If your application has been submitted to CIEE you will not be able to receive any of the SEVIS fee back should you choose to cancel.

Visa Processing Fee:

The US State Department charges a Visa Application fee of every visa applicant.  The current fee is $131 USD and must be paid by bank draft to the US embassy in that amount and currency. The current fee for the US Consulate, Belfast is the euro equivalent of $131 USD and will be paid over the phone when the appointment is booked by Northern Irish applicants. Please not these fees are subject to change at any time.
Non-EU passport holders may be liable for actual cost of a J-1 visa in addition to the Visa Application Fee. Please check the following US Government web site to see if you will have to pay an additional fee for your visa: www.travel.state.gov click on to the Visa reciprocity tables to see if there is a fee for your country.

SEVIS Fee:

As of the 1 September 2004 the US Government introduced a SEVIS fee for all applicants whose DS2019 is printed on and after that date. Due to processing times USIT will have to collect this fee for all applications submitted from the 3 August 2004. The fee is $180 and must be paid at the time of application. USIT will arrange the transfer of these funds to the US and will supply you with the proper documentation for proof of payment, the SEVIS receipt (I-797 or I-901). You will have to furnish proof of payment to the US Embassy/Consulate in order for them to issue your visa. This fee goes directly to the US Government in order to maintain the SEVP and SEVIS systems which are used to track all International students while they are in the US.

Insurance:

The US Government requirements state that all participants must be comprehensively insured for the entire duration of their stay in the US. The inclusive policy for Internship/PCT USA is specially tailored to meet the needs of those travelling abroad over an extended period and involved in a combination of work and leisure activities. It also includes special cover for those having to withdraw from the programme and travel home early after their arrival in the US or those who fail exams while on their Internship and would like to return to the US following the repeats.
There is also a special cover for Internship USA participants which provides for loss of earnings due to prolonged hospitalisation. Details of the insurance cover are available from your local USIT Branch. Upon applying to the programme, each applicant is given an Insurance Booklet, which comprehensively details full policy cover.

HC Vetting Fee:

According to US State Department regulations effective 19 July 2007, all Host Companies will have to be vetted, unless they have previously hosted an Intern or Trainee through CIEE, have a minimum annual turnover of US$3 million or have at least 25 full-time employees. In cases where a company does not meet at least one of these requirements, CIEE representatives will be required to travel to that company in person in order to verify that it is a suitable location for training on this programme. If this is the case, then you will need to be charged an additional €150 for your programme. Please note this also adds an additional 4 weeks to the normal processing time.

Flight Costs:

The Programme regulations oblige all participants travelling on an internship for less than 12 months to be in possession of a return ticket that covers the duration of his/her stay in the US. Any participant travelling on an internship of over 12 months can purchase a one-way ticket. Your flight arrangements must be booked through USIT, you can contact USIT Volunteer and Work Abroad department on 01 602 1742 or email internshipusa@usit.ie book. You MUST allow approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the time we receive a complete and thorough application for the complete processing of all paperwork. We would always ask that participants make flexible flight arrangements when purchasing your flights with USIT and allow as much time as possible between the time you submit the initial programme application and the date you expect to depart for the US. You must book your flights before we can release your DS-2019 to you, a USIT representative will contact you when your DS-2019 has been received at USIT. You must have your DS-2019 in order to attend your Interview at the US Embassy. Failure to book your flights could lead to delays in obtaining your visa. It will take at least one business day from the day you book your flights to the day you will receive your documents in the post. While USIT and CIEE will endeavour to meet all deadlines and flight dates we cannot be held responsible for money lost due to the purchase of restricted tickets; please keep this in mind when reserving flights.

Support Funds:

Legally, participants are required to be in possession of at least US$750 when entering the US on the programme. However, you should give some thought to the types of costs you are likely to incur during your first few weeks in the US. You should bring enough money to support yourself for at least a month and a half, since you are often not paid for two weeks, and a deposit is usually required to move into housing or to install a telephone. You'll also have to consider the cost of short-term accommodation until you secure a place to stay for the duration of your internship.

If you will be earning less than US$750 a month on your traineeship you will be required to furnish an original bank statement dated within the last 30 days or a guarantor letter with your application form to USIT. You will also be required to furnish these documents to the US Embassy/Consulate during your interview.