12 Month USA Work Programme - FAQ's

General
Eligibility
Payment
Financial Support Evidence
Passport
Visa
Immigration & Travel
Work, Social Security & Taxes
Insurance
Flights

Q1: When can I apply?

A: You can apply anytime of the year. However the processing time of your application will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks, so plan for this when you apply.

Q2: How much does the programme cost?

A: Please contact us at iwt@usit.ie or refer to the Cost page.

Q3: What does this price cover?

A: Processing of application; transfer of all relevant documents to CIEE in Portland; Participant Handbook; Issue of DS-2019; US Embassy appointment arranged for ROI applicants; Dispatch of all Visa Application forms, including samples; 24 hour emergency service in the USA.

Q4: What does the SEVIS fee cover?

A: The Sevis fee is charged by the US Government in order to maintain the SEVIS system. The SEVIS system generates your DS-2019 and serves as a tracking system/database while you are in the US. There are more details regarding the SEVIS system in the programme handbook and materials you receive when you are approved for the programme.

Q5: How long before I can go? Can this be expedited?

A: The processing time of your application to the IWT Programme will be approx. 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit all necessary documentation. Unfortunately it is difficult to guarantee the processing times for the IWT due to SEVIS waiting periods and Interview Appointment availability at the US Embassy/Consulate. Due to this we do not accept applications with a departure date less than 8 weeks away. If your application is processed in less time you can re-arrange your flights for an earlier date provided your J1 visa is issued by that date.

Q6: Can I go to the US and apply from there?

A: Unfortunately, no. You need to be in Ireland for a majority of the process for several reasons. The main reason is that if you have spent too much time in the US prior to attending your Interview at the US Embassy/Consulate they will look at your application more suspiciously and you will run a greater risk of rejection. We also need to be able to contact you if there are any problems with your application, so they can be dealt with immediately. You also must attend your US Embassy/Consulate interview yourself in person in Ireland.

Q7. Do I have to enter the US before my 12 months from Graduation has passed or is it sufficient to just submit my application before that date?

A. 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.

Eligibility - Internship USA:

Q1: Is the IWT USA Work Programme open to all Irish Nationals?

A: No. You need to be a full-time post secondary student or a recent graduate (within 12 months) from a recognised ROI or NI college/University. All applicants must show proof of return to Ireland.

Q2: I hold an Irish passport and/or live in Ireland but studied in the UK. Am I eligible?

A: No. You must be registered or be within 12 months of graduation from a University within the 32 counties of Ireland.

Q3: I am a 32 year-old student. Am I eligible?

A: Yes, as long as you meet all eligibility requirements. The upper age limit for the programme is around 40 due to US recommendations.

Q4: Is the IWT USA Work programme only open to Irish nationals?

A: Yes, you must be a holder of an Irish Passport to apply for the programme.

Q5: I already went to the US with a J1 Work and Travel visa. Can I still apply for the IWT programme?

A: Of course. Regardless of how many times you went to the US with a J1 Work and Travel visa, you can still apply for up to 12 months for a J1 IWT visa provided you meet all eligibility requirements. You will need to provide a copy of that previous J1 Visa and previous IAP-66/DS-2019 when you apply. Please note that you cannot return to the US on an Intern J1 until you have been out of the US for 90 days.

Q6: I already went to the US on an Internship programme. Can I apply for this new programme now?

A: Yes, provided you meet all eligibility requirements and your new IWT programme will impart an advanced level of skills or grant exposure to new areas and that you are out of the US for a min of 90 days between J1 Visas.

Q7: I've finished my internship and would like to begin the IWT programme while in the US. Is this possible?

A: No, you must return to Ireland to make the application for the new programme. Please note you must meet all programme eligibility requirements and will have to remain in Ireland for a minimum of 90 days between the visas. If you wish to apply as a PCT, you will have to meet all eligibility requirements and will have to remain out of the US on any type of ‘work’ visa for 2 years.

Q8: Can students currently on other visa types studying
in the US apply for the programme?

A: No, you are not permitted to change visa classes while in the US; you would need to return to your country of permanent residence in order to apply for a new visa. The US Embassy/Consulate may query you on why you wish to spend so much time in the US.

Q9: Can applicants take up unpaid positions as interns in the US?

A: Yes, however they must be able to provide firm evidence that they will have access to at least USD$750 per month in order to support themselves throughout the entire period of their stay in the US. This can be in the form of a guarantor in Ireland or through proof of savings. Please note you CANNOT hold any other employment while in the US.

Q10: Are students who have taken a year-out eligible for the programme?

A: Yes and No. Students whose course contains a mandatory period of work experience are eligible for the IWT Programme provided they apply for the programme while still enrolled as a full-time student and/or their university still considers them enrolled as a full-time student during this period.

Q11: If I'm on the US Summer Work and Travel Programme and I want to stay on in the US, can I apply to go directly on the IWT Programme?

