaid or eSIM, what carriers ask for, the 10-day rule to tell your sponsor, and 911.
SEVIS Validation for J-1 Summer Work and Travel: What It Is and When to Do It
What SEVIS validation means for a J-1 Summer Work and Travel participant, the 10-day sponsor rule, sponsor deadlines, how to check status and what it unlocks.
Social Security Number for J-1 Summer Work and Travel: Steps, Documents and Timing
How a J-1 Summer Work and Travel participant applies for a Social Security number: SEVIS first, online start, in-person visit, documents, 45 days, card timing.