To: Summer Work Travel Cultural Exchange Visitor

Australia/New Zealand Cultural Exchange Visitor

Re: Important Cultural Exchange Visitor Program Information

Dear Cultural Exchange Visitor:
Congratulations on being selected to participate on a Disney Cultural Exchange Visitor Program.
The purpose of the Cultural Exchange Visitor Program is to provide participants with opportunities
to interact with U.S. citizens, and experience U.S. culture while sharing their own cultures with
Americans through temporary work and travel in the United States.

The Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance Team is responsible for the oversight of your
Cultural Exchange Program sponsored by Disney. As a participant, you must adhere to all Disney
program rules and Federal Regulations. Carefully read the attached Important Cultural Exchange
Visitor Program Information and Visa Instructions which include the following:

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Early Arrival Notification Requirement
• Monthly Cultural Activity Reporting and Two-Way Communication Requirement
FEES, COSTS AND DEPOSITS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE ON THE DISNEY CULTURAL
EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION
• Prior to Entry into the United States
• Documents You Should Carry on Your Person
ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
• Work Experience
• Housing
• Safety
• Alcohol/Drugs
• Travel Outside of the United States During your Program
• Important Contact Information

As your Responsible Officer (RO), I want to let you know that you can contact me or one of the
Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) should you need anything or encounter any problem while
on your Exchange Visitor Program. We can be reached by email at WDW.IC@disney.com. For after
hour emergencies, call (407) 470-9063. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State maintains a
24/7 emergency line at (866) 283-9090.

Again, welcome to the Disney team!

Rebecca Riddle
Responsible Officer (RO)
Attachments
 Summer Work/Travel Cultural Exchange Program
Visa Instructions
Please read these instructions before proceeding to the websites!

All Program Participants are required to obtain a J-1 Visa in their passport prior to arrival in the United
States. NOTE: Canadians do not require a Visa in their passport but all other instructions apply.

Form DS-2019
You will be receiving your original Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status (known as
the DS-2019) approximately 1.5 to 2 months before the start of your program. Please verify immediately
that the personal information on your DS-2019 is correct, particularly your name and birth date. If your
name contains any special characters, such as a hyphen or an apostrophe, they will not be reflected on the
form. If any information is incorrect, contact the Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance
Department immediately at WDW.IC@disney.com, stating the information that needs to be corrected.
Include your full name as it appears on your passport, current mailing address, and phone number in your
correspondence. Carefully read the reverse side of the DS-2019. After you have done so, please
complete the Exchange Visitor Certification at the bottom of the form with your signature, place signed,
and the date. Your signature will indicate that you have read, understand and agree to it.

You will need to present your original DS-2019 to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when you apply for
your non-immigrant J-1 visa and to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer when you present
yourself for admission to the United States.

SEVIS I-901 Fee

Once you receive your DS-2019, you will need to pay the fee that is associated with the Summer
Work/Travel Program. The Student & Exchange Visitor and Information System (known as SEVIS)
requires a fee of $35.00 for this J-1 visa category. You must pay this fee before you apply for your visa at
a U.S. Embassy or Consulate by completing form I-901. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will still need
to pay the SEVIS fee and provide proof of this payment during your U.S. Immigration Inspection.

1. SEVIS On-Line Receipt Process

To complete Form I-901 and pay the fee online, you will need to have a credit or debit card, the DS-
2019, and a printer. Log on to SEVIS I-901 fee processing website at: www.FMJfee.com

• On the “Welcome” page click “Proceed to I-901 Form and Payment” button.
• Read and follow the instructions, choose the DS-2019 and click “OK.”
• You will be directed to the Applicant Validation page. Fill in the information as directed.
Enter your name exactly as it appears on the DS-2019.
• You will find your SEVIS ID number in the upper right hand corner of the DS-2019. (It will
start with N00).
• Double check that all the information is correct, then click the “Enter” button.
• On the Profile Information page, enter your current address.
• The Exchange Visitor Program Number for Walt Disney World is P-4-05980.
• Your Exchange Visitor Category is Summer Work/Travel (fee is $35.00).
• Read the paragraph at the bottom then click on “I Accept” to continue.
Page 2 of 4

• Enter the credit card holder information as directed and click on “Submit Payment” to
continue. You will be directed to the Confirmation page.
• Please print the Confirmation page immediately as you cannot return and print later. Do not
exit the Confirmation page until you have successfully printed the receipt. If you experience
problems with printing your receipt, please go to the Welcome Page for further information.
• As long as you have a print out of the confirmation page, you are ready to schedule your
appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will need to
present this Confirmation page at the time of your U.S. Immigration Inspection.

