US Work and Travel for Thai Students: Eligibility, Pre-placed Jobs and the J-1

On this page

What Work and Travel is
Eligibility
A job is required before travel
Prohibited jobs, pay and supervision
Program length
Applying for the program and visa
Do I have to return to Thailand for two years?
Visa Connext Work and Travel service
Frequently asked questions
Sources and legal texts used on this page

What Work and Travel is

Summer Work Travel is a category of the J-1 visa run by sponsors designated by the State Department. 22 CFR 62.32(b) states its purpose: to give foreign college and university students opportunities to interact with US citizens, experience US culture, travel and earn money through seasonal or temporary jobs.

It is a cultural exchange, not a work visa. Participants may work only in jobs the sponsor has vetted and must depart when the program ends.

Eligibility

Under 22 CFR 62.32(d) the sponsor must confirm that applicants:

First, are enrolled full-time at the time of application at an accredited, classroom-based post-secondary institution outside the US, including final-year students;

Second, have completed at least one semester or equivalent;

Third, have sufficient English, both conversational and reading comprehension.

Applicants must also qualify under INA section 214(b) by showing ties to Thailand, such as student status they will return to.

A job is required before travel

22 CFR 62.32(g) distinguishes two groups. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may arrive without jobs; for nationals of other countries, the sponsor must vet the employer and confirm the job terms before issuing Form DS-2019. The State Department's list of Visa Waiver Program countries does not include Thailand, so Thai students must be pre-placed in a job before entry.

Jobs must be seasonal or temporary with regular interaction with US citizens, and under 62.32(e) participants must be told they may not start any job until the sponsor has vetted it.

Prohibited jobs, pay and supervision

Prohibited jobs. 22 CFR 62.32(h) bars many placements, including positions with hours mainly between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., the adult entertainment industry, and substantially commission-based jobs without guaranteed minimum wage. The State Department program page also cites domestic help in private homes and positions involving patient contact. Jobs requiring a licence are also barred.

Pay. Under 22 CFR 62.32(i) participants must be paid at least the higher of the applicable minimum wage or the pay of similarly situated US workers, with overtime as required by law.

Supervision. Sponsors must keep at least monthly personal contact with participants and give participants a sponsor telephone number available 24/7 before departure, under 62.32(e) and (j).

Program length

22 CFR 62.32(c) allows up to four months during the long break between academic years, with no extensions. Participants may enter no earlier than 30 days before the program start date and have 30 days after the program ends to depart.

The reciprocity schedule gives Thai nationals J-1 visas valid for up to 60 months, but time in the US remains limited to the program on Form DS-2019.

Applying for the program and visa

Step one: choose a designated sponsor. A Thai agency is a foreign third party; under 62.32(l) and (m) the sponsor must have a written agreement with it and vet it every year. Applicants should check which sponsor their agency works with.

Step two: interview with employers and accept a job offer the sponsor has vetted, then receive Form DS-2019.

Step three: pay the USD 35 SEVIS fee under 8 CFR 214.13 before visa issuance.

Step four: complete the DS-160, set all social media profiles to public, pay the application fee and book an appointment.

Step five: attend the interview with your passport, Form DS-2019, job offer, student status letter and financial documents. Interview waivers under the policy effective 1 October 2025 do not cover J-1 visas.

Do I have to return to Thailand for two years?

Generally no. INA 212(e) applies to programs funded by the US government or the participant's government, to countries on the Skills List, and to medical training. Thailand is not on the Skills List of 9 December 2024. Government-funded participants should check this rule first; see J-1 visa.

Visa Connext Work and Travel service

Visa Connext is not a sponsor or a recruitment agency. We review Form DS-2019 and the job offer against 22 CFR 62.32, prepare the DS-160 and supporting documents, and prepare applicants for the visa interview. See our US visa service.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job before I travel?

Yes. Thailand is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so under 22 CFR 62.32(g) the sponsor must vet the employer and confirm the job terms before issuing Form DS-2019.

Source: 22 CFR 62.32(g) · Visa Waiver Program

How long can I stay on Work and Travel?

Up to four months during the long break, with no extensions, plus 30 days after the program ends to depart.

Source: 22 CFR 62.32(c) · J-1 Visa: Common Questions

Can final-year students apply?

Yes, if at the time of application they are enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution outside the US and have completed at least one semester.

Source: 22 CFR 62.32(d)

How much is the SEVIS fee for Work and Travel?

USD 35 under 8 CFR 214.13, payable before the visa is issued.

Source: 8 CFR 214.13

Can I work night shifts?

Sponsors may not place participants in positions with hours mainly between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., under 22 CFR 62.32(h).

Source: 22 CFR 62.32(h)

How much will I be paid?

At least the higher of the applicable minimum wage or the pay of similarly situated US workers, with overtime as required by law.

Source: 22 CFR 62.32(i), (o)

Can I find a job after I arrive?

Thai students must have a sponsor-vetted job before travel and may not start any job until the sponsor has vetted it.