Two questions come up in almost every conversation with applicants: how much will I earn, and what will it cost me? This guide explains what the official rules say, what camps typically provide, which outside costs to plan for, and how Xpath's own program fee works.
Fees change, so the official figures below show when they were last checked. Always confirm current fees on the official sites before you pay.
How camp counselor pay works
Your pay comes from your host camp, not from Xpath or the U.S. government. Under BridgeUSA rules, Camp Counselor participants are paid at the same rates offered to their American counterparts at the camp.
The amount depends on the camp, your role, your experience, and how long you work. The State Department advises camp counselors to get written confirmation of their offer details from the camp and to make sure all terms are clear before they travel.
Xpath does not promise a fixed amount. Your pay is confirmed during the placement process, and you can ask about it before you commit.
What camps typically provide
Camp counselors usually live and eat at camp. Xpath's 2027 program information lists meals, on-site accommodation, and medical insurance among participant benefits. Accommodation is typically a shared or private cabin or room with other staff.
Exact arrangements vary by camp and are confirmed in your placement and sponsor documents. Read them carefully before you travel.
Official rule: J-1 sponsors must require every exchange visitor to have health insurance for the length of their program.
U.S. government fees
These fees are paid to the U.S. government through the official systems. They are separate from Xpath's program fee and are not paid to Xpath.
Fees can change, and additional U.S. fees may apply at the time you apply. Check the official fee pages before you pay. The J-1 visa guide explains where each fee fits in the process.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application (MRV) fee | US$185 | Applies to J visas since 17 June 2023. Paid through the official U.S. visa appointment system for Pakistan. Non-refundable. |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | US$35 for Camp Counselor | Paid at fmjfee.com before the interview. Ask your sponsor whether you pay it yourself. |
Other costs to plan for
Beyond the official fees, plan for the practical costs of getting to camp and your first weeks in the United States.
- Return flights between Pakistan and the United States, unless your placement terms say otherwise.
- Travel within Pakistan to your visa interview in Islamabad or Karachi.
- Passport, photos, police certificate, and document preparation.
- Money for your first weeks before your first pay, and for travel after camp.
- Personal items and anything your camp asks you to bring.
Official advice: the State Department asks exchange visitors to confirm they have enough money to cover their expenses, and says your sponsor should give you an estimate of the amount you need.
Xpath's program fee
Xpath charges a program fee for its placement and application support. It is paid in two stages at set points in the process, not all at once.
We explain the fee individually rather than publishing it online. When our team contacts you after your application or eligibility check, they go through the amount, what it covers, and when each stage is due, before you are asked to pay.
Submitting the online application form does not involve a payment.
Make sure you understand the full cost, including the official fees and your own travel costs, before you decide to go ahead.
Taxes on camp pay
Your camp pay may be subject to U.S. income tax. The IRS explains that J-1 exchange visitors who are nonresident aliens for tax purposes are generally exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes on wages for work that carries out the purpose of their program.
Tax situations vary from person to person. Use the IRS guidance and your sponsor's tax information rather than general advice.
QUESTIONS
Quick answers before you apply.
How much does Xpath charge?+
Xpath's program fee is paid in two stages. Our team explains the amount, what it covers, and the payment schedule before you are asked to pay. Submitting the online application form does not involve a payment.
Is camp counselor pay guaranteed?+
Your pay is set by your host camp and confirmed with your placement before you travel. Xpath does not promise a specific amount, and pay varies by camp, role, and experience.
Are the visa and SEVIS fees part of Xpath's fee?+
No. The visa application fee and SEVIS fee are U.S. government fees, separate from Xpath's program fee.