2. Payment by Mail:
• If you do not have a credit card and want to submit your form I-901 Fee Remittance by mail,
you can go to the SEVIS webpage at www.ice.gov/sevis/i901 for a link to a PDF version of the
form that you can download, print and mail according to the instructions on the form.
• The only forms of payment that will be accepted are checks and money orders. No other form
of payment will be accepted. Do not mail cash.
• All checks and money orders must be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on a bank located in the
United States.
• All checks and money orders must be made payable to the “I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor
Processing Fee.”
• Checks are accepted subject to collection. A charge of $30.00 will be imposed if a check for
payment of a fee is not honored by the bank on which it is drawn.
• Write the name of the exchange visitor and the SEVIS identification number on the check.
• Fees must be submitted in the exact amount. Failure to file forms correctly or with the correct
payment will result in the return of this form to you and additional delay in processing. Fees
will not be refunded.
• Mail the Form I-901 and payment to:
I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63101
• All I-901 payment confirmations must be printed from www.FMJfee.com. Please allow
approximately ten days from the time the payment is mailed to return to the website and print
your payment confirmation.

If you have any other questions regarding the I-901 form, click the “More Information” button on
the SEVIS I-901 Fee Welcome page. Instructions on how to pay the SEVIS fee via Western
Union can be found at: www.ice.gov/sevis/i901

DS-160 Visa Application and Interview Appointment

The purpose of the Cultural Exchange Visitor Program is to provide participants with opportunities to
interact with U.S. citizens, and experience U.S. culture while sharing their own cultures with Americans
through temporary work and travel in the United States.

After you have paid the $35.00 SEVIS fee, you must complete the online visa application Form DS-160,
and schedule your J-1 visa interview appointment at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To find the
Page 3 of 4

closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, go to the following link: http://www.usembassy.gov/. Please note
that Canadian citizens do not require a visa.

Please read all of the instructions carefully. Note that there is a separate fee associated to the visa
application. This fee is currently $160.00 but refer to the website for updates. Each consular site will
have a link to the DS-160 Form; however, the Form can also be found at website:
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv

The following information will help you in completing the DS-160 Form:
• Travel Information Section
o Purpose of Trip to the U.S. –Exchange Visitor – J-1
• Sponsoring organization: Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, U.S., Inc.
• Contact information for this program is: Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance, 1375 E.
Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
• Phone: 407-828-2858
• Email: WDW.IC@disney.com

If you will be working at Walt Disney World in Florida:

• U.S. Address where you will be living: 13335 Hartzog Road Winter Garden, FL 34787(you
will be receiving a new address after your arrival)
• U.S. address where you will be working is 1375 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL
32830.

When you have completed the Form, make sure you print your DS-160 confirmation page. You will need
the information on this Form to schedule your visa appointment.

IMPORTANT: WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR J-1 VISA, EXAMINE IT CAREFULLY FOR
POSSIBLE ERRORS. PLEASE NOTIFY THE U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE
IMMEDIATELY OF ANY ERRORS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES.

I-94 Arrival Document

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will no longer issue paper I-94 cards given to foreign travelers who
arrive in the United States. Please make sure that you explain to the CBP officer that you are on a J-
1 Visa and will need an electronic I-94 generated in J-1 status. Once your inspection is complete, the
inspecting officer will return the SEVIS form. You may not start employment at the Walt Disney
World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort without a copy of your printed I-94 document. After you arrive at
your Disney destination, log into https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home and follow the directions to print
your I-94 arrival record.

Immigration Reminder Check List:

Page 4 of 4

 Review your DS-2019 for any errors. If correct, sign your name, print your
city/location and the date you signed the form on the bottom line of the DS-2019.
If you find errors, contact Immigration Compliance at WDW.IC@disney.com

 Pay your $35.00 I-901 SEVIS fee and print your confirmation page (This
INCLUDES Canadian citizens)

 Find the Closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for your visa (see link above)
o (This EXCLUDES Canadian citizens) Read the consulate’s visa process
carefully

 Complete the DS-160 Visa Application (Upload your photo and see visa fee
instructions for payment) (This EXCLUDES Canadian citizens)

 Make your Visa Interview Appointment at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
in your home country

 When you receive your visa, check it for errors and have it corrected immediately
by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country

 Contact the Immigration Compliance Department at WDW.IC@disney.com if you

will be entering anywhere into the U.S. more than 7 days prior to the start date of
your Cultural Exchange Visitor Program. Use your full name as it appears on
your passport in all communication.

DON’T FORGET TO BRING:

 Your valid passport with embossed J-1 visa
 Your original DS-2019
 Make sure you have signed, entered place of signature and
dated the bottom of the DS-2019 Document after carefully
reading the reverse side.

The Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance Team looks forward to

seeing you soon!
Important Cultural Exchange Visitor Program
Pre-Arrival Information
Purpose, Objective and Cultural Component

The purpose of the Cultural Exchange Program is to provide Exchange Visitors with opportunities to
participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their
experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other
countries. The purpose of the Summer Work Travel program is to provide foreign college and university
students with opportunities to interact with U.S. citizens, experience U.S. culture while sharing their own
cultures with Americans they meet, travel in the United States, and work in jobs that require minimal
training and are seasonal or temporary in order to earn funds to help defray a portion of their expenses.
As the cultural component is the primary purpose of the Summer Work Travel Exchange Visitor Programs,
the U.S. Department of State requires every participant to participate in cultural activities during their
programs. Upon your arrival, you will receive detailed information on approved cultural activities such as
Disney sponsored Housing events, meals with U.S. Citizens, shopping trips, community volunteer
opportunities, sporting events, local museums, state parks and beaches, etc. As your sponsor, we will be
communicating with you on a monthly basis about important program information and cultural activity
suggestions. You will be required to reply back to us with any questions or concerns you might have.
• It is important to note that you CANNOT select out of this monthly communication and you must
notify us if your email address changes. If you do not receive this email communication, you will
be responsible for contacting Immigration Compliance directly to ensure regulatory compliance.
• PARTICIPANTS WHO FAIL TO DOCUMENT THEIR MONTHLY CULTURAL
ACTIVITY AND COMMUNICATE WITH IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE WILL NOT
BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE IN THE PROGRAM OR STAY IN THE UNITED
STATES.

Two-year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement

Certain Exchange Visitors (J-1) are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement
which requires you to return to your home country for at least two years at the end of your exchange
visitor program. This is also known as the foreign residence requirement under U.S. law, Immigration and
Nationality Act, Section 212(e). If you are unable to return to your home country to fulfill the two-year
requirement, you must obtain a waiver approved by the Department of Homeland Security prior
to changing status in the United States or being issued a visa in certain categories for travel to the
United States. If this requirement applies, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total
of two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. You are not prohibited from traveling to the
United States but may not benefit from certain employment-based or family-based visas until the foreign
residency requirement is satisfied. For additional information, please visit the following website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange/waiver-of-the-exchange-
visitor/eligibility.html
Travel to and Entry into the United States

Early Arrival Notification Requirement

• The United States Department of State requires all Cultural Exchange Visitors to notify their
sponsor of their actual arrival date into the United States.
• Cultural Exchange Visitors may enter the United States up to 30 days prior to their program
start date. Our program requires that you MUST contact the Walt Disney World Immigration
Compliance Department via email at WDW.IC@disney.com if you are arriving anywhere in
the United States more than one week (7 days) prior to the program start date indicated on
your DS-2019. You must use your full name as it appears on your passport when
communicating with Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance.
• Participants who do not comply with the notification requirement may be required to
withdraw from the Summer Work Travel program and leave the United States immediately.

Prior to Entry into the United States- Confirm that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond
your program end date. (Please note if you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Six Month Club,
you are exempt from this six-month rule and need to have a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond
your program end date. Please refer the PDF on the following website for a list of eligible countries:
https://www.cbp.gov/document/bulletins/six-month-club-update

Entry into the United States-

• If you are traveling by aircraft, the flight attendants on board will distribute a CF-6059 Customs
Declaration Form. Before you land at your initial point-of-entry in the U.S, complete this form
while you are on the aircraft and submit it to the appropriate Customs and Border Protection
Officer upon your arrival. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.

• Upon arrival at the port-of-entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers
for inspection. As you approach the inspection station, ensure that you have: passport, SEVIS
Form DS-2019, and completed CF-6059 Customs Declaration Form available for
presentation to the Inspection Officer.

• If you are entering through a land or designated seaport, the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection Officer will provide the necessary CF-6059, Customs Declaration Form at the port-
of- entry. If you do not understand a form, ask the CBP Officer for assistance. You MUST
explain to the CBP officer that you are on a J-1 Visa and will need an electronic I-94
document generated in J-1 status.

• For those of you arriving from Canada or Mexico, it is now common procedure in
most international airports to have the international passengers use an Automatic Passport
Control (APC) kiosk to decrease the wait times. The APC kiosks are not designated for
J-1 visas. When you are directed to use it, please explain to the CBP officer that you are on a
J-1 Visa and not able to use it.

• Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States.
 You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important
that you tell the CBP Officer that you will be a J-1 Cultural Exchange Visitor on a Walt
Disney World Cultural Exchange Program.

• Once your inspection is complete, the inspecting officer will return the DS-2019 form.

• If you do not have the DS-2019 form, you will most likely be escorted to an interview
area known as "secondary inspection." Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct
additional research in order to verify information. Without a DS-2019 form, you may be
issued a Form I- 515A. This form authorizes temporary admission for 30 days into the United
States. The Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance Office will assist you with the
instructions listed on the Form I-515A.

• In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays), and
encounter emergency issues regarding your United States admission, you should call Walt
Disney World Immigration Compliance at (407) 470-9063.

Documents You Should Carry on Your Person to Present at Port of Entry

• Passport
• SEVIS Form DS-2019
• Copy of your Disney Offer Letter
• SEVIS Fee Receipt (Form I-901)
• Proof of financial resources indicated in Section 5 of the DS-2019 form

Housing

Living in Disney Sponsored Housing- Housing at the Walt Disney World® Resort includes
transportation to and from your work location, electric, cable TV, internet access, water, telephone,
laundry facilities, furniture, and waste removal. Linens are not included. Within our housing complex you
will have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the United States as well as
the world. The Disney Program Experience Team may organize trips to local area attractions and
charitable volunteer opportunities. These are a great place to meet fellow participants, have fun and learn
what the area has to offer. These program activities include periodic welcome events, pool parties, movie
nights and other happenings.

