Ask a Question

Ask Cultural Vistas is an interactive tool intended to provide expert knowledge and the answers to any questions you may have about our programs. 

Have a question you'd like to see answered here? Send us an e-mail at info@culturalvistas.org

Recent questions:

Q: I'm on a J-1 visa in the United States and a friend and I are planning a weekend trip to Canada in a few days. I've heard I need a special form to be able to reenter the US after my visit to Canada. On my visa form in my passport in the column for entrees stands an M, I think it's for multiple entrees! Is that correct, or do I need a special form from Cultural Vistas to re-enter the US?

A: The M on your visa form in your passport does stand for multiple entries which means you can use your J-1 visa for more than one entry into the US. Please check the expiration date of your visa to make sure it is still valid. Prior to leaving the United States for a trip to another country, you need to have your J-1 visa sponsor validate your DS-2019 form for travel. This can take a week or more, so it's best to contact your J-1 visa sponsor well in advance of your planned travel outside the United States. However, the Department of State does not mandate a validated DS-2019 to return from Canada or Mexico assuming you did not visit any other country on your trip.

Q: I participated in a summer work and travel program last summer. Can I do another program this summer? 
A: Yes, you may participate in the summer work and travel program as long as you are considered a full-time university student abroad.  

The information provided within this website is intended to be a general summary of information available to the public. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The content of this Web site is intended as a service to the public only. Cultural Vistas disclaims all responsibility for any and all mistakes or inaccuracies in the information. Further, Cultural Vistas disclaims all liability for loss or damage, which may result from the use of information from this website.