Application Process

As with any job, there are several things that you have to take into consideration before beginning your job hunt. Every single profession has its own important piece that has to stand out, but overall it is all a culmination of well-organized and strategized planning that will get you that much closer to the job you’ve been looking for. You can think of all of your documents, records, curriculum, portfolio, business card, basically everything as a team. One has more importance than the other but overall to be successful all of the functioning parts have to work together for the win; landing that job.  If you are able to organize everything and give your self enough time to revise your work and adjust anything that can be improved and/or updated, all that comes next is effective strategizing. 1. Planning Make sure that you review your work thoroughly to see if anything that may be missing, or parts/sections that can be removed. Add any recent projects that you’ve been working on so that companies know that you’ve been active in the last months before applying.  Think about everything that you need to do and set you’re a deadline and a set of daily goals that you will need to accomplish so that you meet that deadline, and stick to it!! Use spreadsheets to organize everything which you need to accomplish. 2. Research Make sure that you are well aware of the current job market so that you know what job positions are out there, and also so you can get a picture of what the salaries are in the area that you are interested in. Research the different platforms out there such as Archinect, Glassdoor, Coroflot, AIA Career Center, and the many others so that you get a wide overview of the companies that are hiring and what they are looking for in candidates. 3. Execution It is important that you send as many applications as you can. Similarly to the planning stage, try to set a minimum amount of applications that you will send on a daily basis. There more you send and the more your work is out there the more likely somebody will contact you for an interview. It really is a matter of quantity. Very importnant that you also make sure that all of your online profiles and LinkedIn are also up to date, this is very important. [activecampaign form=276]

What happens after a job interview might just be as important as what happens during the interview. This is still a crucial part of the process with the company and one that you want to handle correctly. This part could actually result in the difference between you landing the job, or receiving a rejection letter. So make sure that you don’t jeopardize your chances at this opportunity and follow these three simple steps after you have already done you interview at a firm. 1. Thank you email After having your interview, it is always, and I mean always, important that you thank the interviewer -all of the ones present at the interview- for their time and the opportunity to interview with them. Try to personalize this email as much as you can, as this will help you express your gratitude towards the employer and make sure that you are still on their minds after the interview. We can give you tips on what to include in the thank you email. 2. Follow-up If some time has passed, you want to make sure that you send a follow-up email. This email has to be very short and concise. You want to make sure that you give enough time for the employer to review your work but also not enough for them to forget you. Also, if you make the email too long it might seem that you are desperate for the job, and you don’t want that either. 3. Be patient We know that waiting for the reply for a company is extremely stressful. However, you also have to keep in mind that the process takes time, and as much as we would like to think we are the only applicants, they are still looking at other profiles, and may also be waiting for a bigger project to come through. So be patient! Replaying the interview in your head or thinking about other things you could have done will only lead to frustration. It’s good to be critical of yourself, but there is a balance as well. Join the Architect-US family, and take advantage of the information and insight we have for you for free. DO NOT FORGET THE Portfolio Plans to Career Advice. 🙏🙏🤓👌 Our Selection Committee of architects and designers with 10+ years of experience are a highly-qualified resource for you to take advantage while planning your next steps. Let us know where you stand in your career! [activecampaign form=260]

Are you considering a J1 visa but unsure of whether you better fit into the J1 intern or J1 trainee category? Below, Architect-US will outline the important differences and distinguishing aspects of each J1 visa! Definitions for qualification as a J1 intern or J1 trainee: J1 INTERN: You must be between 18 and 25 and currently enrolled in and pursuing a degree at a certified post-secondary academic institution outside of the U.S. OR have graduated from one less than 12 months before the start date of their J1 program. J1 TRAINEE: You must be between age 20 and 35 and currently holding a degree from a post-secondary institution outside of the U.S. and have at least one year of employment in your occupational field outside of the U.S. Or, you have more than five years of work experience in your occupational field outside the U.S. Beware of these reasons for J1 visa denial! Visa duration differences whether if you are a J1 intern or J1 trainee: J1 INTERN: This visa is issued for no longer than 12 months and a 30 day grace period during which you can travel the U.S. but not work. J1 TRAINEE: This visa is issued for no longer than 18 months and a 30 day grace period during which you can travel within the U.S. but not train or work. If you are in the hospitality or tourism training programs, the visa is issued for no longer than 12 months. Important notes:

• Host companies cannot place trainees or interns in unskilled or casual labor positions or in positions that require or involve child care or elder care, or in any kind of position that involves patient care or contact.
• Host companies must not place trainees or interns in positions that involve more than 20 per cent clerical work during their programs

Now, here are some benefits of becoming a J1 intern or trainee!

