Farmer Exchange Program

       Worldwide Farmers Exchange has been certified by the U.S. Department of State under the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act to sponsor both an intern and a trainee program. These certifications allow WFE to issue documents to permit applicants selected by WFE to apply for special "J-1" non-immigrant visas. .

       Applicants:

1. Must speak and understand English sufficiently to carry out instructions, to perform internship and training activities, to avoid injury to themselves and others, and to prevent damage to property.
2. Must have an educational background or practical experience in the area of agricultural training or internship sought.
3. May not repeat training previously received while participating in a J-1 training program, however application for advanced or different training in the same field is permitted.
4. Must be prepared to pay for their own travel to their hosts in the United States and to depart the U.S. upon completion of their programs.
5. Must agree to and comply with the program terms and conditions described in the Program Handbook, which may be downloaded from this site.

1. Trainee and Interns The U. S. government requirements for trainees an interns are different:

          Interns. When their programs begin, applicants for the Intern Program must either be enrolled in or have graduated within one year from a college level school outside the United States when their program begins. The Intern Program is a one year program but may be repeated provided that the applicant still meets the eligibility requirements.

          Trainees. Applicants for the Trainee Program must either - (a) be enrolled in or have graduated from a college level school outside the United States and have at least one year practical experience in the area of agriculture in which training is sought, or (b) have at least five years practical experience in the area of agriculture in which training is sought. Both programs are for one year, but in limited situations a Trainee's program may be extended for six months. Trainees and interns must return to their home country for two years before applying for a new trainee or intern program, unless a waiver is obtained from the U.S. government.

      Available Programs
         

   1. Basic Agricultural Trainee and Intern Programs

      These programs provide basic work-experience internship and training for one year on selected host farms in the United States in a specific field of agriculture. During the training or internship, participants either receive a monthly stipend from WFE or are placed on the host's payroll. Participants pay WFE a program fee which will be deducted from the monthly stipend or deducted from the trainee's pay by the host. Participants in these basic programs will receive a minimum of housing and US$900 per month, or the equivalent. Please contact WFE for details of these programs. of

   2. University Level Agricultural and Entrepreneurship Programs

      In some locations and from time to time, WFE is able to offer college level classroom and web based training in addition to the practical work-experience programs. Please contact WFE for details, costs and availability of these programs.

            

   3. Wine Harvest and Crush Program

             This program is normally lasts between two to five months depending upon the length of the grape harvest and crush season. It provides hands-on experience in the United States in the wine grape crush for men and women from other countries. Participants are placed on payroll with the host winery providing practical experience. Participants pay their own SEVIS and visa fees, their travel to the host winery and ddeparture from the United States, their living expenses while in the United States, and a program fee payable to WFE. For this program fee WFE provides the Certificate of Eligibility for Intern or Trainee (J-1) Status (DS-2019 form) and other documents needed to obtain a "J" visa, medical insurance while the participant is in the U. S., and assistance with preparing U. S. income tax filings. Please contact WFE for details and costs of this program.

            

   4. Short Programs.

             A limited number of other short programs ranging from three to eleven months are be available from time to time for specific agricultural commodities. Please contact WFE for details, costs and availability of these programs.

   5. Associate of Applied Science

             WFE has made arrangements for qualified interns and trainees to continue as students at University of Nebraska to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree. All courses are taught on the campus of the university and will require approximately two years to complete. Please contact WFE for details, costs and availability of these programs.

            

   6. American Experience Abroad Program

             Programs similar to those listed above are available to Americans wanting to have a training or internship experiences abroad. Each program is tailored to the individual's needs and preferences. Please contact WFE for details, costs and availability of these programs.

      Application and Placement in a U.S. Program
   

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          An applicants must complete and submit WFE's standard application and a medical statement completed by a doctor or clinic (both forms may be downloaded from this website). If the applicant has a passport, a photocopy of the identification page should be attached. Copies of applicant's curriculum vitae and university degrees are also help WFE find a placement.

          Applications may be submitted by e-mail or facsimile, but the original application signed by the applicant must be sent WFE's main office in Berkeley, California. WFE must have the original application on file before visa documents can be issued.

          WFE has co-operating partners in many countries, who assist in interviewing applicants, preparing them for the consular interview, and arranging travel for applicants who receive a J-1 visa. WFE may refer applicants to an appropriate co-operating partner if one is available in the applicant's home country.

          To verify eligibility and to assist in placement, the applicant will be interviewed by a WFE staff member or by an authorized representative. WFE will seek a placement that best fits an applicant's experience and preferences. Once a suitable placement is found, the applicant is notified by e-mail. Upon agreement of the applicant and the host to the placement, WFE will prepare and send all documents needed to apply for a "J-1" visa. Not all applicants can be placed, so the more specific and complete the information provided in the application, the better chance of a placement.

          Please understand that selection by WFE for participation in the program and issuance of visa eligibility documents does NOT guarantee a visa. The decision to issue a J-1 visa rests solely with the U.S. Consular Officer. When a placement has been made and confirmed by the applicant and the host, WFE will send the visa package by international courier withing three working days. Once the applicant received the visa documents, it may take from two weeks to three months for the visa to be issues.

          A J-1 visa permits a participant to enter the United States at any time before the expiration date of the visa. The J-1 visa does NOT specify the length of time a person may stay in the United States. The Certificate of Eligibility for Intern or Trainee (J-1) Status (DS-2019 form) together with theArrival/Departure Record (I-94 form), which is stapled in the passport by a U. S. Immigration Officer on entering the U.S., allows participation in a training or internship program to the "end" date shown on the DS-2019 form.

          A J-1 visa issued at WFE's request is valid only for participation in WFE's programs. At the end of the program, or earlier if participant is disqualified, the right to remain in the United States ends. Unless transferred to different J-1 program, the intern or trainee must leave the United States as soon as travel arrangements can be made, but in no case more than 30 days after the end of the program or disqualification. WFE must notify the U.S. government if an intern or trainee fails to arrive at the host site or does not promptly leave the United States upon leaving the program. A person staying in the United States without valid authorization may be deported. .

      Tickets and Travel to and Arrival in the U.S.
   

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          Participants are responsible for purchase of their tickets for travel to the host site in the United States and for departure from the United States when their program ends. Travel times and the ports of entry and departure must be coordinated in advance with WFE.

      Exchange Application Form
   

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   In order for us to process your preliminary application, please submit the following:

   
   

   For U.S. citizens who would like to go abroad:
   
      Click here to apply.
   

   For those who would like to come to the United States:
   
      Click here for the complete application.
      Click here for the medical statement form.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

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