These instructions are for Camp America participants who are making their visa applications at the U.S embassy in London

1. These instructions are for Camp America participants who are making their visa applications at the U.S embassy in London on a J-day. If you do not fall into the above category then please go back to the list of links and pick another option. If you are unsure then please call the Camp America London office.

2. Many congratulations on receiving your placement/guaranteed placement. The next step is to obtain your visa. Please click to move on

3. The type of visa that you will apply for is called a J-1 Visa exchange visitor visa. In order to obtain the necessary work visa, the U.S. embassy in London arrange special “J-Days” which are designed especially for you! No members of the public will be allowed into the embassy on these days. This means that the whole process is designed to be extremely quick and efficient and so we hope that you will not be required to spend too much of your valuable time at the embassy. In addition, on these days Camp America will have representatives both inside and outside the embassy to help you.  J-Days will be held throughout March – June and Camp America will book you into the first available J-day. If you have not received your embassy appointment notification within two weeks of receiving this visa mailing please urgently call the Camp America London office. You now need to pay your embassy fee (which includes the return courier fee). This payment can be made via your Camp America Direct online system. Please note that this is NOT an additional Camp America fee, but the fee you would have paid the embassy directly if you had made the booking yourself.

4. What happens next – confirmation of your appointment: You will receive confirmation of your booking and payment receipt by e-mail directly from the US Embassy Visa Information Service – please don’t delete this email until you have received your passport back with your visa! You’ll need to print both the email and the receipt (attachment to the email) sign where required and bring them with you to your appointment. It is important that you DO NOT make any travel arrangements or go to the embassy unless you have received this confirmation email (your name will not be on the list – so there’ll be no getting in!). In addition to receiving an email from the embassy Camp America will also email you to confirm your appointment, and you will be able to see your appointment details through the Camp America Direct online system (Visa page). You will not be allowed into the Embassy without your U.S. Embassy official confirmation email and receipt. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! If you have been notified by Camp America that a booking has been made but you have NOT received your official confirmation e-mail from the U.S. Embassy, you may download a copy by right clicking on the following link below and select “open in new window”. If this option is not available then you can use the link on the visa page of your Camp America Direct site or paste the following into a new browser: http://www.responserelatis.com/servlet/com.isa.balmoral.admin.process.EmbassyPortalFrameworkServlet Link to US Embassy booking confirmations Skip this section if you have received the email from the embassy

5. The page should open like this: Click on the download icon (you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed) and a two page document should open that looks like this the example below. You will need to print BOTH pages and add them to your visa application. Please sign here Once you have entered your passport number and date of birth you should be taken to a screen like this. The name of the Camp America member of staff that paid for you embassy appointment will appear here.

6. We would always urge you to try to attend on the appointment that we have booked for you. However, we understand that due to exams and long standing holiday plans it is not always possible, however please bear in mind that appointment slots are from 8am until 2:30pm and are only available on the specific J-days. If you are definitely unable to make your appointment, then you should contact Camp America on 0207-590-2156 and we can discuss with your options with regarding to changing the appointment Please remember that you will need to visit the embassy at least two weeks before your flight date. DO NOT under any circumstances just ignore the appointment. The embassy will look very negatively on applicants who are “no shows” and may refuse a re-booking.

7. Okay, so now that we have covered how you will be notified of your embassy appointment, we need to talk about your passport. In order to be able to make a visa application you will need a valid passport. Sounds obvious right? But but we have found it is always best to cover every area completely! Not only do you need to have a valid passport but it needs to be valid until November 2010 if you are a U.K. passport holder. Other passports should be valid through April 2011. Your passport also needs to be “good condition”. Now I know that this sounds very subjective but the embassy will have no problem in rejecting a passport if they feel that it does not come up to the required standard. To help you assess the condition of your passport the following are reasons why the embassy will reject it: • The plastic on the photo page is curling at the edges. • The passport has been through the wash and now has turned up corners or very faint pages. • The cover is torn or damaged. • There are no free pages. The visa requires that you have at least two completely clear pages and you cannot include the last blank page as the embassy will not use this for a visa stamp. • The passport looks like it has been tampered with in any way. If any of the above apply then you may need to new passport. Please call the Camp America London office to discuss your options.

8. So you have now received your visa pack from Camp America, you know how you will be notified of your appointment and you have a suitable passport. Next there are couple of additional forms that you will need to complete in order to be ready for your appointment. You must not leave the completion of these forms until the last minute. We are always here to help you through any problems that you may have in completing the forms or gathering the correct additional information. However, if you call us the night before your appointment then it is very likely that there will little we can do to help you at such a late stage. You have been warned! Okay let’s get started. Please keep your visa paperwork close at hand. This resource will respond to mouse clicks and so you can go at the pace you choose. To go back a step, simply right click and select reverse. You should have three forms (certificate of eligibility(DS2019), I797c and courier form) in your visa mailing along with a plastic wallet and a Camp America sticker. The first form we will go through is the Certificate of Eligibility which is often referred to by its code number DS2019

9. Please take your Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J1) Status (DS2019) from your envelope. This is a 2 page document. Here is the 1st page - the 2nd page is generic. All you need to do on this form is check that all the details are correct. Firstly check that your personal information is correct (i.e. the same as your passport). Please remember that your nationality on this form is the same as the passport that you are using for this visa application. If there are any mismatches please call the office immediately. Please note that you can enter the U.S up to 30 days before the start date on your DS2019 and so as long as this does not conflict with your departure date then you will not require a new form. If this is not the case then please call the office to arrange a reprint. The $650 amount on this form bears no relation to the rate of the pocket money that you will receive at the end of your assignment. Please see Camp America Direct for you actual pocket money. Simply sign the form, enter the place that you signed it (i.e the city you are in when signing the form) and enter the date using the month/day/year format

10. I-797c, Notice of Action You do not need to do anything with this other than bring it to your embassy appointment.

11. The next form is one of the most important but is not included in your pack. It is the DS156 and this needs to be completed online through the U.S. embassy’s website. You MUST complete the electronic version of this form and take it to the embassy. If you arrive for your appointment with a handwritten version you will definitely be turned away. Please note you can complete and print this form as many times as you like. Only the copy you take to the embassy is scanned. Unfortunately, some applicants have experienced problems completing this form. Once they have entered all the required information and pressed ‘continue’ nothing has happened. We are sorry to say that this is not an uncommon problem. This one website is used by every person around the world who is applying for any U.S. visa, so you can imagine how busy it can get. To try to avoid this problem we would recommend using the website during off peak hours, such as in the very early morning or late evening. You may also find that the more powerful computer you use the quicker the process will take. If after waiting a long period of time it is obvious that the form is “frozen” you will need to do it again. So please right click on the following link and select “open in new window”. If this option is not available then you can use the link on the visa page of your Camp America Direct site or paste the following into a new browser : https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp DS156 Form

12. The DS156 form should look like this Select “Great Britain and Northern Ireland” or the country in which you were in when your passport was issued from the drop down. Under ‘Authority’ it will say either: UKPA or IPS or the city that your passport was issued. Enter your passport number here Select “Great Britain and Northern Ireland” or the country that issued your passport to you from the drop down. Enter/select the day/month/year that your passport was issued here Enter you last name exactly as it is written in your passport here Enter/select the day/month/year your passport expires here. Please be aware that your passport must be valid until at least Nov 2010 for UK passports or April 2011 for others Enter your first names exactly as it is written in your passport here Enter your date of birth from your passport Your nationality MUST match the passport that you are using for this visa application as entered in questions 3 above and also your Citizenship Country from your Certificate of Eligibility. Enter your city of birth from your passport Please select your country of birth from the drop down list Enter the county/region of birth if applicable

