Need to know / J1
J1 travel safety advice for this summer
USIT Staff
Jun 4
Safe travels = happy travels. Team talk from the USIT crew on staying safe on the road.
Read more
J1 USA
What is a J1 visa?
Live and work in the USA for the summer – with 30 days after to travel. Secure your summer with a €99 deposit and select ‘USIT Job’ to get access to 1,000+ J1 summer jobs in America.
On the fence?
Let's talk
San Diego virtual hiring on 12 Dec + other J1 hotspots hiring throughout Dec!
Summer in the city
Why do a J1 visa in America?
The best thing to happen to Irish students since subsidised SU bars, an Irish J1 visa is the chance to have a summer of a lifetime in the USA. (Or three – you can do a J1 visa every summer you’re studying). Live, work and travel with a summer job in the US city of your choice. Go with your crew or find a new tribe. Then once work is out, you have 30 days to explore everything America has to offer. It’s the ultimate way to earn, explore and experience an actual summer – with sun. (Sorry Ireland, you’re also very good).
Why do it with USIT?
#1 for J1 jobs
We annually add 1,000+ J1 jobs on our Job Hub. Positions range from servers to lifeguards, and are in all the J1 summer hot spots – including San Diego, New York, San Francisco, Boston, LA, Chicago, Cape Cod and Myrtle Beach. Just hit ‘USIT Job’ when you book to search, interview and get hired. Or if you’d rather find your own job, select ‘Own Job’ and we’ll handle the rest of your J1 application.
Book now pay later
The later you book, the fewer jobs will be available and the less chance you have of securing your J1 visa in time. USIT J1 bookings open in July, so start the process early with a deposit. And in the unlikely event you change your mind and decide to stay in Ireland for the summer (* snorts with laughter *) you can transfer your deposit to another program – no awkward questions asked.
J1 since 1961
The original J1 experts, we help thousands of Irish J1-ers each year. Travellers ourselves, we know how important this summer is to you – and we work our beach balls off to make it happen. We have the largest J1 team for 1-on-1 support, an easy online account to keep track of your application, and are on the road hosting events across Ireland for all the J1 intel IRL.
Is it for me?
18-30 years
Full-time college student
3-4 months (Jun-Sep)
1000+ J1 jobs each year
30 days after to travel
Apply Jul-Mar
From €999
Need to know
J1 USA | From €999
We do the works – providing the J1 application processing, work papers, J1 job, vetting, travel insurance and expert support you need to have an unforgettable summer working in America.
So, you're sold on mixing it up in Miami, making waves in San Diego or getting your five a day in the Big Apple. But first, you need to get an approved job in the US. We have two J1 USA options to choose from. USIT Job – where you interview and get hired with vetted J1 employers on our Job Hub, or Own Job – where you find your own position and our US sponsor approves it for the J1 visa program.
Here's everything you need to know.
About the visa
|
Who can apply
To be eligible for the J1 visa program, you must be:
- Any nationality studying in Ireland, an Irish or Northern Irish National studying in Great Britain, or an Irish National on Erasmus
- Enrolled in a full-time academic day course in a recognised Irish University or College. Final year students can apply, but you’ll need to be able to show your intention to return to Ireland at the end of your program
- Aged 18-30 on the date you enter the USA
- Able to commit to the full summer season of your J1 employer, usually 8-12 weeks from Jun-Aug
- Must have a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay with a free double page for your paper visa
- Must have proof of an onward flight from the USA
- Must be able to provide proof of supporting funds, usually USD $800 in the form of a bank statement
Visa length and process
Depending on your job offer, you’re legally allowed to work from 15 May-15 Sep, with 30 days after to travel. J1 applications usually close in March each year.
The J1 visa consists of an online application and an in-person visa appointment at the US Embassy. The whole process, from program sign-up to attending your embassy interview, can take around 12 weeks – longer if you delay at any point in the process.
How we help
Working with our long-running US sponsors, we provide the employment checks and issue all the official paperwork you need to secure your J1 visa. Our J1 team help thousands of Irish J1 students each year, so will guide you through it step-by-step. More importantly, most of us have worked in the US – so are here for firsthand advice on all things America.
Not a student? Check out our Camp USA program instead.
Types of jobs
|
What you can do
Typically, J1 jobs are ‘seasonal’ 2-3 month jobs working in the hospitality, tourism or retail industry – working in bars, restaurants, country clubs, theme parks, hotels and resorts as servers, bartenders, bussers, lifeguards and more. Think ordinary jobs in extraordinary locations – where employers need short-term workers to help with the summer rush. You must work a minimum of 32 hours a week on this visa.
Where you can work
The most popular places for Irish students to do a J1 are San Diego, New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Myrtle Beach, Ocean City and LA. However, apart from a few restricted locations, you can work almost anywhere in the USA so long as your position fits the J1 criteria. J1 jobs in the above hotspots are in high demand, so the earlier you apply – the earlier you'll get access to our Job Hub to start applying.
What you can earn
Earning potential varies from state to state. If you’re working for a ‘salary only’ position, this must meet the federal minimum wage. If you’re working for ‘salary plus tips’ your hourly rate will be much lower. For example, a server in NYC may earn USD $4/hour but can expect to earn $400-500 a week in tips. Some roles may also include meals on shift and subsidised staff accommodation – helping to keep your costs down. All salaries are outlined on our Job Hub.
