HomeHow it works
Clear steps. Clear costs. No surprises.
We built the applicant portal so you always know what is done, what is next, and what it costs — before you commit a single rupee or dollar.
Reading time · ~ 6 min
New to the idea of U.S. summer camp? read a two-minute overview on the homepage first.
§ Visa & arrival
Applying from your home country
Once your DS-2019 is issued, you attend a J-1 visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate that serves your region. We do not control appointment wait times or government fees — but we send a consolidated checklist (financial evidence, sponsor letter, SEVIS receipt, camp offer) and offer a pre-appointment review so you walk in organised.
§ The four steps
From application to camp
Each step has a clear owner, a typical duration, and a single source of truth in your dashboard. You will never have to ask "what is next?" — the portal already shows it.
- 01~ 2 weeks
Apply & interview
Complete each form section, upload documents, and attend a video interview. We assess fit and safeguarding readiness.
- 02~ 3–6 weeks
Offer & sponsor paperwork
When a camp wants you, you receive a written offer. Only then do we move visa paperwork forward with the sponsor.
- 03~ 4–8 weeks
Embassy & arrival
We share a consolidated checklist (financial evidence, sponsor letter, SEVIS receipt, camp offer) and a pre-appointment review.
- 04May–August
Camp season
You arrive, settle into staff housing, and start your contracted shifts. We are reachable for escalations on the ground.
§ Costs
What you pay, and when
Figures below are illustrative — your formal offer and invoice are the source of truth. Programme fees are coordinated on our official WhatsApp (email available on request); we send bank details and a reference — never to a personal account.
| Item | Range | When |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $25 | On application submission |
| Acceptance fee | $150 | Once you are accepted onto the programme |
| Placement fee | $300 | Only after a written camp offer |
| SEVIS | $35 | Paid directly to U.S. government |
| Visa MRV (J-1) | ~$185 | Paid directly to U.S. embassy |
| Flights | Market rate | Book only after camp confirms dates |
Financial aid can reduce later fees for deserving applicants with a strong file — pay the US$25 application fee first, then submit the aid form from your dashboard; aid does not cover that application fee. Full refund terms on our refund policy page.
§ Requirements
Who can apply
- 18+ by camp start; valid passport with sufficient validity
- Clean background check where required by camp or sponsor
- Two references who have seen you work with people
- Medical form completed honestly — camps need to support you safely
- English conversational enough for emergencies and parent calls
- Commitment to camp policies on alcohol, social media, and boundaries
§ Key dates
Plan your year
Early review deadline
15 January 2026
Recommended for first-round camp interviews.
Standard deadline
1 April 2026
Final date to submit a complete application for visa processing.
Camp season window
May–August 2026
Exact dates depend on your camp contract.
§ FAQ
Common questions
When do I pay?
We coordinate each payment on our official WhatsApp (+1 845-665-1477) — email works too — and you transfer to Exchange Path using the reference we send. Pay in full is one $400 payment when you proceed; staged is $25 at submission, $150 once accepted, and $300 once a camp confirms your offer ($475 total).
Do you guarantee a visa?
No one can. The U.S. consular officer makes the final call. We do prepare you so you walk in organised — and our acceptance rates reflect that.
What happens if I am not matched to a camp?
We tell you honestly. The placement-stage portion of your fee is refunded in full if we are unable to secure a placement for you.
Can I extend after my contract ends?
J-1 camp counsellor visas allow a short grace period for travel after your contract. Your handbook covers exact dates and rules.
Next step
Open your file. Save as you go.
The application autosaves and you can return to any section. No fees until a written offer is in your hand.