• On-the-job training
• The trainee can receive financial support from both U.S. and foreign sources
• No need for the foreign national to work as an employee of a foreign employer
• Ensures productive employment (to the extent allowed by the training program)
• The foreign national applies directly to the U.S. Consulate for the J-1 visa with Form DS-2019
• Dependents of J-1 may be eligible for employment authorization upon entry into the U.S. in J2 status

We hope you are more clear about the benefits and differences between these types of J1 visas! Now, if you are still curious and hoping to start your application process, please don't hesitate to contact Architect-US for J1 sponsorship! [activecampaign form=258]

What you do during your interview is just as important as what you do after your interview. You want to make sure that you are polite, and that you follow-up with the company not only to show your interest, but to be proactive as well. American companies take great value in that! So here we leave you with the top 3 things we always recommend the candidates of our Career Training Program to do after an interview with any company: 1. Post-Interview Email Send a thank you email right after the interview with any firm. You want to make sure that you send it within 24 hours of the interview as well. That way your conversation with them is still fresh in their minds and they know of your interest with them. If you don’t know what to write in the post-interview email, make sure to check out this post detailing the four main things you should include. 2. Next Steps Depending on how the interview finished and how the conversation was concluded, you want to make sure that the next steps are done correctly. You should always ask for the next steps moving forward, in which they will probably give you an estimated time for a decision from them. You want to make sure that you don’t overwhelm your employer with lots of questions so pay attention to what they tell you and try to stick to that. 3. Alert References We know from experience that several firms like to call some of the references after the interview. So make sure that you alert your references and inform them that they might be receiving a call from an employer. You references are very important and you want to make sure that they are not getting cold-called. At this point, you can also let them know of anything that you might want them to stress in their recommendation. [activecampaign form=260]

In order to begin your journey with Architect-US and so that we can begin helping you throughout the J-1 Visa application process, the most important thing is to first register in our program. That means that you have to make the decision between the J-1 Visa or Job+J-1 route, which ultimately differs in the “Job” part. In both alternatives we will guide you throughout every single step so that you can secure your Embassy Interview and finally have your Visa issued so that you can begin your adventure in the States. Most of our participants register in the Job+J1 program because we present them with many different opportunities from top companies in the U.S. looking to fill in a position and we are able to put them right in the front steps of those companies. So, after you’ve completed the first step which is Registration in our website and you’ve submitted you CV and Portfolio. A member of the Selection Committee will verify that you meet the requirements for the J-1 Visa and will also look through you CV and Portfolio and suggest changes which will make your work really stand out. Once you’ve become a member in our program and you have joined our pool of talents, you will be sent offers in the cities that you are interest in. We will always try to send you offers that best fit the specifics of what you are looking for (location, size, company mission, etc.) and wait for your reply to see if you’d like to be included in the selection process of those offers. It is once you’ve been interviewed by a company and received and offer letter that we begin with the next phase. Here a private program advisor will ensure that the company meets the requirements of the Exchange Visitor Program. That means that if necessary, an area rep will perform a site visit to make sure that the company is in a safe environment, and will provide you with the best experience possible during the duration of the program. At this point, once the company check out and everything has been approved, we will assist you in signing the DS-7009 in which information like salary, hours, goals, program plan, etc. will be included. Everything will be reviewed by members of our team and by the Department of State and once we receive the final approval, the DS-7009 will be shipped to your home country for you to sign. In these final steps, we will send you all of the information that you will need in order to confirm you Embassy Interview. That includes the items which we shipped to your home country and a print copy of the DS-160 Online non-immigrant visa application confirmation. Now you will be at the very end of the process, in which you will get your Visa and Passport stamped. Finally, you are good to go on your quest to learn from some of the best architects in the U.S.  and get to apply your skills learned over your studies/career and apply them in them in a professional environment in the city of your dreams! [activecampaign form=258]

In your Resume, it is important that you include Action verbs that demonstrate you were able to accomplish, change, improve, or finish something in an impactful way. It has to be a word which demonstrates problem solving skills and the ability to reduce process inefficiencies. You have to take into account that your resume should fit in only one page, and not be overly text heavy. So, action verbs like these can make a short description of a specific task seem way more meaningful. Basically, it is a word that is able to paint a picture of the action that you are explaining and is able to show how you specifically participated in that role. If you need help with this make sure to let the Architect-US team, we’d be happy to help! [activecampaign form=276]