Local community resources such as public transportation, medical centers, schools, libraries, recreation
centers, and banks can be found in your Program Guide which you will receive upon your arrival, as well
as at the end of this document. You may also visit the Disney Programs Office at the housing complex
for more information and assistance.

Fees and Expenses Required to Participate on the Disney J-1 Summer Work Travel Program
• SEVIS Fee – The current SEVIS Fee is $35 USD (This includes Canadian citizens)
• DS-160 Visa Application Fee - $160 USD (This excludes Canadian citizens)
• Reciprocity Fee – varies by country and will be collected at the U.S.
 Embassy/Consulate http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-
country.html
• Disney Program and Housing Fees:
o Participation Fee ($240)
The one-time non-refundable fee helps support the administration, events and activities
scheduled in the housing complexes throughout the program.
o Housing Fee ($185)
This required non-refundable fee will be applied to the participant’s housing costs during the
first week of the program.
o Weekly Housing Fee – Current rates are $185 USD to $225 USD per week
• Round-trip travel expenses (varies by home country destinations)
• Personal funds in the amount of $300 USD - $500 USD to cover any initial expenses you
might incur before receiving your first paycheck. For example, the cost of food in the
Orlando area varies and we estimate the daily cost for meals to be approximately $20 USD to
$25 USD per day.
• Pre-Arrival Background Check – varies by home country.
• Health Insurance Costs - please see below
• Fees listed above are subject to change

Healthcare Description and Insurance Requirement

The J-1 SWT Visa Classifications have a specific level of insurance coverage mandated by the
U.S. Department of State. Under the United States Government's J-1 visa regulations, you are required
to have health and repatriation insurance coverage for the duration of your program. You will be required
to show proof of the required insurance coverage prior to your arrival in the United States.

For your convenience, we have made arrangements with STB and Yummy Jobs to provide the insurance
coverage that meets all of the minimum benefits required by the J-1 regulations at a competitive cost for
all Disney Cultural Exchange Visitor Program participants. Prices range from $80-$220 per month,
depending on location and coverage selected.

• Brazil – STB will provide coverage through OMINT Seguros.

• All other countries – Yummy Jobs will provide coverage through Inbound USA

You will be contacted by STB or Yummy Jobs with information related to purchasing your insurance
coverage. This coverage meets the J-1 Summer Work Travel Cultural Exchange Visitor Visa
requirements and you are required to maintain this coverage for the length of your program. The prices
are subject to change. NOTE: If you arrive in the United States without insurance that provides the
required minimum benefits, or if you fail to maintain this required insurance while in the United States,
you will be subject to termination as an exchange visitor under the Disney J-1 Cultural Exchange Visitor
Program.

Finally, please note that you may be subject to the requirements of the U.S. Affordable Care Act.
Additional Important Information That Will Assist You with Your Stay in the United States

Work Experience-
• You will have the opportunity to work alongside and interact regularly with U.S. citizens
to experience U.S. culture. This is inclusive of both the work and living portions of your program.
• You will be scheduled a minimum of 30 hours/week.
• Summer Work Travel Cultural Exchange Program participants are authorized to participate in
the program for up to four months during the long break between academic years as determined
by the U.S. Department of State. Extensions of program participation are not permitted.
• The Australia/New Zealand Cultural Exchange Program duration is from five months up to one
year in accordance with the U.S. Department of State guidelines.
• If you are regularly scheduled for late night shifts, please contact the Disney Immigration
Compliance Office via email at WDW.IC@disney.com.
• Disney does not sponsor dependents on this program.

Alcohol/Drugs-
• United States law recognizes 21 as the minimum legal drinking age and it is a violation for
a person less than 21 years of age to attempt to purchase, possess, consume or transport
alcoholic spirits; including cooking wine. It is unlawful for any person 21 years or older to
furnish or sell alcoholic spirits to any persons less than 21 years of age. Open alcohol containers
are prohibited in all common recreational areas and parking lots. Party balls and kegs of
alcohol are also prohibited anywhere on the housing property.
• The manufacture, possession, sale, or usage of any illegal substances, drugs, or drug
paraphernalia is prohibited. In addition to and without limiting or affecting the foregoing,
the inappropriate usage of any substances intentionally to alter one’s behavior is prohibited.
[The knowledge of any illegal activity must be brought to Management’s attention immediately].

Safety-
• You will be provided with Disney Security, Housing Security and/or the local emergency phone
numbers upon arrival. Please contact someone immediately if you are ever concerned about
your personal safety.
• If you decide to take part in activities outside of Disney Housing, please exercise common
sense and caution, and try to travel in groups or pairs, when possible. Increased traffic and
possible transportation delays may occur, so if you are traveling by foot, pay close attention
to your surroundings, and be sure to use designated walkways and crosswalks while crossing the
street.
• Your safety is of the utmost importance to us! Please report any incidents immediately
that involve your welfare to Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance at (407) 470-9063.