A: NO! As with the US Summer Work & Travel Programme, the IWT visa is a J1 class visa, and it is not possible to have two J1 visas running back to back concurrently. US immigration regulations state that there must be a 90-day break between J class visas. As such, if a participant on the US Summer Work & Travel Programme wants to apply for the IWT programme, they must return home to Ireland to do so and then must not re-enter the US any less than 90 days later. You can begin the application process for the IWT programme before this 90 days is up, but you will not be able to enter the US until the 90 days have expired.

Payment:

Q1: When do I have to pay for my programme fee? For my insurance? For my flights?

A: You must pay your programme, and SEVIS fees at time of application. You will need to book and pay for your flights and Insurance once you have received notification from USIT that your DS-2019 has been issued. We are unable to release your DS-2019 to you until your flights and insurance have been booked and paid in full - failure to do this could delay your US Embassy appointment and ultimately your departure for the US. Make sure that when booking your flight you are aware of all restrictions on your ticket!

Q2: Why do I have to pay a visa fee also?

A: The Visa Application Fee is a separate fee that the US State Department requires from you in order for them to process your paperwork. This fee is paid directly to the US Embassy and has nothing to do with either USIT or CIEE.

Q3: What does the programme fee cover?

A: See above. General, Q3.

Q4: What is the SEVIS fee? Do I have to pay it?

A: SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS was implemented post 9/11 in order to allow the US Government to track the location of all participants on student exchange based programmes, including the IWT programme. The system is now fully implemented and the US Government has levied a fee to cover the administrative costs of the system. You must pay this fee in order to obtain your J1 visa from the US Embassy/Consulate. USIT/CIEE arrange payment for you and will supply you with a SEVIS receipt (I-797 or I-901) with your DS-2019 before your appointment with the US Embassy/Consulate.

Q5: How long before I get my visa?

A: The processing time is generally 6 to 8 weeks, however it can take more or less time depending on your individual application. You should receive your DS-2019 about 2 weeks before your US Embassy/Consulate appointment, provided you have booked your flights, and your J1 Visa within 5 business days of your Interview.

Q6: What are the cancellation fees?

A: You have a 14 day cooling off period from the date you submit your application to get a full refund of the programme SEVIS and Insurance fees The flight cancellation fee depends completely on the type of fare purchased and the amount of time before departure date.

Financial Support Evidence:

Q1: Why do I have to submit a bank statement to the US Embassy/Consulate?

A: You must submit a bank statement to the US Embassy/Consulate and at US Immigration in order to prove that you can support yourself and will not pose a burden on the US Government. Keep in mind that you should have sufficient start up funds (min $1500) as your first pay cheque may not become available to you until you’ve been there for a little while.

Q2: I do not have a current account bank statement but I have a Visa credit limit of more than €400. Is that OK?

A: Unfortunately no, the US Government feels a bank statement is the best and most accurate way of reflecting your financial status. Please ask your bank to provide you with a bank statement before you attend your Interview at the US Embassy. Your statement should be dated within the last 30 days.

Q3: Will still need to show proof of funds to US Immigration??

A: Yes, US immigration can decide to allow or not allow you into the US even if the US Embassy has granted your visa, so we recommend that you have another set of these documents when going through US Immigration.

Passport:

Q1: What if I don't have a valid passport at the time of application?

A: You MUST have a valid passport at the time of application. We will need to check the dates of your passport, which must remain valid throughout your stay in the US. We also have to match your passport to all of your documents in order to have your DS-2019 printed correctly.

Q2: My passport validity will expire while I am in the US? Is that OK?

A: No your passport must be valid for your entire stay. If it is not you will either need to apply for a new passport with the appropriate validity or change the dates of your Internship to fit into your current passport's validity.

Q3: My passport has been stolen and I only have an emergency 1-year replacement passport. Can I go in the US with it?

A: You can go to the US with it as long as its validity covers your entire stay in the US and your J-1 Visa is issued into it.

Visa:

Q1: When do I get my visa?

A: You will be able to apply for your J1 Visa after you have received your DS2019. After you have received your DS2019, you will need to attend an Interview at the US Embassy/Consulate where they will vet your application and issue your Visa if it is approved. The US Embassy (within 5 days of your Interview) will post your documents to you. USIT arranges your interview for you if you are residing in the Republic of Ireland – you will be notified of this in your ‘Welcome Pack’. If you are a Northern Irish applicant you will have to arrange your own interview, details on how to do this will be in your ‘Welcome Pack’

Q2: How do I apply for my J-1 visa?

A: Once your DS2019 has been issued you will attend a scheduled interview at the US Embassy/Consulate. USIT will arrange your appointment for you and will notify you of your appointment date and time in the cover letter to your 'Welcome Pack'. Your 'Welcome Pack' will be sent to you shortly after we receive your completed documents and will detail the documents and information required for your US Embassy/Consulate interview. Your DS-2019 will be issued to you shortly before your appointment date provided you have booked and paid for your flights and insurance and there have not been any delays in processing your application.

Q3: I am going to the US for the full duration, do I really need ‘Return Evidence’?