Like any other program that you would join, it is important that you are aware of the fees and what is included in the service that you are paying for. That way you feel secure about the costs, and also so you can use everything to your benefit. Similarly, you should also be aware of the things which are not covered, that way you can make informed decisions and plan ahead for any other unforeseen costs that may need to be considered as well. Here at Architect-US we do everything we can to offer you the most competitive prices within the market so that we can provide you with the best experience possible during your stay in the U.S.. So that it is easier for you, here we provide you with a list of the things that the program fees cover and those which are not covered:

Program Fees DO cover:

  Compensated Internship position Once you form part of the Architect-US Job+J1 program, we will be sending you exciting offers via which you have to respond to so that we know whether or not to include you in the process. Once we present your profile to the company are then in constant communication with them and keep you updated in the process. We always make sure that you position is adequately compensated for you qualifications and with the consideration of the market salary. Expert advice throughout the entirety of the process We provide you with tools and tips that will maximize the potential of your CV and Portfolio and help you with any questions that you may have along the way. We also give you recommendations that you may need given different company profiles and arrange interviews, calls, and any exchange that you may need with the prospective host company. J-1 Visa sponsorship application processing We cover the issuance and shipping of the DS-2019 Form and acceptance packet. We also provide you with guided instructions from the beginning of the process all the way to the scheduling of the embassy interview. Accident and Sickness Insurance This is a frequently asked question my many of our program applicants. So, it is good to know that we do provide you with insurance for the entirety of the program duration. Sevis fee There is a mandatory SEVIS fee of $180 which is for the online system used to maintain information on the J1 and J2 Visa holders. It is the Student and Exchange Visitor system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Informative Dossier This includes information on how to open you bank account, finding housing, important information on the Social Security number, taxes, and other important information that will help you upon arrival in the States. 24h support During your stay you are provided with 24-hour emergency support in the case that you have been in accident or need assistance of any kind. English Interview There is a mandatory English interview which we must conduct as part of regulations. We test you ability and fluency in English to make sure that you English level is acceptable for the standards of the American office.  

Program Fees DO NOT cover:

  Embassy/Consulate Fee You will have to pay a $160 application fee. Site Visit Every Host Company which has less than 25 employees or has less than 3 million dollars in revenue are requested to complete a site visit. Here they assess different criteria to make sure that the office provides the candidate with a professional environment, a structured training plan, ability to offer constant supervision, safety, the availability of housing and transportation, and many other aspects that ensure a safe and educative environment for you. DS-2019 Expedite Issuance Service This refers to a request for a new or extension of the DS-2019 Document in a shorter amount of time in the case of an emergency. Airfare tickets The airfare tickets to get you to the states will have to be covered by you. Cost of Living Before your departure we will provide you with helpful information on the costs of living and housing in your area. However, those costs will have to be covered by you. It is up to you to find the apartment of your choice and one which is in the price range that you are looking for. [activecampaign form=258]

What do you bring to the table?

Nowadays it is very common for companies to directly ask you for what you expect to earn working for them. So it is a question that you need to bear in mind before going into an interview, otherwise, you can potentially miss out on a higher income. We understand that it can be very difficult for you to do this, discussing what your earnings should be with your interviewer is not easy, but it's not wrong if it is done correctly. You just have to make sure that you have done the correct research, and that you know what the appropriate compensation should be for someone with your skills and qualifications in a specific state. At Architect-US we provide you with guides on how to do this and help you throughout the process get the best offer possible.

Here are 9 points you should consider before negotiating your salary

1 Work on making a good presence At this point, you want to make sure you start off on the right foot. Remember that one of the questions which they will have in mind is: will I like working with this person? So, you want to make sure that you can level with the person that is hiring you. That way you have better chances when it comes down to negotiation. 2 Do you deserve it? They have to believe that you are worth hiring for the position! So, do everything that you can to sell yourself. Also, don’t feel bad about raising the salary, but make sure you don't exaggerate either! In our program, we will always do everything we can so that you receive salary commensurate with your experience level. 3 Think long term Remember that the initial salary is not everything. Many companies offer a probation period with the possibility for a salary raise after an "x" amount of time. So, make sure to take everything into consideration. Of course, life in the U.S. isn't cheap, so we know you want the highest offer, but remember that getting the experience at a top firm will build your resume and give you the credentials to negotiate higher salaries as in future contracts. 4 Make sure they know that you are interested Sometimes there are candidates that take interviews just to see what their options are and also to have more options on the table. While that is perfectly fine, make sure that the firm believes in your interest, otherwise, it may show, and they will not enter negotiation. 5 Competitive Salary Find out all you can prior to the interview about past employers and their projects so that you can see what gives you the competitive edge with them! 6 Keep a few options open Think about different salary options that you may have just so that you don’t limit yourself. Like re-negotiating after a probation period, doing reviews, personal days, work hours, really everything is on the table. You just have to take everything into consideration. 7 Stay Make sure you always get a “yes” or a reason “why not”. It is ok to ask for clarification. Also, you can always ask for more time to think about the offer that you received. 8 Don’t rush Never rush a negotiation. If you need your time to look over the details that is perfectly fine! Don’t feel pressured into accepting an offer which you don’t like. 9 Final answer Don’t agree on a salary after negotiation and go back in asking for more! However, every situation is different and depending on what was discussed that can change. As contracts take time to put together, you should try so that everything is discussed before hand, that way there is no miscommunication. Don't stress out too much! We are here to help you along the way.  