Applying for a Social Security Number – The Disney Program Experience Team will assist you with
applying for a Social Security Number if you have not previously worked in the United States. The Social
Security Administration Office will mail your number and card as soon as it has verified your documents
with the issuing offices, usually within 10 days. Please contact Walt Disney World Immigration
Compliance or the Disney Programs Office if you have any questions.

Payroll Taxes- J-1 participants receiving a salary or stipend are subject to federal and state taxes
throughout their program. However, J-1 participants are exempt from paying Federal Insurance
Contributions Act (FICA) and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes.

You may be subject to taxation of foreign income in your home country. Please consult a tax
professional in your home country for additional information.

Travel internationally during program - Participants traveling internationally must ensure that their J-
1 visa passport stamp is valid and that it is marked for multiple entries (M). Participants who
travel internationally with expired J-1 visas must obtain a new J-1 visa stamp at a U.S. consulate abroad
before re-entering the U.S. In order to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter while on a J-1 visa, the
Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance team must endorse the travel authorization section of
your DS-2019 form. Contact the Immigration Compliance department at 407-828-2858 to arrange a time
to receive your travel signature on your DS-2019. We are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between
8:30am and 5:00pm to sign your DS-2019 for travel at Team Disney across the street from Disney Springs.

You must bring the following documents whenever you travel outside the U.S. on a J visa:
• Passport with valid J-1 visa stamp;
• Original DS-2019 form with valid travel validation

Moving During Program - If you move or change your residential address during your Exchange Visitor
program, you must immediately notify Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance with your new
address. You must also submit an AR-11 Change of Address form to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services within 10 days of moving.

Change of Phone Number- If you change your phone number during the course of your program, you
must notify Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance (WDW.IC@disney.com) of your new phone
number.

Lost DS-2019- Notify Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance as soon as possible and we will reissue
your DS-2019.

Lost passport – You will be responsible to immediately contact your embassy or consulate in the U.S.
to request a new passport. You do not need to replace your J-1 visa unless you will travel internationally
and need to re-enter the U.S. If you travel abroad and want to return to the U.S., you will need to apply
for a new J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Length of Stay in US after completion of program – Upon successful completion of your full
program, you have a 30-day “grace period” to settle your affairs and leave the U.S. after your program
end date. During this grace period, you may not continue to work and you cannot travel outside the U.S.
and re-enter in J-1 visa status. Every exchange visitor must depart the U.S. by the end of the 30-day
period. Once you leave the United States, you may re-enter on a previously obtained Tourist Visa or
on E.S.T.A if you qualify. Overstaying a J-1 visa is illegal and could limit your ability to enter the United
States in the future.

Withdrawal from J-1 Program - If you plan to withdraw from your program, you must notify
Immigration Compliance immediately. We will update SEVIS to reflect the end of your program, and you
must depart the U.S. immediately. Participants who fail to complete a full program are not entitled to the
30-day grace period and must leave the U.S. immediately.

Visa Expiration During J-1 Program - If you do not plan to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S.,
you do not need to apply for a new visa. If you will travel internationally and re-enter the U.S., you must
apply for a new visa in order to re-enter the U.S. and continue your program.

Change of Visa Status in the U.S. –Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance does not facilitate
changes of status. Every exchange visitor is expected to depart the U.S. at the conclusion of their J-1
program.

Important Disney Contact Information- The officers for your program can all be reached by email at
WDW.IC@disney.com Please use your full name as it appears on your passport for all communication.
For after-hours emergencies call the Walt Disney World Immigration Compliance duty phone at (407)
470-9063.

Department of State Information- If you would like information on or have questions regarding the
Cultural Exchange Visitor Program, you may contact the United States Department of State
via e-mail at jvisas@state.gov , via postal mail at the address below, or via telephone at the number below:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Designation
Private Sector Programs Division
ECA/EC/PS - SA-5, Floor 5
2200 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522-0505

Phone: 1-844-300-1824

In case of an emergency, the Department of State has also established a 24-hour emergency line
for Exchange Visitors. The number is 1-866-283-9090.

For more information about the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Exchange Programs, visit the following site: https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/

Know your Rights-As a temporary visitor to the United States, it is important that you are aware of
your rights as well as protections and resources available when you come to work or study in the United
States. To this end, please be sure to review the William Wilberforce Pamphlet on the Rights and
Protections for Temporary Workers found here:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/temporary-
workers.html

Medical Care:
In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1

For non-work related injuries and illnesses- Should you become ill or injured during your program
experience, you have the following options:
• Utilize your existing health plan for appropriate medical referrals.
• In some cases, you may need more urgent care. There are several urgent care facilities in the
 area, including Florida Hospital Centra Care, CVS MinuteClinic, Walgreens Take Care Clinic
or Solantic Urgent Care.

