An overview for seasonal businesses
The J-1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) program allows eligible international university students to work in temporary or seasonal jobs in the United States while experiencing American culture. Businesses participating as host employers work with designated U.S. program sponsors, which have formal oversight responsibilities.
A prospective employer should begin by understanding the kind of job that may be suitable, the information a sponsor will need, and the obligations that apply once a participant arrives. This article is an introductory checklist, not a substitute for sponsor guidance or legal advice.
Who can hire Summer Work Travel participants?
Hotels, restaurants, resorts, amusement businesses and other seasonal employers may have jobs that fit the program. The industry alone does not determine eligibility. Sponsors review individual placements, and the position must meet program rules.
According to the U.S. Department of State's Summer Work Travel program guidance, suitable positions must be seasonal or temporary and give participants opportunities for regular communication with U.S. citizens and exposure to U.S. culture.
Jobs in certain categories are prohibited or restricted. Employers should have the sponsor evaluate any role before presenting it as an approved J-1 placement.
Information to prepare before contacting an agency or sponsor
A useful starting point is a clear description of the opportunity:
- Business and worksite: legal business name, job address and a point of contact.
- Position: job title, day-to-day duties, physical requirements and English-language needs.
- Pay: hourly wage, overtime conditions and any deductions or additional compensation.
- Hours: expected weekly schedule, anticipated fluctuations and the dates when work is available.
- Housing: whether housing is provided, its cost and conditions, or nearby alternatives.
- Transportation: realistic options to commute between housing and the worksite.
- Capacity: approximate number of placements and any operational constraints.
Details that are still uncertain should be labelled as such. Clarity early in the process helps agencies and sponsors assess whether the opportunity is worth exploring.
Who approves the placement?
A designated U.S. sponsor is responsible for screening and monitoring placements under the program framework. Finding an interested candidate or reaching an agreement with an agency does not itself make a position an approved Summer Work Travel placement.
The official BridgeUSA sponsor directory is the right place to identify authorized sponsors. Businesses should confirm procedures directly with the relevant sponsor.
Obligations after participants arrive
The Department of State lists responsibilities for host employers, including paying eligible overtime under applicable law, providing the number of paid employment hours specified in the vetted offer, and promptly notifying the sponsor about changes to a placement or concerns involving participants' welfare.
Employers must also contact sponsors immediately in emergencies affecting a participant. These obligations are part of the ongoing program, not simply paperwork completed before arrival.
Where Sumeria fits
Sumeria helps establish contact between prospective U.S. seasonal employers and international Work & Travel agencies. We focus on collecting job information that agencies can evaluate and pass to their designated sponsors for the applicable checks.
Sumeria is not a U.S. Department of State-designated program sponsor. We do not issue DS-2019 forms, approve J-1 placements or make visa decisions.
If your business is considering international seasonal staff, use our employer inquiry form to share the location, type of roles and approximate headcount.
Sources and further reading
Program sources checked October 23, 2026. The responsible designated sponsor evaluates each proposed placement under current rules.