13. Your current home address. This address must be in the U.K. Your current home address (if needed). This address must be in the U.K. Indicate your gender U.K. city where you live currently U.K. County where you live currently (if applicable) Select Great Britain and Northern Ireland Current U.K. postcode Enter work number (if applicable) otherwise leave blank Enter you home phone number here Enter you mobile number here Enter fax number if applicable otherwise leave blank Indicate your marital status Enter their address here Please enter you email address here Enter your occupation e.g. Student Enter the name of you university/employer. If you are not currently in education or employment please enter your most recent details. This field should not be left blank or say unemployed. Please enter your assigned flight date, or if you do not know your flight date, put your earliest date of availability. This must not be earlier than one month before the start date of your certificate of eligibility

14. Enter the address of your camp. If you are currently guaranteed a placement please use Camp America’s address. You can copy this from question 28 below. Enter the state your camp is in or CT if guaranteed a place Camps ZIP code or 06902-3788 if guaranteed a place The name of your camp director or Dennis Regan if guaranteed a place Your camp/resorts phone number or 1 203 399 5409 if guaranteed a place If there is a second number of your camp/resort Enter “Camp counselling followed by sightseeing” if you are a counsellor or “Campower followed by sightseeing” if you are a Resort/Campower applicant Please enter 4 months If you are a returning Camp America applicant or have simply been to the US on vacation before then please enter the details here. You do not need to go into great detail. For example; Aug 2006 – 2 weeks Camp America 9 West Broad Street Stamford CT 06902-3788

15. If you have ever been issued with a U.S. visa before then please enter the details here. Enter the name and address of your camp here or if you not placed yet then you should enter Camp America 9 West Broad Street Stamford CT 06902-3788 If you feel that you need to answer Yes to any of these questions then please call the Camp America London office immediately.

16. If you feel that you need to answer Yes to any of these questions then please call the Camp America London office immediately. Leave this section blank

17. Once you have completed all the fields down to question 39 then all you need to do is click on the ‘continue’ button.

18. Once you have clicked on ‘continue’ a three page document should be produced that looks like this. This documents will be appear in a new window Page 1

19. Page 2

20. Page 3 It is vital that the barcode on your form looks just like the version on the right. If is it distorted in anyway like the version on the left the embassy will not be able to accept your application. If it is distorted then you will need to click ‘back’ on your browser and unfortunately complete the form again. If it matches the version on the right then please print your completed form. We would advise you print two copies and also save the PDF onto your computer if possible. Once printed you must keep your copy perfectly flat. Do not, under any circumstances fold your form.

21. Next, you need to glue (not staple) a photograph to the form. Sounds simple right? However, there are a number of strict rules that apply to photographs. You will be turned away if they are not followed completely. Photograph must be in colour. It should have a white or cream background. It should be standard passport size (50mm x 50mm) Please note: You do not need a U.S. standard passport photo. The head and shoulders should be at least 80% of the picture. It must be a picture of the full face - no side/profile shots. Face must not be blocked by hair in any way. No hats (unless hair covering is for religious purposes). No sunglasses, stupid poses etc. Scanned photos or larger photos cut down with trees etc. in the background cannot be used. Passport photos must not be more than 6 months old. Please don’t think that the embassy official will not check the picture in your passport/previous visa applications!

22. The final step is to sign and date the form in section 41

23. Next is the DS158 This form this can be filled in online and needs to be printed off once complete or you can simply print off a blank form and complete in clear block capitals. The form can be located by using the link below:So please right click on the following link and select “open in new window”. If this option is not available then you can use the link on the visa page of your Camp America Direct site or paste the following into a new browser : http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79965.pdf Link to DS158

24. Page 1 of DS158 Enter your last name Enter your first name Enter any middle names Enter your country of birth Enter your town of birth Enter your county of birth if applicable otherwise leave blank Enter your DOB Enter your full current UK home address and full telephone number Leave these sections blank if they do not apply to you This section must be filled in by all applicants Please enter two contacts from your home country who are not family. You can use the names and addresses of those people who supplied your references when you first applied to the programme.

