Fees & Housing
CCIP NYC is a comprehensive J-1 internship program that includes internship placement and housing.
- 2024 summer designated hotel: Asiatic Hotel in Queens
- All J-1 internships are administered by designated sponsors (not companies).
- For more about discounts and awards, scroll down .
Refer a friend to join and you both receive a USD250 discount!
DISCLAIMER: Both participants must be from the 2024 summer session. One referrer can refer more than one referee, but each referee can only be claimed by one referrer. Valid proof demonstrating that the referee joined due to the referrer is required. Application is due before paying the second installment. The discount will be deducted from the second installment. Other conditions may apply.
How Much Does It Cost?
Fees in USD, subject to change without notice. Third-party fees are listed as is without any markup.
Below totals not including airfare and personal expenses.
Program Administration & Internship Placement Fee
This fee is charged to cover the services and administrative tasks required to facilitate the placement of interns with host organizations. It also includes services not covered by the J-1 intern visa program sponsorship fee.
Matching Process: This involves identifying suitable host organizations for interns, a process that demands a deep understanding of both the intern's qualifications and the host organization's needs.
Vetting and Approval: The fee supports the vetting of host organizations to ensure their compliance. It also assesses their offered programs, the quality of the internship, and its cultural exchange opportunities, ensuring they meet all necessary criteria.
Program Development and Documentation: Part of the fee aids in developing a tailored training or internship placement plan (DS-7002) encapsulating the internship's aims, framework, and evaluation metrics, necessitating specialized knowledge and collaboration for a compliant and enriching experience.
NOTE: This fee excludes out-of-pocket expenses like health insurance and the SEVIS fee, which are charged separately.
This fee also supports services beyond those covered by the J-1 intern visa sponsorship fee. The costs of the following services are jointly covered by the program administration and visa sponsorship fees:
- Handling daily administrative tasks and participant inquiries.
- Offering essential briefings and guidance.
- Providing after-hours support for emergencies.
- Intervening in conflicts as they occur.
- Awarding certificates based on participant performance.
- Helping with post-program participation verification upon request.
- Implementation of cultural activities, out-of-pocket costs not included.
J-1 Intern Visa Program Sponsorship Fee
The J-1 intern visa sponsorship fees are charged by designated sponsoring organizations to cover the costs associated with administering exchange visitor programs.
This fee is charged for the sponsorship and administration of the J-1 visa program, including processing the necessary paperwork, providing support and guidance to participants throughout their stay, ensuring compliance with program regulations, and facilitating cultural exchange opportunities.
Administrative Efforts: Processing applications, issuing the DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), maintaining compliance with US Department of State regulations, vetting host organizations, ensuring programs meet the educational and cultural exchange criteria, and providing ongoing support to participants throughout their stay.
Intern Support: Providing crucial pre-arrival details, orientation, ongoing program support, and help for emergencies alongside resources for adjusting to life in the US, understanding American work culture, and dealing with emergencies.
Compliance Monitoring: Overseeing compliance with J-1 visa rules through diligent reporting and documentation. The fee also supports the infrastructure required to monitor compliance and conduct site visits when necessary.
NOTE: This fee covers administration and staff expenses only and does not include any out-of-pocket costs.
NOTE: The J-1 intern visa program is exclusively administered by U.S. Department of State-designated sponsors. CCIP NYC is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in J-1 internship and STEM initiatives.
Hotel
Participants in the program are accommodated together in a designated hotel. The fee for residing at the designated hotel during the program period is separately calculated and is not included in the initial program fees.
Participants are generally accommodated at the designated Asiatic Hotel in Flushing, Queens. Situated approximately 35 minutes away from Manhattan by subway, Queens, as the third most culturally diverse borough in the US, offers a warm embrace to immigrants. Below is a summary of the fees and terms charged by Asiatic Hotel.
- USD 130 per day for single rooms or USD 65 for shared doubles.
- Standard room types with basic amenities
- NYC's 14.75% hotel tax and a $3.50 nightly city tax included.
- Breakfast provided at set times.
Other Expenses
Below are the costs associated with joining the program.
SEVIS Fee (USD 220) The SEVIS fee is a mandatory charge for individuals applying for F, M, and J visas to study or participate in exchange programs in the United States. It supports the operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which maintains data on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. The fee covers the costs of managing the SEVIS program, including system maintenance, compliance monitoring, and providing support to visa holders. Upon the second installment, the fee will be applied, and a SEVIS receipt will be provided following the issuance of Form DS-2019.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application (MRV) Fee (USD 185) The Nonimmigrant Visa Application (MRV) fee is a mandatory fee that all applicants for a nonimmigrant visa to the US. The fee covers the costs associated with processing the visa application, and it is typically non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa application is approved or denied. This fee is due at the time you schedule your visa interview appointment.
Health Insurance (USD 50+ per month) J-1 visa regulations require all exchange visitors and their dependents to have health insurance that meets specific minimum coverage requirements set by the US Department of State throughout their stay. Participants may opt for insurance either on their own accord or through our affiliated partner, TaiAn, with rates that adjust according to the plan selected. Rates vary according to age, the length of coverage, and the specific benefits each plan offers. Click HERE.
In addition, budget at least USD 1,200 for airfare, USD 20 per day for personal expenses, and an additional USD 1,000 for other activities such as sightseeing, car service, etc.
NOTE: The MRV fee is paid directly by the participant before scheduling a visa interview and does not apply to Canadians who apply for J-1 status at US borders. Some passport holders (e.g., Australians) may be required to pay a reciprocity fee.
NOTE: FUSIA requires health insurance coverage from entry to exit. A copy of the insurance certificate must be provided before the issuance of Form DS-2019. Fee waiver possible if school-provided health insurance meets State Department standards.
NOTE: Beyond program fees, applicants must maintain a minimum of USD 1,500 in emergency funds in their bank accounts throughout the program for unforeseen situations.
I Wanna Ask
The following section covers queries related to program fees and housing arrangements. Engage in a discussion with your parents to ensure financial readiness prior to enrollment.
Q&A: Total Costs
What is the total cost to join the program?
Based on a six-week program, it costs about $6,500 to join, excluding airfare and personal expenses, in USD.- Program and placement fee: USD 1,500
- J-1 visa program sponsorship: USD 1,550
- SEVIS fee: USD 220
- Housing: USD 130 per day (single) or USD 65 (shared double)
- Airfare, related costs, and personal expenses.
Q&A: Subsidies
Are there any subsidies available to join the program?
Eligibility for subsidies varies based on origin or school. Subsidies and awards available depending on the participant's school and origin. FUSIA also offers discounts when certain conditions are met.- Hong Kong students: Reach Out Award, HKD 10,000.
- HKUST: OISS*** HKD 31,000 4 wks to < 8 wks HKD 38,000 8+ wks (application required).
- CUHK: The GIP Award, subject to final determination.
- NTU: JCOAA*, SGD 3,000 (summer, 8-10 weeks), plus additional financial support**.
- FUSIA: Referral Discount - USD 250 for both the qualified referrer and referee.
*The John Cheung Overseas Attachment Award (JCOAA) is available for Singaporean citizens currently attending NTU and participating CCIP NYC during the summer of 2024 for a duration of 8 to 10 weeks (winter, 6 weeks, SGD 2,000). Outstanding academic performance in group work or project-based modules, along with evidence of willingness to collaborate as a team, are required. To apply, please submit your Resume and Degree Audit to caooi@ntu.edu.sg after successfully passing the interview.
**Additionally, Singaporean citizens may be eligible for additional financial support, subject to approval from the Career & Attachment Office (CAO). For inquiries, please contact caooi@ntu.edu.sg.
***Apply with HKUST Career Center.
Q&A: Financial Solvency
What minimum funds are required to demonstrate financial readiness?
As part of the application process for J-1 visa program sponsorship, applicants must demonstrate financial solvency, including the availability of adequate funds, both during the initial application and the subsequent visa interview. The aim is to ensure they can engage in their internship without financial difficulties or public assistance reliance.- Can be evidenced by recent bank statements from the applicant and/or their parents.
- Minimum required amounts vary by program sponsor.
- FUSIA mandates USD 450 per week for the program duration, plus USD 1500 for emergencies.
If a participant receives a subsidy from their school or another source and wishes to use it as proof of financial solvency, an official letter on letterhead is required. This letter must explicitly confirm the availability of funds and their non-contingent nature.
Q&A: Budgeting
What are other related costs besides program fees, and how can I budget for the trip?
- Personal expenses: At least USD 20 per day- Airfare: At least USD 1,200, round trip
- Health insurance: At least USD 50 per month
- Nonimmigrant visa (MRV) application fee: USD 185
- Emergency funds: At least USD 1,500
- Additional funds for travel and other uses: At least USD 1,500
Actual costs may vary depending on personal circumstances and individual habits. As a general rule, budget more rather than less to accommodate potential fluctuations.
Q&A: Payment
How and when to pay?
The program fees are charged in three installments, as delineated below. Payment is facilitated through money transfer methods, with bank fees responsible by participants. Participants with a US bank account can use Zelle to pay without incurring any additional charges.- First installment (placement and program): Due upon acceptance.
- Second installment (J-1 visa sponsorship): Before visa interview and DS-2019 issuance.
- Third installment (housing): Post-roommate pairing and visa interview.
Q&A: Refund Policy
What is the program’s refund policy?
Here is a summary of the program’s refund policy for the first installment:NOTE: “We,” or “our” indicates FUSIA, the program’s organizer, and “you” refers to participants. Information may be updated without prior notice.
1 After the first installment and at least 30 days before your first program start date, if we cannot place you with one of your selected hosts and sessions and you decline an alternative option, you will be refunded 100% of the program fee received from you, minus a processing fee of USD 85.
2 Six weeks before the program start date, if you withdraw or are terminated for any reason, including health condition or failing the visa interview, you will be refunded 50% of the program fee received from you, minus a processing fee of USD 85. After the six-week window, no refund will be provided.
3 Housing fees are typically non-refundable. Refer to the Housing section for further details.
4 Refunds are facilitated via wire transfer or bank, typically completed within 7 days following enrollment cancellation confirmation. To initiate a refund, please send a written request via email, accompanied by either the recipient’s QR code (for Zelle) or the top part of the bank statement displaying the recipient’s name and account details (for wire transfer).
5 A USD 85 processing fee, per occurrence, applies to each refund, and this fee is the responsibility of the participant. The processing fee covers administrative and possible bank transfer charges.
6 No refund will be provided if you violate any terms outlined on our website or in signed documents. This includes, but is not limited to, providing false, misleading, non-updated, or incomplete information; failing to respond to program requests within 72 hours or missing deadlines; missing scheduled events or mandatory events; failing to submit the required documents in a timely manner and as per the specified format; engaging in actions that could be detrimental to the image or reputation of any involved parties; failing to uphold commitments, such as stating you meet eligibility criteria and later retracting it.
7 You are expected to possess the necessary English proficiency to comprehend instructions and self-management skills, such as regularly following up with us to ensure alignment, monitoring your email regularly, tracking the status of your submissions, and seeking clarification from our office as necessary. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of our website or materials, as they may be updated without prior or subsequent notification. Unclear, misleading, or misunderstood information, as well as missed emails or instructions, will not be considered excuses for non-compliance.
8 Program experiences vary among individuals. No refunds will be issued due to dissatisfaction.
9 When indicating host and session preferences, it is your duty to thoroughly read through our Host Roster (www.fusia.net/cciphosts) and conduct necessary research, approaching us with any questions. You should ensure that your host choices align with your studies and the sessions you will be available for. If, upon final assignment, we are unable to match you with one of your opted-in hosts due to academic misalignment or for one of your opted-in sessions because they are not available, no refund will be issued.
Q&A: Housing Policy
Can you clarify the housing policy?
Provided below is a summary of the program’s housing policy.NOTE: “We,” or “our” indicates FUSIA, the program’s organizer. “Hotel” refers to the Asiatic Hotel in Queens, New York, and “you” refers to participants. Information may be updated without prior notice.
1 All program sessions begin on Saturday and end on Friday, aligning with hotel accommodation check-in on the program start date and check-out on Saturday after the program end date. The housing period is fixed, with no changes allowed. Before and after the housing period are considered an extended period, subject to availability and potential cost differences.
2 Our accommodation responsibilities are threefold: managing fee collection following visa and roommate arrangements, establishing housing rules to promote a friendly and cooperative living environment, and intervening in conflicts that may arise between roommates or with hotel arrangements. These measures aim to secure affordable, positive living situations for participants during their program. Additionally, participants are financially accountable for any damages they cause. Should there be disputes between participants and the hotel, we will attempt to mediate amicably. Nevertheless, resolving these disputes is ultimately the responsibility of the participants and the hotel
3 Listed hotel prices come directly from the hotels without added markups. These prices might vary until the payment is finalized. Participants are liable for the final costs, which may differ from the initially quoted prices due to potential changes in the hotel's pricing. The listed price also reflects a special discount arrangement with the hotel, entailing certain service limitations, like housekeeping on request and occasional room swaps. Each room is outfitted with two standard double beds (single queen beds available on request). Additionally, rooms include basic amenities and a private bathroom.
4 We cannot ensure the availability of hotel accommodations. In the event that the originally booked hotel is unavailable, we reserve the right to relocate participants to a nearby hotel, potentially incurring extra cost to the participant.
5 Participants may opt for alternative living arrangements. Approval is required for such requests. Participants who wish to live elsewhere due to dissatisfaction with the designated hotel can seek assistance from us. We will accommodate them in a nearby hotel, albeit at additional costs. Such decisions, whether to reside with the group or elsewhere, and the application with proposed housing options, must be made within 72 hours after a successful visa interview. Generally, we would prefer all participants to reside nearby, within three miles of the designated hotel for administration.
6 The hotel fee, non-refundable and payable in advance, is due within 72 hours after successful visa interviews and confirmation of roommate pairings. TThe non-refundable policy of the fee remains in effect, regardless of whether a student terminates or withdraws from the program or encounters conflicts with roommates or dissatisfaction with the hotel. Exceptions apply in extreme circumstances, such as when the hotel is deemed unlivable at FUSIA's discretion or when official restrictions prohibit occupancy.
7 Living in a neighborhood and hotel preferences can vary among participants—some may like it, while others may not. Before committing, participants should conduct their own research to ensure clarity and comfort with the program's housing policy and arrangements. Similarly, discuss habits to ensure your comfort and compatibility with the roommate. Once committed, no changes will be permitted.
8 During the program, if roommate conflicts arise, we will do our best to intervene and facilitate swaps, but we cannot guarantee it. Should a participant opt to shorten the program, the housing fee remains in place for them, and their roommate cannot transfer to another room to reduce expenses. In the event that a participant finds the hotel or roommate intolerable, they have the option to switch to another hotel or be relocated to another room if available. However, there will be extra costs and any associated moving expenses, which they will bear, and no refund will be given.
Q&A: Designated Hotel
Can you tell me more about designated hotels and neighborhoods?
The designated hotel for the 2024 summer is the Asiatic Hotel in Flushing, Queens, New York. Flushing, Queens is also known as “Asian Manhattan” due to its large concentration of Asian immigrants. The selection of this location is guided by the following key factors and rationale:- The neighborhood offers high accessibility with a variety of affordable dining options.
- The hotel is situated within a 5-minute walking distance to subway, bus, and LIRR stations.
- The hotel’s street has a police station and a fire department located one block away.
- Considering that the summer season in NYC tends to be more expensive, the listed rate is reasonable, especially considering that taxes and breakfast are included.
NOTE: Hotel preferences may vary, and participants are encouraged to do their own research and homework to ensure clarity before committing. When checking prices on Google Maps or other platforms, refer to the final price including taxes and services. Enter the exact period of stay, number of days, and rooms required.