For work-related injuries or illnesses- If you become ill or injured as a direct result of your role here
at the Walt Disney World Resort®:
• In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1
• Notify your leader immediately
• Utilize existing first aid supplies in your area when appropriate
• When the work-related injury or illness necessitates further medical treatment and evaluations,
you may be referred to Disney Parks and Resorts Health Services located behind the Cast
parking lot at Epcot
• Please note: Disney Parks and Resorts Health Services can only treat work injuries/illnesses
• Call 407-560-7005 for more information

Area Medical Providers- Please be aware that some of the establishments listed below may not accept
your medical insurance. If possible, we encourage you to check with your insurance provider for more
information. These are only a few of the medical care facilities located near the Walt Disney World
Resort®. For a complete listing of medical care facilities and driving directions, please check
online.

• Centra Care: Walk-In Clinic

www.centracare.org
Complimentary transportation may be available by calling Centra Care directly. Some locations
close to the Walt Disney World® Resort include the following listed below, but please consult
their website for the closest location to you:
AdventHealth Centra AdventHealth Centra AdventHealth Centra
Care Kissimmee Care Orange Lake Care Lake Buena
4230 West Vine 8201 West Irlo Vista
Street Bronson Highway 12500 South Apopka
Kissimmee, FL Kissimmee, FL Vineland Road
34746 34747 Orlando, FL 32836
407-390-1888 407-465-0846 407-934-2273

• Florida Hospital Celebration

www.celebrationhealth.com
400 Celebration Place, Celebration, FL 34747
(407) 303-4000

• Dr. P. Phillips Hospital

https://www.orlandohealth.com/facilities/dr-p-phillips-hospital
9400 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-8500

• Osceola Regional Medical Center

www.osceolaregional.com
700 West Oak St, Kissimmee, FL 34741
 (407) 846-2266
Transportation Options:
Please use extreme caution when using transportation other than licensed, bonded taxi services that
operate using a meter. Taxi services are available at Orlando International Airport. Rideshare services such as Uber
and Lift are also commonly available.

Mears Motor Shuttle: Mears offers service to and from the Walt Disney World Resort® and Lake
Buena Vista to Orlando International Airport. Transportation is by appointment only. For prices and
locations, call Mears directly at 407-423-5566 or visit ww.mearstransportation.com

I-Ride Trolley: The I-Ride Trolleys travel exclusively throughout the International Drive Resort
area. It covers the majority of International Drive, including South International Drive, with 85
stops. Trolleys also travel along Universal Boulevard, with 22 stops that end at SeaWorld. For rates
and more information, visit www.iridetrolley.com

LYNX: Lynx is a regional public bus service. For route details, visit www.golynx.com

Banks: These are only a few of the banking facilities located near the Walt Disney World Resort®.
Please consult the internet to find a banking location closest to you.

Partners Federal Credit Union: www.PartnersFCU.org

1675 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando FL 32830
407-354-5100

Truist at Celebration: www.Truist.com

650 Celebration Ave, Celebration, FL 34747
407-964-3354

Wells Fargo: www.WellsFargo.com

4876 S. Apopka Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
407-612-6189

Bank of America: www.BankofAmerica.com

518 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714
352-241-4203

Chase Bank: www.Chase.com

7860 Winter Garden Vineland Rd
Windermere, FL 34786
407-909-0293

Library - Please consult the internet to find the Library Location closest to you

Orange County Library System: www.ocls.info

South West Branch: 7255 Della Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 (407-835-7323)
Osceola County Library System: myosceolalibrary.org
West Osceola Branch Library: 305 Campus Street, Celebration, FL 34747 (407-742-8888)

Post Offices- These are only a few of the Post Office facilities located near the Walt Disney World
Resort®. Please consult the internet to find a post office closest to you.

https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction!input.action

Sand Lake: Open Monday-Friday 8:00am-7:00pm and Saturday 9:00-5:00pm

10450 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819

Celebration: Open Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:30 pm

601 Market Street, Kissimmee, FL
 U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs
Private Sector Exchange

February 1, 2022

Dear Summer Work Travel Participant:

Welcome to the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program, BridgeUSA. During your
stay in the U.S., you will enhance your skills and expertise and you will make connections and
memories that will last a lifetime. Your participation empowers you to represent your country as a
‘citizen ambassador’, where you will help create new and lasting relationships between our two
nations.

As a summer work travel participant, you are part of a U.S. Department of State cultural exchange
program in which you, like thousands of other summer work travel participants from around the
world, will have the opportunity to share your language, culture, and customs with the Americans
you meet in your local communities, places of employment, and travel destinations over the course
of your semester break from your college or university back home.

As you meet new people, make new friends, and experience new personal and professional
challenges, you will learn about the United States, its values, and its people. You will improve your
knowledge of American techniques and technology, increase your understanding of American
society, demonstrate your skills, and enrich your American colleagues’ knowledge of your culture.

