Welcome to ACES!

We are dedicated to providing the information and support you need to make your cultural exchange experience successful. To assist in the most organized ways, we have provided information and links you may need in stages.

Please read through the program information if you are considering pursuing employment with a US employer or have already secured employment.  After reading the information carefully, complete an application, and a sponsor representative will review your application and contact you.  For your convenience, we have also supplied you with all of the links to documents you will need in your application and other helpful sites.

Program Information:

ACES facilitates cultural exchange through the camp counselor and the summer work and travel programs. ACES concentrates all summer placements in summer camps.  Summer camp placements are secured and processed through CampStaffUSA. 

STAGE ONE INFORMATION (Winter): Summer work travel applicants interested in our winter programs apply through one of the partnering agencies in their home country. If you are interested in the program and want to participate, email us at [email protected].  If you already have a job placement that you would like us to review for eligibility and approval, the employer must be willing to register with us and provide a copy of their current and valid business license and workers’ compensation policy.

Winter SWT Required Supporting Documentation:

STAGE TWO INFORMATION: Once you have received your forms DS2019, indicating you have been approved for J1 sponsorship, you will need to take the next step in applying for your visa at the US embassy nearest you.  The information supplied here will assist you in the process. 

STAGE THREE INFORMATION: If you have been approved your J1 visa, the next step is to be sure you are fully prepared for your experience. The J1 Pre-Departure Orientation Booklet has been provided here for your convenience. Your recruiter or sponsor representative will ensure you have all of the information you need to be ready for your US adventure. Be sure to double-check your employment dates and employer arrival expectations with your recruiter or your sponsor before booking your flights.

Department of State Welcome Letters, Program Brochures and Human Trafficking Pamphlet:

STAGE FOUR INFORMATION: As indicated in your Pre-Departure Orientation, you must keep your sponsor informed of your arrival, any changes in housing or accommodation (even in building name or number), and any changes in employment status with your current employer. You MUST check in and you MUST readily respond to any sponsor communication within 5 days of receipt or you may risk visa termination by your sponsor. Additionally, you will have to apply for a social security number.

Checking In:

Social Security:  NEW Process for Social Security Applications.

Obtaining your I-94 Entry Records: You will need to download your I-94 entry record to apply for social security and for e-verify with your employer.

Problems with obtaining your I-94 online?

There are times when a participant tries to access their I-94 record online and they get a “not found” notification. Do not panic. We’re not sure why this happens but it does. We have found a couple of solutions.

  1. Contact CBP through their help page: https://help.cbp.gov/app/ask and choose “Travel Compliance (I-94) as the topic. Be sure to upload a copy of your passport bio page, visa and admissions stamp.
  2. There are deferred inspection locations where you can present your case and they can issue you an I-94.  You should call to make an appointment at the one nearest you. Be sure to take with you your DS2019, your arriving flight, and passport. https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2018-Apr/deferred_inspection_sites_040318.pdf

Travel Verification: 

Although participants do not need the DS 2019 signed for travel to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands, you may need a visa to be permitted entry depending on country. IF you travel to another country other than a contiguous territory (Canada is a contiguous territory) or adjacent island you will need a Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer to sign the TRAVEL VALIDATION BY RESPONSIBLE OFFICER section of your DS2019 form to be to re-enter the US.

Do you need a visa to visit Canada?  Check here. 

Application for Canadian Visa (if required)

Adjacent Islands

Travel Verification:

Recent Trends and Scams:

Other Useful Links and Information: 

Other Useful Links and Information regarding US taxes.  

IRS Publication 515 (2020): https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p515.pdf
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Social security and Medicare tax. The employer generally also must withhold Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax and file Form 941, Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return. In certain cases, wages paid to students and railroad and agricultural workers are exempt from FICA tax. Wages paid to nonresident alien students, teachers, researchers, trainees, and other nonresident aliens in “F-1,” “J-1,”“ M-1,” or “Q” nonimmigrant status are not subject to FICA. See Pub. 15-T for the rules on withholding.
 
Federal unemployment tax (FUTA). The employer must pay FUTA tax and file Form 940, Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return. Only the employer pays this tax; it is not deducted from the employee’s wages. In certain cases, wages paid to students and railroad and agricultural workers are exempt from FUTA tax. For more information, see the instructions for Form 940. Wages paid to nonresident alien students, teachers, researchers, trainees, and other nonresident aliens in “F-1,” “J-1,” “M-1,” or “Q” nonimmigrant status are not subject to FUTA tax.