25. Page 2 of DS158 If you currently have a job or have previously had a job please enter details here. Otherwise leave blank. Remember to use the American date format Month/Day/Year Once you have completed and printed the form. Please sign here and date using the Month/Day/Year format

26. Next it is the DS157 form The DS-157 must only be completed by malesaged 16 to 45 and all applicants who were born in, or hold a passport from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Vietnam, China, Russia or Libya. If the above does not apply to you click here to skip this section otherwise proceed to the next section by clicking anywhere else on the page Just like the previous DS158 form this can be filled in online and needs to be printed off once complete or you can simply print it off and complete in clear block capitals. The form can be located by using the link below:So please right click on the following link and select “open in new window”. If this option is not available then you can use the link on the visa page of your Camp America Direct site or paste the following into a new browser: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79964.pdf DS157 FORM

27. Enter your full name in native alphabet if applicable otherwise leave blank Enter your last name Enter all your first names Enter your clan or tribe if applicable otherwise leave blank Enter your spouse’s full name if applicable otherwise leave blank Enter your father’s full name Enter your mother’s full name Write the name and summer address and telephone number of your Camp/Resort or if you are guaranteed a placement then please enter Camp America, 9 West Broad St, Stamford, CT 06902-3788 TEL : 203 399 5409 Enter a list of all the countries you have visited since 2000 and the years you visited here. Use a continuation sheet if required. Answer fully Simply tick yes or no Fully complete or leave blank if this section does not apply to you. If you need to tick yes to this question please enter details here and use a separate sheet if required X List all organizations to which you belong attaching another sheet of paper if necessary

28. X If you tick yes to this question give full details here, otherwise tick no and leave this section blank X If you tick yes to this question give full details, otherwise tick no and leave blank Complete as fully as possible with all secondary schools, colleges and universities that you have attended If you are placed and have all your flight details please tick ‘yes’ above and enter the details here. This information can be obtained from your record in Camp America Direct. If you are not placed or do not have your flight information then tick ‘no’ and enter Camp America 9 West Broad Street Stamford CT 06902 – 3788 followed by your date of availability or provisional travel date if this is available.

29. The next form you need is a support letter from Camp America You can find your letter of support by using the link in the email that you received or in the visa section of your Camp America Direct login page. All you need to do is print it and keep with your other paperwork.

30. Next you need to know how to get to the U.S. embassy in London.

31. This map is schematic - some streets have been omitted The entrance to the embassy (and where the Camp America representatives will be on J Days) is on the corner of Grosvenor Square and Upper Brook Street. There is no parking anywhere in this area and it is highly recommended that you take public transportation. The nearest tube station is Marble Arch (Central Line). J Day Appointments: All electronic devices will need to be handed to the Camp America representative as they will not be allowed in the building. Normal Appointments (Non J Days): Please do not bring any electronic devices as they will not be allowed in the building. U.S. Embassy London Link to tube map

32. The next document is one of the most important documents you will be required to provide when applying for the J-1 visa. It is documentary evidence/proof of return (a visa application may be refused without it) We have provided a letter of support from Camp America confirming the nature and structure of our programme which you will submit with your application. In addition you are required to submit one of the following: • Letter from school, college or university confirming the start of a course or continuation of study. This letter should include term dates, which do not clash with the dates that you are going to be in the U.S. • Letter from employer or agency offering you a position after the summer If you are completely certain that you are not able to provide one of the above then these are possible alternatives: • Letter of support from your parents, this should confirm what you intended to do when you return home and also refer to family ties etc. along with any combination of the following: • Bank statements / wage slips • Evidence of ownership of residence or property • Letter from landlord explaining rental agreement for after the summer • Lawyer or accountants statement - if self employed If, AFTER ALL EFFORTS you are unable to obtain any of the above, AS A LAST RESORT, please provide a hand-written letter explaining the reasons why you must return to your country of residence after the summer.

