Visa Requirements

International students participating in TWC’s programs must come with a J-1 visa from The Washington Center, unless currently enrolled in a U.S. university.

International Students Enrolled in U.S. UniversitiesInternational students enrolled in U.S. universities with a valid F-1 or J-1 visa can participate in TWC’s programs with their current visa as long as they remain enrolled in the university, and their visa is valid until the last day of The Washington Center’s program or beyond. In this case, students pay the regular application fee ($60).

International students enrolled in English courses, summer programs, or that need a visa transfer will be required to obtain a J-1 visa from The Washington Center. This transfer can only occur if the current sponsor has a designation in the same J-1 visa category as The Washington Center (Intern or Trainee). In this case, students pay the international application fee ($125).

International Students Coming From AbroadInternational students coming from abroad that require a J-1 visa must pay the international application fee ($125). This application fee covers the cost of processing and sending the J-1 visa form by FedEx.

International students coming from abroad that require a J-1 visa and are interested in the postgraduate professional development program must pay $250. This is a non-refundable deposit (which is applied towards the program fee) and must be paid at the time of application. The deposit is refunded if the applicant is not accepted into the program.

About the J-1 VisaInternational students come to TWC’s programs with a J-1 Visa for Trainees or Interns. The purpose of this visa is to provide international participants with opportunities for professional development, insight into American know-how in the field of training, and a greater understanding of American society and culture. J-1 Trainees and Interns are expected to share the cross-cultural and professional knowledge they have gained in the U.S. upon return to their home country at the end of the internship.  

The J-1 visa program is not intended to immigrate into the U.S. and/or to fill the position of a regular staff member in the U.S. To obtain a J-1 visa you must apply and be accepted into TWC’s programs and:

• Have at least two years of education, training, or work experience in a field related to the training.
• Know English well enough to perform successfully in the proposed position.
• Plan to leave the U.S. within 30 days after completion of the program.
• Have not held the J-1 visa in the Intern or Trainee category before.
• Engage in training and do not perform work that staff member of the company would.

To Obtain Your J-1 Visa Stamp on your Passport:

1. Pay the SEVIS FEE online [31].
2. TWC will send you the DS-2019 and DS-7002 forms along with other important material.
3. Review the U.S. Embassy website in your country.
4. Call the local U.S. Consulate and schedule an appointment. Canadian citizens coming from Canada can obtain the visa at the point of entry.
5. On the date of the appointment you must present the following documents: the DS-2019 form, DS-7002 form, your passport, the TWC acceptance letter, and the Consular form with your picture attached.
6. If you are paying for the program yourself, make sure to bring to the embassy bank statements indicating that you have the amount of funding indicated in the DS-2019 form under “personal funds.” You must present proof that money is available.
7. Make sure to bring a copy of your health insurance coverage [32] with you.
8. If you are traveling in less than three days of your appointment date, tell the officer that you must obtain your visa the same day and show him/her your flight ticket.
9. Make sure that the Consular officer puts the J-1 visa stamp on your passport. You should not enter the U.S. with a Tourist visa, even if it is valid.

Traveling With Your J-1 Visa

• Keep your travel plans flexible while your visa application is being processed. The U.S. embassy or consulate provides no guarantee that the J-1 visa will be issued to you, and the processing time may take up to four or more weeks in some countries.
• Once you obtain your J-1 visa, you may then travel to the U.S. to begin your Program
• Keep your DS-2019 form, DS-7002 form, and your passport together all the times. Please present these documents at all ports of entry.
• Tell immigration officials you are coming to the U.S. for a “Training Program.” If the officer asks you whether you come to study or work, answer that you come to study. Even though you will be interning, this is on-the-job training and you will not be replacing an American worker; this is considered learning and not working, so be sure to say that you are coming to study.
• Before you land in the U.S., you will be asked on the plane to fill out a form called I-94. Please keep the I-94 card within your passport until you reach the immigration officer.
• Once your passport has been stamped, make sure the officer gives you all your documents back except the I-94 form. Keep your DS-2019, DS-7002 and I-94 together with your passport.

Health Insurance

The U.S. State Department requires that international students coming with a J-1 visa have health insurance coverage, that includes:

• Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness.
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500.
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation to my home country in the amount of $10,000.
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Health Insurance RequirementsThe insurance provider must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Be underwritten by an insurance corporation with one of the following ratings: an A.M. Best rating of "A-"or above, or an Insurance Solvency International Ltd. (ISI) rating of "A-i" or above, or a Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of "A-" or above, or a Weiss Research Inc. rating of "B+" or above, or a corresponding rating from the United States Information Agency.
• Be backed by the full faith and credit of the government of your home country or be offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP), as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

You are required to obtain a health insurance policy that meets these requirements prior to your arrival to Washington, D.C. It is recommended that you choose coverage of at least $100,000 for the premium benefit with a deductible of $100. This is a better policy than the one required by the State Department, but it will save you money if you have an emergency. The difference in the premium would be approximately $15 per month compared to the minimum required by the State Department.

If you would like to purchase a health insurance policy in the United States, please look for providers that offer short term coverage for international students.  

One of these providers is IMG. If you are interested in IMG’s coverage, please go to this website [33]. The cost of their health insurance policy is approximately $50 per month but it varies depending on the coverage and your personal profile.

Please note that The Washington Center does not endorse any health insurance providers, and is not responsible for any claims or outstanding issues with providers.

Living in the U.S.

You will adapt quickly to living in D.C. with the right tips and tools from The Washington Center. Here are some things to remember if you’re coming from outside the U.S. to live and study:

Opening a Bank Account in the U.S. You will need to take your passport and a second form of ID to open a bank account. Make sure you have your housing address with you. Be sure there is a branch of the bank near your internship, The Washington Center or your housing facility.