Registration for the J1 Visa Program is open to any international students, recent grads, or young professionals (age 18 - 35) that have received an offer in the USA within the fields of:

1. Hospitality 
2. Tourism
3. Business (and Management, Finance, Commerce)
4. Marketing
5. Accounting
6. Public Administration and Law
7. Engineering (and Sciences)
8. Architecture 
9. Mathematics
10. Industrial Occupations
11. Others

However, the Job + J1 Visa Program is exclusively for Architects (Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape, etc.) due to the specialized network of Architect-US in finding opportunities.

You can register for the Architect-US Programs for free and without strings attached through the following links:

• J1 Visa Program (for those who have gotten an offer from the USA or want recommendations on getting one)
• Job+J1 Visa Program (for Architects that want to apply for our Pool of Candidates)

Yes, initial registration in the J1 Visa Program and Job + J1 Visa Program is free, so sign up to receive detailed information about your eligibility, process and program costs.

With Architect-US you can join the American Company that has offered you an Intern / Trainee program in 30 days from the time we receive all the required documents from the participant and the Host Company. This 1-month processing time includes all the stages: documentation validation, official documents issuance, Embassy appointment, getting the passport back stamped, and travel (depending on the J1 holder's plan).

The shortest time period to get the J1 Visa is around two weeks since the application has been submitted (since the documents from both the applicant and the Host Company have been received). The Expedited Service has an additional fee that has to be paid by the Intern / Trainee (or the Host Company if it wishes). However, this 2-week guarantee includes only the aspects of the process which are entirely under Architect-US control, and do not take into account possible delays of the Embassy appointment, delays in returning the passport or any participant travel arrangements.

Yes, the international Intern / Trainee participant can change the dates of their J1 Program before they arrive in the USA, but they must inform Architect-US immediately in order to implement the necessary changes in SEVIS, as it must always reflect the actual situation. 

Even though the Intern / Trainee can apply at the U.S. Embassy from any country in the world, we usually recommend that the participant applies in their country of permanent residence because that is where they can show strong ties to the country, and non-immigrant intent.

In general, the Intern / Trainee needs to have their passport valid for six more months after the end of their J1 Visa program. However, the so-called "six-month club" allows the participants from certain countries to have their passports valid only for the time they stay in U.S. including a possible grace period. More information regarding the privileged countries is available on DOS website.

We’ve had some of Architect-US’ previous participants who’ve needed to change the date of their program in the past. That maybe for personal reasons, delays in documentation, delays from the firm for different reasons, or for any other number of reasons. It can be done, but what is important is that you let our team, or your program advisor know as soon as you can so that we can determine what is the best way possible to do so. So, in this case you -the international Intern/Trainee has to inform us prior to the departure to the States so that the changes can be done in SEVIS, as it must reflect the current status of the situation. 1. Let your Program Advisor know ASAP In the case that you need to change the date, the most important thing to do is to let your program advisor know. This is because depending on how far you are on the visa issuance process there will be different steps that will have to be made in order to change the dates. 2. Changes in Documentation If we have already began drafting and updating the DS-7009, Host Company agreement, and your status on ASSE we will need to make the modifications to the dates so that they can be approved for the desired period. 3. Inform the Company It is very important that we make sure that the company is aware of these changes and that we can adjust the program periods for a time that is suitable for them as well. If you must change the dates for medical/family or other personal reasons that you have to tend to, that is ok! But given that the company has already have to wait a minimum of 30 days for you to start working with them, we have to make sure that everything is communicated and agreed upon. Of course, there may also be the need to change the dates from the company’s end as well. What is important is that the participant knows that once we have submitted all of the paper work and the dates have already been established, We have only 30 days from the initial program begin date to validate the program or change dates in SEVIS, otherwise the program goes into what is called a “No Show”. Also, depending on how far along the process we are, administrative fees and issuance of new papers may apply. So in order to avoid difficulties or delays, just let us know in advance if you think you may have any difficulties with the periods from the beginning. [activecampaign form=258]