Finding a job
If you’re finding your own J1 job, check in with us for a list of restricted professions and tips on finding your position. If you want the stress taken out of your job search, select ‘USIT Job’ and you’ll have access to hundreds of US employers actively searching for J1 participants. All the employers on our Job Hub are pre-vetted to ensure the jobs and locations they offer are permitted on this visa.
How it works
|
The application process
1. Pay your deposit Check your eligibility above, hit book now, fill out your application and upload the required documents to your account – such as your student status and passport.
2. Phone interview One of our team will be in touch to arrange a call. Nothing scary, but it is a US government visa requirement to assess your suitability for the J1 program.
If you’ve chosen USIT Job:
3. Access our Job Hub Log onto our Job Hub via your online account and start searching for positions in your preferred location. Jobs are filled on a first come first served basis, so we’d recommend applying early. Upload your CV, apply and interview via video call.
4. Get hired Upload your job offer to your online account so it can be reviewed by our team and sent to your US sponsor to be vetted. Move to step 5.
If you’ve chosen Own Job:
3. Find your job Start searching for jobs using our tips below. Once you have an offer, download the placement agreement from your online account to send to your prospective USA employer.
4. Get hired Upload your job offer to your online account so it can be reviewed by our team and sent to your US sponsor to be vetted. Move to step 5.
5. Work papers Your DS2019 Work Authorisation papers are requested (this can take two weeks). Once issued, your DS2019 papers will be made available for you to download and print via your online account.
6. US Embassy interview We’ll guide you through arranging and prepping for your US Embassy interview in Dublin. The embassy may have your passport for up to 10 business days.
7. Collect your passport Pick up your passport from DPD in Dublin or have it couriered to your house (additional fee payable at the embassy). Once you have your visa, it’s safe to book your flights and confirm your accommodation (if not part of your job offer).
8. J1 orientation Log on for your pre-departure orientation to meet your in-country sponsor and have all your J1 questions answered. Your sponsor will be there for you 24/7 while you’re in the States.
What's included
Pick the J1 job package that works for you.
Own Job €999 |
Find your own
- J1 application processing
- J1 legal work papers (DS2019)
- Job vetting and approval support
- 5 months’ travel insurance
- Pre-departure J1 orientation
- J1 handbook
- SEVIS fee
- Personal J1 account to make sure everything runs smoothly
- Support from our dedicated J1 team support
USIT Job €1,299 |
J1 job included
Everything the Own Job includes, plus J1 job peace of mind:
- A guaranteed US summer job
- Access to our Job Hub of 1,000+ seasonal jobs where you can search, apply and interview via video for J1 jobs
- Invites to our J1 hiring fairs
- Dedicated J1 job placement manager
What's not included
Travel after your J1
Talk to us about where you can go and what you can do.
Flights
We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved.
Support funds
You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800.
US Embassy fee
This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $215 for Australia passport holders.)
Loving your work
Our team have worked in the US
Not only that, but many of our team disappear on their J1 or camp each summer – returning to our Dublin HQ with fresh intel and inspo about working and travelling in the States. Good job!
How do I get a J1 job in the USA?
|
Work chat
USIT Job
Let us handle it
Your J1 ride or die, we’ve hollered around this rodeo a few times. For 65+ years in fact, so it’s fair to say we have this whole job thing covered. Once you’ve paid your second instalment, you’ll get access to our Job Hub where you can start applying for jobs. We’ll give you an easy-to-use USA resume template, check it once you’ve added your qualifications and loaded it up to your account, and provide any feedback. We’ll then prep you for your job interview. Once hired, we’ll take over and start the process of applying for your sponsorship and sorting the visa paperwork for your embassy appointment. Jobs are filled on a first come first served basis, so if you have a city in mind or are wanting to work in the same city as your mates, apply early.
Own Job
Go your own way
Howdy, lone ranger. If you’ve selected ‘Own Job’ then you’re responsible for finding your own job. Here’s some tips to help get the job done. 1. Start searching USA jobs online and reach out to employers. 2. Choose your location wisely... Travelling with friends? Pick larger cities more likely to have options for you all. 3. Update your CV to be more like an American style resume - tweak the language, layout and explain your Irish qualifications. 4. Get your references ready. US employers love 'em! And personalise every application to suit the role you're applying for. 5. Interview and get hired! From there, we'll help you take care of the boring bits like vetting your job, applying for your sponsorship and helping you sort your embassy appointment.
Meet our Insiders!
The inside scoop on J1
Thinking about a summer J1, but need a feel for what it's actually like? Meet our USIT J1 Insiders - Xav, Aisling and Lisa who did their summer J1 in Florida, Nantucket and New York. Our Insiders are across our channels with all the inside info and intel on what it's like to live and work in America. Watch here and follow @usittravel for more.
The USIT blog
Where to do your summer J1
Decisions decisions
Where to do your J1
City or beach, that is the question! We have J1 jobs available in cities and resorts across America. Shooting the breeze from the Windy City and the summer playground of The Hamptons, we caught up with some of our class of '24 J1-ers on why they chose the locations they did. Getting a summer J1 job in the USA doesn't have to be hard work. Interview and get hired at our virtual J1 hiring days for San Diego J1 jobs on 12 Dec. Plus other J1 hotspots hiring in Dec for jobs in New York, San Francisco, Los Angles and Chicago.
More ways to make it in America
|
We're going to need a bigger bucket...
© GenTAO Ltd trading as USIT is a company registered in Dublin, Ireland with Registered Company No. 670958 and registered address at 29-31 South William St, Dublin, Ireland, D02 EY96.