Getting a Mobile Phone or LineThere are many mobile phone stores in D.C., Maryland and Virginia where you can get a temporary phone or SIM while you’re in the U.S. Best Buy stores offer the best options, as you can compare all phones and plans across many different carriers at one place. Signing up with AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile is recommended since they have the best reception in the area.

When looking at U.S. mobile providers, check out their “pay as you go” plans. Most plans here are for two-year contracts, so using a prepaid account lets you skip annual contracts, credit checks or monthly bills.

You will need to take an ID and your billing address with you to open an account with any carrier. A second form of ID is highly encouraged.

TransportationMetro Check out the Washington Metro webpage [34] for fares, schedules, announcements and details.

• There are five color-coded lines in the downtown area, so getting around is easy.
• The fare ranges depending on the time and distance you wish to travel.
• Tall brown columns designate Metrorail stations with a large "M" at the top. Under the "M" are colored stripes showing each Metrorail line served by the station.
• When you ride the escalator, stand to the right and walk to the left.
• No eating or drinking is allowed on the train. It's okay to carry food or drink, just don't consume it during the ride.
• Only Verizon cell phones and Blackberries work underground on Metro.

MetrobusMetrobus runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week; on most popular routes, your wait will only be five to seven minutes during rush hours and about 10 to 15 minutes during the rest of the day. Most bus stops have a four-sided sign with the route and schedule information.

• Regular routes on Metrobus will cost $1.80 for one-way.
• Have exact change in hand when boarding the bus; drivers do not carry change.
• Ask the driver for a free transfer that allows unlimited Metrobus connections within the next two hours.
• If you’re going from the Metrorail to a Metrobus, get a transfer ticket when entering the Metro station. With this transfer, your Metrobus ride will cost just $0.25.
• On selected routes after 7pm, drivers will let passengers off the bus at other points along the route - not necessarily a bus stop - which are more convenient and safe for arriving in the dark.

Circulator The D.C. Circulator [35] provides inexpensive, frequent bus service around the city.    

Social Security InformationYou may need a social security number while interning in the United States. First-time applicants age 12 or older must apply in person at a Social Security office. Be sure to take the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents along with the form.

Social Security Office
2100 M Street NW
Washington, Dc 20037

Phone Numbers:
Toll-Free: (800) 772-1213
TTY: (800) 325-0778

Necessary RequirementsTo apply for a Social Security number:

• Complete Application For Social Security Card [36] (Form SS-5); and
• Show documents proving:
  • Immigration status
  • Work eligibility
  • Age
  • Identity
• Take your completed application and original documents to office.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place. It is an important document. Do not carry it with you.

WeatherSpring: March-May Spring in D.C. means one thing: Cherry Blossoms. When the city's nearly 3,000 Japanese Cherry Trees bloom in early April, the streets come alive with gorgeous shades of white, red and pink. Ornamental fruit and Dogwood trees, as well as countless gardens, from residential plots to the Botanic Garden and National Arboretum, also contribute to the colorful Washington, D.C. spring scene. Spring days are typically warm and sunny, during this popular season.

Summer: June-August The fact that many Washingtonians skip town in late summer is not surprising, considering that a record high temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit has been reached twice: on July 20, 1930, and August 6, 1918. Sticky humidity is the summertime trademark, along with late afternoon thunder and lightning storms. Power failures, downed trees and tornado watches are not uncommon, and central air conditioning is a necessity for residents. Fortunately, many city restaurants offer rooftop dining when the air cools down after dark, and most museums are open and air-conditioned seven days a week.

Fall: September-November The most vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves appear on Washington, D.C.'s trees in mid to late October. With frequent blue skies, cozy sunshine and pleasant breezes, autumn in Washington, D.C., is perfect for sightseeing, whether touring monuments or a casually strolling the neighborhoods. Rainy days are scarce from September to November, and the days are still long enough to enjoy several hours of this warm, golden season.

Winter: December-February Winter in Washington can quickly turn chaotic. An average of 15-18 inches of snow falls during the coldest months, and often turns into a slushy, icy mix when mixed with plenty of freezing rain. It takes a foot of snow to prompt the Federal Government to shut down, and businesses and schools often follow suit.

Department StoresOnce you get to D.C., you may have to take a trip to a department store to buy pillows, blankets, sheets, towels and some basic necessities. Here are some useful stores:

• Bed Bath and Beyond [37]
• Target [38]
• Macys [39]

Newspapers/D.C. NewsThe media is one of the most important parts in Washington, D.C., living. There are some recommendations to stay on top of local, national and international news.

Complimentary Express is a free newspaper you can find every morning before getting on the Metro. Even though it’s not great journalism material, it will give you great information on D.C. events, as well as sales, promotions and current events.

The Washington Examiner [40] is a free daily newspaper published in Springfield, Virginia, and distributed around Washington, D.C.

Washingtonian.com [41] has great blogs, deals, sources and information.

DCist.com [42] offers a snap shot of what is going on in D.C. every night. From theater, to music and movies, this is a great source to know a different kind of D.C.

OthersThe Washington Post costs 50 cents and is a pillar for national journalism. Highly recommended, it will give you an insight on local, national and international news.

Washingtonian Magazine will show you what’s happening in D.C. that month. It’s a basic “going out guide” as well as a good source of information for tourist attractions and the best deals in town.

Washington Times is a general interest daily newspaper in the nation's capital.

Estimated Living ExpensesDaily Expenses:
Metro:        $   5.00
Meals:        $ 20.00
Other:        $   5.00

Weekly Expense
$ 30.00 * 7 = $210