In order to be legally eligible to work in the United States, there are two important things that you need: A sponsoring organization, and a J-1 exchange visa.

Before you can apply for a J-1 visa, you will need to contact an approved sponsor (listed on the State Dept. website, http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/). This sponsor will determine your eligibility for the exchange program based on both general criteria and criteria based on the type of work you are trying to find.

Specific sponsor requirements may vary, but they will make sure you can perform the tasks your job requires, as well as check your proficiency in English.

You will need to have medical insurance for the entire time that you are in the exchange program, and you will need to provide proof of insurance for the sponsor.

The sponsor will also to need to verify the following:

Your purpose in the Exchange Visitor Program

Proof of physical presence in your home country

Ability to travel to and enter the country

Ability to pay for other costs (living expenses, transportation costs etc.)

It is important to remember that sponsors are not required or obligated to find a job for you.

Once the sponsor has confirmed that you are eligible for the program, you will need to apply for a J-1 visa at an American Embassy or Consulate (Form DS-2019). You should apply as soon as possible, because the process of getting the visa can take some time. The sponsor will provide more information and the necessary documents for you once you have been accepted into the program.

J-1 visas applicants have to meet specific requirements:

They plan to remain in the U.S. for a temporary, specific, limited time period

They have to have evidence that they can cover their expenses in the U.S.

They have to have social and economic times abroad and other ties that will ensure their return to their country of origin at the end of the visit.

The following materials will be required during the visa application process:

A certificate of eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019), which will be provided by your sponsor

A training/internship placement plan (Form DS-7002)

A Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-156)

A supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-157), which is required for all male applicants 16 to 45 years of age.

A Contact Information and Work History (Form DS-158)

A valid passport for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay

A 2x2 photograph

To learn the cost of visa services, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html.

As soon as you have your visa, you can start applying to jobs on beachjobz.com!