12 Month USA Work Programme

The new 12 month USA Intern Work Programme (IWT) agreed between the governments of Ireland and the United States is now open for applications through USIT.
The programme gives you an opportunity to work for a year in a field related to your studies and allows you the flexibility to search for that position after you arrive in the US. Be sure to read the terms and conditions relating to this aspect of the programme before you apply!

Unfortunately, there has been much confusion about eligibility. You must either attend/ have attended (within the past 12 months) a post-secondary institution as a full time student, within the 32 counties of Ireland, and be studying towards/ have obtained a qualification recognised as the equivalent to level 6 of the Irish Higher Education System in order to qualify. In addition, it is important that you carefully read the details regarding what you must do when you get to the US and obtain a position. You need to carefully and fully comply with the regulations. However, it is very straight forward to apply and obtain a place as long as you are eligible.

This programme allows a flexible way to find work once you arrive in the US.

Application Form

Register your interest

Eligibility

• You must be 18 years or over and the holder of an Irish Passport
• You must either be a student or recent graduate from a full time course (within 12 months of graduation)
• You must either attend/ have attended (within the past 12 months) a post-secondary institution as a full time student, within the 32 counties of Ireland, and be studying towards/ have obtained a qualification recognised as the equivalent to level 6 of the Irish Higher Education System.

How do I apply?

• Forms are available in Store in all Usit branches as well as a downloadable application form.
• You must get this formed stamped from your college and submit completed form with supporting documentation to Usit with the following fees. Please read the terms and conditions on the form for more information.

Please read the terms and conditions on the form for more information.

Costs

Includes:

• 12 months Work USA Programme Fee €699
• 12 months comprehensive Work & Travel Insurance €300
• SEVIS $180
• Flights - you must book your flights through any USIT branch or via the USIT call centre.
• Mandatory US Embassy Interview fee $131

Very Important POST Departure Information

It is essential that prior to applying and paying for the programme, that you understand the steps and process you must comply with once in the US which you will find on the application form (especially the terms and conditions). Included are the following:

• The position you find once you have arrived in the US must be related to your field of study. (We do not know how liberal an interpretation of your field of study will be acceptable just yet!)
• Your US Employer will be required to complete a Form DS-7002
• This form must be submitted to CIEE, your US Sponsoring organisation, for vetting and approval before you will be granted authorisation to commence your work placement.
• As with all US work visas, you will also be required to update SEVIS (the Student Exchange Visitor Information System) with your permanent address in the US and confirmation of commencement of job search, within 10 days of arrival.

Please note, CIEE are obliged to do checks with your host company every 60 days to ensure that the position you are placed in is offering you a training that is related to your field of study.

In summary, applying and obtaining a place on the programme is very straight forward. However you need to become familiar with the compliance end as above once you’ve arrived in the US. Your sponsor CIEE will be available on hand with a helpline number to answer any questions you may have. It is crucial that you comply with all the regulations so that you do not jeopardize your current and future status and opportunities to work and travel in the US.

FAQ's

How long will my application take to process once I submit the forms with payment?

6 weeks approximately

Do I have to enter the US before my 12 months from Graduation has passed or is it sufficient submit my application before that date?

No, you must arrive in the US and have your DS-2019 start date within 12 months of Graduation date. You cannot travel after the 12 months has passed.

How long will I have to find a job once I arrive?

When you arrive in the US you need to register your details in SEVIS within 10 days and then stay in regular touch with your programme sponsor CIEE about your job search. We haven't been advised of a time limit that you need to find a job by in the US.

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