Exploring Work And Travel: What's The Cost?

The Work and Travel program is a visitor exchange program that allows participants to work and travel in the United States, providing a cultural exchange and financial assistance. The cost of the program varies depending on the organization facilitating the program. For example, the Eastwest Education Group charges a booking fee of $90, while Work and Travel Group has a program price that includes health insurance during the stay in the USA but does not include the return ticket to the USA and expenses for the visa. Participants should also consider the cost of living and create a budget to understand their expenses better.

Visa fees

The Work and Travel program is a cultural exchange program for students, approved and supported by the American government. It enables students to work in the USA during the summer break for a period of 4 months, with the option to use a 5th month for travel.

The visa fees for the Work and Travel program can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin. Here is a breakdown of the visa fees:

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee

The nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is $185 for most non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas, including visitor visas for business, tourism, and medical treatment. For petition-based visa categories, such as temporary workers or trainees, the fee is $205.

E-Visa

The E-Treaty Trader/Investor or Australian Professional Specialty Category Visa has a fee of $315.

K-Visa

The K-Visa, for the fiancé(e) or spouse of a US citizen, has a fee of $265.

Border Crossing Card Fees

For individuals aged 15 and over, the border crossing card fee is $185, valid for 10 years. For Mexican citizens under the age of 15, the fee is $15, valid for 10 years or until the applicant reaches the age of 15, whichever comes sooner.

L-Visa Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee

There is an additional L visa fraud prevention and detection fee of $500 for the principal applicant included in an L blanket petition.

H-1B and L-1 Petitioners

Certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners are subject to increased fees. Consular sections collect a fee of $4,500 for blanket L-1 visa applications from principal applicants whose employers have 50 or more individuals in the US, with more than 50% of those in H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant status.

It is important to note that visa fees are subject to change and applicants should refer to the official government websites for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some fees may be waived for certain individuals, such as applicants for J visas participating in official US government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges.

Insurance

Types of Insurance

The Work and Travel program typically includes various types of insurance to cater to the needs of participants:

• Health Insurance: This is crucial for participants, as it covers medical expenses during their travels and work assignments. Some programs, like Work and Travel Group, include health insurance for the entire duration of the participant's stay in the USA.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can cover a range of events, such as trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, and emergency travel assistance. It is designed to protect participants' travel investments.
• Accident and Third-Party Liability Insurance: These types of insurance can be added optionally and provide coverage in case of accidents or incidents involving third parties.

Cost of Insurance

The cost of insurance for the Work and Travel program can vary depending on several factors:

• Duration of Coverage: Insurance costs may be calculated based on the length of the program. For example, the Work and Travel Group program includes health insurance for the entire duration of the participant's stay, which is typically four months of work and an optional fifth month for travelling.
• Destination and Country of Residence: The cost of travel insurance can depend on the participant's country of residence and the destination country. Insurance providers often offer tailored plans based on these factors.
• Coverage Limits and Add-ons: Insurance plans with higher coverage limits and additional coverage options, such as rental vehicle damage coverage or cancel for any reason coverage, tend to be more expensive.
• Age of the Participant: In the case of travel insurance, the cost is often based on the value of the trip and the age of the traveller. Typically, insurance costs range from five to seven percent of the trip cost.

There are insurance providers that specialize in Work and Travel insurance, such as CareMed, which offers extensive and reasonably priced health insurance for globetrotters. Other providers like Travel Guard offer a range of travel insurance plans, including the Deluxe Plan, Preferred Plan, and Essential Plan, each with different coverage limits and benefits.

Travel

When it comes to travel, work and travel programs facilitate this in several ways. Firstly, they provide individuals with the flexibility to work remotely, allowing them to perform their jobs or run their businesses from different locations. This means participants can work from anywhere, as long as they have a good internet connection and the necessary resources.

Secondly, these programs often include resources and support to help participants navigate the logistics of travelling while working. This may include assistance with visa applications, documentation, accommodation, transportation, and cultural integration. For example, some programs offer job interviews with international employers, help with visa procedures, and even language courses to ease communication in the host country.

Additionally, work and travel programs may provide community support by connecting participants with like-minded individuals who are also working and travelling. This community can offer valuable insights, recommendations, and companionship during the program, enhancing the overall travel experience.

The cost of travel in work and travel programs can vary depending on the destination and duration of the trip. For instance, flights to popular destinations like New York, Boston, or Chicago tend to be cheaper, while flights to more remote locations like the West Coast or Alaska can be significantly more expensive. It's beneficial to plan and book trips early to take advantage of lower prices and ensure availability.

Overall, the travel aspect of work and travel programs empowers individuals to explore new places, immerse themselves in different cultures, and connect with a community of like-minded people, all while maintaining their professional lives and commitments.

Accommodation

The "Summer Work and Travel USA" program is a cultural exchange program for students, approved and supported by the American government. The program enables students to work in the USA during the summer break for a period of 4 months, with the option to travel for a fifth month.

The program price does not include accommodation expenses during the stay in the USA, unless the chosen job includes accommodation. If the employer does not provide accommodation, sponsors are required to actively and immediately assist participants in arranging appropriate housing. This includes providing participants with information on how to seek accommodation in the United States before they depart their home countries.

When placing students in jobs, sponsors must consider the availability of suitable, affordable housing and reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation to and from work.

Participants are responsible for transport expenses from the airport to their accommodation/employer, as well as transport expenses during the program duration.

Agency fees

Initial Fees

Before the visa interview, participants may be required to pay an initial fee. This fee is typically a small portion of the total program cost and is paid in instalments. For example, Work and Travel Group charges $290 before the visa interview, with the rest of the program price paid after the visa is obtained.

Included Services

The agency fee typically covers a range of services provided by the agency. These may include:

• Health insurance during the entire stay
• Interview with an American employer
• Assistance with accommodation
• English language course
• Preparation of necessary documentation
• Support before and after arriving in the USA

Excluded Services

There are also certain services that are usually not included in the agency fee. Participants may need to budget additionally for the following:

• Return ticket to the United States
• Visa expenses
• SEVIS application
• Accommodation and food (if not included in the job)
• Transport expenses

Withdrawal Fees

In the event that a candidate withdraws from the program at any stage, most agencies will retain a portion of the fee. The amount retained depends on when the withdrawal occurs and can range from $0 to $350 or more. For example, if a candidate withdraws after obtaining a visa, the agency may retain all the money paid up to that point.

It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the agency to understand the specific fee structure and any potential additional costs.

Frequently asked questions