In order to ensure that you have a safe and exciting cultural exchange experience here, we
encourage you to take a few precautions both before and after you arrive:

• Contact your employer to obtain written confirmation of any job offer details. Make sure all
terms and conditions are clear and that you understand them all. In addition, make sure
you understand any housing agreements. If there is anything you do not understand, ask
your U.S. sponsor or host employer before you come. Note that the terms and conditions
of your job must follow all local, state, and federal laws.
• Notify your U.S. sponsor and host employer of your exact arrival time and make sure you
fully understand the best way to travel to your housing or employment address. If your
sponsor is not meeting you, plan the journey to your destination carefully.
• Make sure that you have enough money to cover your expenses. Your U.S. sponsor
should provide you with an estimate of the necessary amount. If they have not provided
this information yet, ask them. Also consider bringing extra money in case of an
emergency.
• Study all the pre-arrival materials provided by your U.S. sponsor. Make sure you
understand your rights, both in this country and in your program, as well as your
obligations, such as updating your address once you arrive.
• Learn about the area in which you will live and work in the United States before you come .
Pay special attention to that area’s safe and affordable housing areas, public
transportation, medical facilities, banks, shopping areas, and so on. Your U.S. sponsor
should advise you on these matters if you are unsure.
 2

Your U.S. program sponsor, identified on your Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange
Visitor Program (J-1) Status, is your first point of contact throughout your stay in the United States.
If you have any questions about your exchange program, if you need assistance of any kind while
you are here, or if something just does not feel right to you, immediately contact your U.S. program
sponsor at the telephone number in your orientation material. This telephone number should be
available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have concerns or issues that your U.S.
sponsor has not resolved, or you find you cannot reach your sponsor, please contact the
Department of State through our J-1 Visa Emergency Helpline (1-866-283-9090), which is also
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or by e-mail at JVisas@state.gov. Your sponsor and the
Department of State are here to ensure your success and safety on the program. Please add
the jvisas@state.gov email address to your contacts to ensure you receive
important communications from the Department.

As exciting and enriching as international exchange can be, it may present challenges. The
Department of State’s concern for your health, safety, and welfare includes your mental health.
There are many resources available to help deal with mental health issues. Please reach-out to
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help for immediate help. BridgeUSA also has
other available resources on our website, https://j1visa.state.gov/programs, for you to check out.

As a summer work travel participant on a BridgeUSA program, you will receive future emails
regarding alumni opportunities with over one million current and former exchange visitors. We
welcome you to join the International Exchange alumni website – a place where past and present
U.S. visitors find tools to advance their communities and our world. You can read more at:
https://alumni.state.gov/.

We are pleased that you made the decision to be part of this amazing program. I hope you enjoy
your stay in the United States.

Sincerely,

Nicole Elkon
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Private Sector Exchange
 Connecting global leaders,
creating lasting impact.

Exchange Visitor Program

Welcome Brochure
Welcome to the U.S. Department of State’s
Exchange Visitor Program, BridgeUSA.
During your exchange program, you will have the unique opportunity to experience
life in the United States. You will not only serve as an ambassador of your home
country helping to educate the American people about your country and customs,
but you will experience American culture first-hand. You will also enhance your skills
and expertise and make connections and memories that will last a lifetime.

This brochure will help you understand the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program,
provide you with information on contacting the U.S. Department of State, and introduce
you to some of the major requirements of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
The Mutual
Educational and
Cultural Exchange
Act of 1961 promotes
mutual understanding
between the people
of the United States
and other countries by
means of educational
and cultural exchange.

The Exchange Visitor Program

The U.S. Department of State administers the
Exchange Visitor Program under the provisions of the
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as
amended. The Act promotes mutual understanding between
the people of the United States and other countries by
means of educational and cultural exchange. The Exchange
Visitor Program provides foreign nationals opportunities
to participate in exchange programs in the United States
with the expectation that on completion of their exchange
program, they will return home to share their experiences.

Sponsors
The U.S. Department of State designates U.S.
organizations such as government agencies, academic
institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and
corporations to administer exchange visitor programs.
These organizations are known as sponsors. Sponsors
screen and select exchange visitors to participate in
their programs based on the regulations governing the
exchange activity and stated in 22 CFR Part 62. Sponsors
provide exchange visitors with pre-arrival information
and an orientation in addition to monitoring activities
throughout their exchange program. Sponsors offer or
identify cross-cultural activities that will expose exchange
visitors to American society, culture, and institutions. You
are encouraged to participate in activities that provide you
with an opportunity to share your language, culture, and
history of your country with Americans.

