1. GENERAL INFORMATIONWayUSA Inc. is a U.S.-based organization that serves as a sending party for high school students from Eastern Europe and Central Asia (including former Soviet countries) who wish to participate in international educational programs in the United States.
WayUSA Inc. is not a visa sponsor, but works in cooperation with:
- Official U.S. Department of State–designated sponsors of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, and
- SEVP-certified private and public high schools that are authorized to enroll international students under the F-1 or J-1 visa categories.
2. PROGRAM FORMAT AND STRUCTUREParticipation in a U.S. high school program may occur under one of the following two formats:
(a) J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (Cultural Exchange)
- Requires sponsorship by a U.S. Department of State–designated exchange sponsor;
- Uses the DS-2019 visa form for a J-1 visa;
- Is typically limited to one academic year in a public or private school;
- Includes placement with a vetted American host family.
(b) F-1 Student Visa Program (Private School Enrollment)
- Involves direct admission to a SEVP-certified private high school;
- Requires issuance of the I-20 form by the school for an F-1 visa;
- May extend over multiple academic years;
- Tuition, housing, and services are typically paid by the student’s family;
- Accommodation may be provided in school dormitories or host families.
Depending on the chosen format, participation is formalized through:
- a single tripartite agreement, or
- a set of separate but coordinated agreements between the following parties:
- the student and their parent or legal guardian,
- the receiving organization (school and/or J-1 sponsor),
- WayUSA Inc. as the sending organization.
These agreements together form the legal and operational framework of the program.
3. ROLE OF WAYUSA INC.As the sending organization, WayUSA Inc. is responsible for:
- providing information and consultation to prospective students and families,
- conducting academic and language assessments (such as the ELTiS 2.0 test),
- assisting with program application and documentation,
- maintaining communication between the student, their family, the school, and (if applicable) the J-1 sponsor throughout the program duration.
4. ROLE OF THE J-1 DESIGNATED SPONSORDesignated sponsors of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program:
- issue the DS-2019 form and oversee the visa process;
- verify, place, and monitor host families;
- provide orientation and 24/7 support to students;
- ensure full compliance with U.S. Department of State regulations.
A list of designated sponsors is available at:
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J1visa.state.gov5. ROLE OF THE SCHOOLU.S. high schools participating in the program:
- provide academic placement and instruction,
- facilitate integration into school life,
- issue transcripts and other academic records,
- communicate with the sponsor and/or WayUSA Inc. regarding student performance and well-being.
6. LEGAL COMPLIANCEAll program participants must comply with:
- U.S. federal regulations for exchange visitor and student visa programs (22 CFR Part 62 for J-1; SEVP rules for F-1);
- immigration and education laws of the United States;
- the rules and expectations of their host school and host family.
WayUSA Inc. is not a legal representative or immigration advisor but ensures that all services and processes meet applicable U.S. standards.
7. LANGUAGE AND JURISDICTIONThis policy is published in English. Translations may be provided for informational purposes, but the English version shall prevail in case of interpretation. All matters of legal significance are governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA.