Who is eligible to apply?

The Community Connections Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national, and ethnic origin, or disability. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Competition is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants who live in Central Asia and meet the following requirements:

•  A citizen of the country of application.

•  Residing in the country of application at the time of application and during the selection process.

•  Able to demonstrate professional aptitude and leadership potential in the chosen field.

•  Eligible to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 visa.

•  Committed to returning to home country immediately after completion of the program.

•  Willing to live with a host family in the United States.

•  Not to be accompanied by spouse and/or children.

Who is NOT eligible?

•  A U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than the country of application.

•  The spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or the spouse of a citizen of a country other than the country of application.

•  Currently residing or working outside country of application.

•  A previous participant in a program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government (e.g. USAID or other U.S. government agency) in the past two years and who has not fulfilled the two-year home residency requirement by the time of application.

•  An individual who has applied for an immigrant visa to any country or who has requested political asylum in any country. This includes individuals who hold or have applied for a U.S. "green card," or who have applied to the U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery.

•  An employee of American Councils, or the spouse, child, sibling, parent (and in-law), grandparent (and in-law), or grandchild of an employee, or a person in a committed relationship with an employee.