33. In addtion to the Certificate of eligibility (DS2019) and your I797c Notice of Action form, you should also have received the following in your mailing: • A clear plastic wallet to take all your paperwork to the embassy in. • A Camp America contact details/insurance information card. • A Camp America sticker. This should be stuck to the back of your passport before coming along to your appointment. • The final form is the courier address form. Enter the address that you wish your passport to be returned to. Please complete before coming along to your appointment and hand into a member of the Camp America staff inside the embassy AFTER your interview. Please be aware that the courier service will require a signature when they deliver, so bear this in mind when choosing the address.

34. So let’s have a quick recap now that you have completed all forms and get them into the order that you will need to present them to the embassy in. You should now place the following forms into your clear plastic wallet. • Your passport at the front • The embassy’s email confirmation of your appointment • A printout of the attachment that came with your appointment email. This is a receipt of the payment that Camp America made for your visa interview. Make sure you have made your embassy payment through Camp America Direct. • Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS156) - This is the form that you filled in online and has the barcode on the 3rd page with portrait photo attached. • Supplemental Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS157) – (Males only) either filled in online printed and signed or printed and completed by hand. • Contact Information and Work History for Non-immigrant Visa (DS-158) either filled in online, printed and signed or printed and then completed by hand. • Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 visa (DS2019) signed and dated. • I-797c, Notice of action • Support letter from Camp America • Documentary evidence/proof of return • Courier sheet. This is the sheet where you have told us the address you wish your passport to be sent to.

35. Good luck with your interview! Please understand that this is nothing that you need to worry about. So long as you have your paperwork correctly completed and you arrive in good time (we recommend that you arrive at least 30 mins prior to your allotted time) then you should be able to move through the process very smoothly. Camp America will have staff (wearing branded t-shirts) both inside and outside the embassy on the day to assist you. We ask that you check in with the outside team who will set up close to the entrance of the embassy so that they can give your paperwork a final check over. Please do not bring any electrical equipment to your appointment as security at the embassy is understandably very tight and these items are not allowed inside. Under exceptional circumstances the Camp America staff outside the embassy will collect and hold onto items for you. Please understand that you do this at your own risk and Camp America will not be held responsible for any damage or losses incurred whilst in our care. For the same reason please do not wear any excessive jewellery to your embassy appointment as this only slows down the security process as you will be asked to take it all off to pass through the screening process. Your parents or friends will not be allowed into the embassy with you. So we would suggest that you say your goodbyes before approaching the building. This will help the embassy staff deal with the large crowds that can gather. Your help is appreciated.

36. HOW NOT TO HAVE A BAD DAY AT THE US EMBASSY IN LONDON Arrive on time. Travel plans should always allow delays no matter how you plan on getting there. There is no parking in the area directly around the embassy. We suggest you take public transportation. Take extra cash – You may need a taxi if you are running late. TAKE ALL FORMS AND DOCUMENTS AS INSTRUCTED. Remember you are submitting an official overseas work visa application. Please keep all of your paperwork in pristine condition. If anything is not correctly completed you run the risk of not being able to complete your visa interview and having to attend on another J day (subject to availability).

37. Following your appointment After your appointment please log onto Camp America Direct to confirm the outcome of your interview and once you have received your passport via the courier company please log again to confirm delivery. This will be a great help and will save us having to call you to confirm that you have your visa etc. Passport Return Please remember that the Embassy will collect and hold your passport while they deal with your visa. After London appointments passports can take up to 2 weeks before you have them back in your hands. The Embassy will NOT make special arrangements for people who need their passport for a holiday. If the courier company is unable to deliver your passport they will leave a card. To arrange a redelivery you can either contact them by phone or internet. Please note that once you have been issued with a J-1 visa you cannot enter the US until 30 days prior to the start of your Camp America flight. This includes holidays. Northern Irish applicants – Your nationality stated on your DS2019 form must match the passport used to apply for the visa. If you are applying on an Irish passport your nationality must be Irish and not UK. If you are applying on a UK passport your nationality must be UK and not Irish. If the nationality is incorrect please call Camp America at 020 7590 2156