Responsible Officers
Sponsors appoint individuals as responsible
officers and alternate responsible officers to
advise and assist exchange visitors. These
officers issue the Certificate of Eligibility
(Form DS-2019) and conduct official
communications with the Department of
State and the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) on your behalf. Your sponsor’s
role is to help you manage your program.
If problems arise or you have questions, your
sponsor is there to help you. Should you have
any questions about the regulations or any
aspect of your exchange program, your initial
and primary contact is your sponsor. Unless
provided specific contact information by
your sponsor, you should contact the person
whose name and telephone number is
located on your Form DS-2019.
Exchange Visitor
An exchange visitor is a foreign national
selected by a sponsor to participate in
an exchange visitor program and who is
seeking to enter or has entered the United
States temporarily on a J-1 visa.
Spouse and Dependents
Some categories of the Exchange Visitor
Program permit a spouse and/or unmarried
children, under 21 years of age, to
accompany an exchange visitor to the United
States. These individuals may apply for J-2
visas with the permission of your sponsor.
Current Regulations
The Exchange Visitor Program regulations are located in
the Code of Federal Regulations, (22 CFR, Part 62) and
can be found at:
j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/current/
regulations-compliance/
It is important that you understand and abide by the
Exchange Visitor Program regulations, U.S. laws, and
sponsor rules. Regular contact with your sponsor will help
you keep current with any change which may affect your J-1
visa status. Some requirements of the Federal regulations
and where to find them are indicated below.
• Register with your sponsor – Your Form DS-2019 was
created in a computerized system known as the Student
and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This
System is administered by the Department of Homeland
Security and is used to collect and maintain information
on the current status of non-immigrants and their
dependents in the sponsor’s program during their stay in
the United States.
When you arrive in the United States, you
must contact your sponsor to ensure that
your data in SEVIS is accurate and updated.
Failing to maintain your program status
could result in serious consequences
and may affect your ability to remain in or
return to the United States.
• Activities and Program Provisions – You entered the United
States in a specific program category and are required to
engage in the activity listed on your Form DS-2019. You
must comply with the specific program provisions of the
regulations relating to your exchange category.
• Insurance – You are required to have medical insurance
in effect for yourself (J-1), your spouse, and any
dependents (J-2) for the duration of your program.
Some sponsors provide the required insurance for their
exchange visitors. Other sponsors may allow you to make
your own arrangements or may help to identify insurance
providers. Consult with your responsible officer’s sponsor
before the start of your program.
Maintenance of Insurance
Willful failure on your part to maintain the
required insurance throughout your stay in the
United States will result in the termination of
your exchange program.

Maintenance of Valid Program Status

You are required to have a valid and unexpired Form DS-2019.
Sponsors may terminate an exchange visitor’s program for violating
U.S. laws, Exchange Visitor Program regulations, or the sponsor’s
rules governing their particular program. If your program is
terminated, you are expected to immediately depart the U.S.

Required Notifications to Sponsors

You must immediately inform your sponsor if you change your
address (residence), telephone number, email address, or
complete or withdraw from your exchange visitor program early.
Doing so assists your sponsor in complying with their notification
and reporting requirements to the U.S. Department of State and
the Department of Homeland Security. Failure to keep your
sponsor informed could result in the termination of your program.

Contacting the U.S. Department of State

The Exchange Visitor Program is administered under the oversight
of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange,
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Helpful Links:
For questions on applying
Questions or concerns about please visit:
your exchange program?
j1visa.state.gov/participants
Contact the sponsor listed on
your Form DS-2019.
j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/
uploads/2022/01/EV-
Still have questions AFTER TRIFOLD.pdf
speaking with your sponsor?
The U.S.
Email Jvisas@state.gov Department of
Resources and Common
State does not Questions for Exchange Visitors:
tolerate any form
Remaining concerns or need
of retaliation and j1visa.state.gov/participants/
emergency assistance?
fully supports current
Call the J-1 Visa Emergency your request for
Hotline at 1-866-283-9090 assistance. j1visa.state.gov/participants/
common-questions/
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911!
 ATTENTION: J-1 BIKE RELATED INJURIES AND DEATHS

We are writing to stress the importance of bike safety. It could save your life. We are saddened to report
that throughout 2016, one hundred (100) bicycle accidents were reported - two resulted in death.  

A J-1 SWT participant died after being struck by a vehicle while bicycling along a busy coastal
roadway.

 A J-1 SWT participant was critically injured and nearly killed after being struck by a car while
crossing the street at night on her bike. She sustained a severe skull fracture and underwent
multiple surgeries. Fortunately, she survived.

As the peak of the summer season is here and an increasing number of J-1s are walking and biking
on the roads, we want to remind you of some important tips to prevent further incidents.

Bike Safety Reminders

1 Watch Out for Cars
Remember, not all drivers are
paying attention, so be alert
and aware of your
surroundings at all times.
2 Minimize Nighttime Biking 3 Be Visible at Night
Serious crashes happen at night. Use front and rear bike lights, including
These crashes often involve higher a white headlight on the front of your
car speeds and make up about 25% bike, and a red taillight and red
of all fatal car/bike collisions.  reflector on the back of your bike. In
addition, wear reflective and brightly
colored clothing, or flashing lights.

4 Wear a Helmet 5 Seek Alternate Routes 6 Use Bike Paths or Sidewalks

Helmets reduce potential Instead of riding your bike home Use dedicated bicycle paths that
injury from a fall or collision. at night, ask a friend or co- allow cyclist to ride their bike in a
worker to  drive you home. safe environment.

7 Cross the Road With Care

When you dismount and walk alongside your bicycle, you are considered a pedestrian. If there are no sidewalks,
walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Whenever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or
intersection. Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.

Contact Your Sponsor

Your sponsors are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you are unsure how to find
 a safer route home. They can also connect you with a local official to help you plan a safer commute.