6 signs the graduate visa might be the American visa for you

Our 1-year Grad USA program is the first port of call for any grads looking to gain experience across the Atlantic. The bridge between college and your career, it's the chance to put your CV on the map with world-class job experience in your field (AKA your ticket to the big time). While also having the experience of living overseas in the US for a year.

1. You're graduating this year (yay!) or have in the last 12 months

First of all, congrats! The main eligibility criteria for the Grad USA visa, is that you must travel within 12 months of the date on your graduation certificate. (So there’s a bit of working out to do, if your degree is in maths, you’re sorted). This 12 months is essentially your travel window – to apply, get your sponsorship approved, and enter the USA.

If you're reading this and graduated over a year ago, or you don't have a degree, first of all – welcome. And second of all, don't worry. You may still qualify to work in America under our Trainee USA visa. Call the team to find out more.

2. You want to experience life in the States

The U S of A – the bright lights, the big cities, the wide open spaces. Who hasn’t watched too many Friends, Sex and the City or Seinfeld re-runs and imagined themselves sauntering down sidewalks with lattes the size of skyscrapers. The weather, the food, the music, the landscapes... the USA is iconic. And the great thing about this visa, is that you're not limited to one year-long position. You can do multiple shorter placements with 30 days of travel permitted in-between – giving you the freedom to live on different coasts, travel around the States, and add more varied work experience to your CV.

3. You already have a job lined up

A+ for organisation (you might also be your friend group’s Monica though) – well done and what are you waiting for? If you have a job waiting for you and all the rest of your Grad eligibility boxes ticked then all there is left to do is to get your application underway as soon as you can.

4. You're independent

Unlike other American J1 visas, the 1-year Grad USA visa is designed to help you start to make your own way in the world. Setting out on your own after graduating can be daunting, but don’t let this put you off. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get that head start on your career with experience that makes you stand out that little bit more. The USIT team will be on hand to walk you through the application process, help you figure out what jobs you can do and companies you should target, and set you up with the sponsorship you need to work in the States. Your US sponsor will then be there to support you 24/7 on the ground.

5. You've done the research

You've read the articles, stalked LinkedIn, and done the homework. You know where you want to work and who you want to work for. You can’t quite see your career path laid out in front of you, but you know the first step is Stateside. You know where you want to live, which city you want to see, which neighbourhoods you prefer. You have joined the local Facebook groups and got the low-down on the best places to get coffee. You know where your industry is booming and where the best experience can be had. You are ready.

6. You want to unlock great earning potential

The USA has a well-paid and established internship culture, with most US graduates doing one or multiple internships before they take on a permanent role. The cost of living in the US can be high, but professional internships can also pay lucratively and you can typically expect to earn between USD $2,100-6,500 a month depending on the city and position. Making coffee and doing copy runs, this isn't! A headstart for your professional training, you'll return to Ireland with the kind of experience and progression that you simply wouldn't have had staying at home after graduation.

Get in touch with us today at workusa@usit.ie or on 01-4362420.