A: Yes, the US Embassy/Consulate require that all participants supply a letter of Return Evidence to illustrate that you are returning to Ireland once your programme is completed. This can be a letter showing an intention to return to studies or to a job here in Ireland. You MUST have this, if you do not your application will be rejected. This programme is a temporary exchange visitor programme and should not be viewed as a springboard to stay in the US permanently.

Q4: What is a DS-2019 form?

A: It is the 'Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status', which is the document that entitles you to apply for a J1 Visa. You cannot obtain a J1 Visa without a DS-2019. Similarly your J-1 visa is not valid without your DS-2019. Only the two documents together grant you permission to live and work in the US.

Q5: Should I keep a copy of my DS-2019 while I am in the US?

A: YES! You must keep your original DS2019 in a safe place and with you throughout your stay in the US and you will need to take it with you if you travel outside of the country. We also recommend that you keep a photocopy of this and all of your travel documents in a safe place just in case something happens to them.

Q6: I have lost my DS-2019. Does it matter?

A: YES! If you lose your DS2019 while you are still in Ireland contact USIT straight away and we will arrange getting a replacement for you. If you lose it while you are in the US you will need to contact CIEE straight away. You may have to pay a fee for the issuance of a new document.

Q7: How long can I stay on a J-1 IWT visa?

A: You can avail of a J-1 IWT visa for a maximum of 12 months. The 12 months is the maximum period you can spend in the US

Q8: Can participants apply to extend their period of internship after they've travelled out to the US?

A: The IWT programme is valid for 12 months and your work papers will reflect this. You cannot extend past 12 months.

Q9: Can I apply directly to the US Embassy?

A: No. You must be a registered participant on a US Government authorised work exchange programme or have other official US Visa documentation for other visa types. The US Embassy does not issue work visas (J1) without the necessary Work Authorisation from a US Government approved legal sponsor. CIEE is the approved legal sponsor of our programme and can issue such Authorisations - the DS-2019. Without a DS-2019 you cannot apply for a J1 visa.

Q10: Can I study in the US while on Internship visa?

A: No. The regulations on this programme do not allow you to study at a US institution while there.

Immigration & Travel:

Q1: May participants leave the US during their period on the programme??

A: Provided you have a valid multiple entry J-1 visa stamped into your passport you may leave and return to the USA as many times as you wish as long as you get your DS-2019 signed before departure or obtain a ‘letter of good standing’ from CIEE. Please also note that your DS-2019, J-1 visa, and passport must be valid in order to re-enter the U.S. Lastly, make sure it states "M" under "Entries" on your J-1 Visa. If it states "S" or "1," you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. to finish your trainee program. Please check your visa before you depart for the US and be sure to raise any questions on this by emailing iwt@usit.ie

Q2: Can I go to Canada / Mexico for a few days?

A: Yes, but you will have to follow the procedures outlined above as these rules apply to any travel outside the US.

Q3: Can I come back home for a holiday during my internship?

A: Yes, but you will have to follow the procedures outlined above as these rules apply to any travel outside the US and you will have to do this before your DS-2019 and J1 visa expiry dates. Please note, if you return to Ireland your insurance will not cover you for your stay in Ireland. Any trip home over 30 days will invalidate your insurance altogether and you will have to purchase a new insurance policy before you return to the us.

Work, Social Security & Taxes:

Q1. How long will I have to find a job once I arrive?

A. A lot of people think they only have 30 days? This is not the case. When you enter the US, you must have on your posession USD $1500, which is the equivalent of 2 months salary (the minimum amount you can earn is $750 per month). If you have not found a placement within your first 2 months, you will be asked to provide CIEE with additional statements of financial security, to show that you have enough money to support yourself while you remain in the US. Again, you will be asked to show proof that you will have access to a minimum of $750 for each month you stay in the US without working. The best advice we can offer you is that you stay in regular contact with CIEE during this time, as they are your support network while in the US.

Q2. Does the position in the US have to be an Internship placement?

A. Yes, you must gain employment that relates to your field of study and this must be a training that you are going to receive. It cannot be unskilled, and must not be purely to fill a labour need.

Q3: Do I have to have an internship before I go to the US?

A: No, this programme has been designed to allow you enter the US without prior employment arrangements.

Q4: My position is unpaid or I am paid less than US$750 per month. How do I show that I will be able to support myself while in the US?

A: With your initial job application you will need to submit an original or certified copy of a bank statement showing access to $750 multiplied by the number of months you will be in the US or a letter from a guarantor here in Ireland stating that they will support you. If you have a guarantor then the information for the US Sponsor, CIEE will need to be more detailed and you may be asked to submit bank statements or pay slips from your guarantor.

Q5: Do all applicants have to pay the Host Company Vetting fee? What does this cover?

A: Not all participants will have to pay the Host Company Vetting fee. Only participants going to a Host Company that does not fit one of the following criteria will have to pay this fee: an annual turnover of US$3 million, a full-time staff of at least 25, or previously hosted an intern or trainee through CIEE in the last 3 years. This fee covers the actual extra costs involved in completing the physical site visit to your companies location.

Q6: Can I change job during my internship?

A: No. The sponsorship of CIEE for your internship is specifically granted in relation to the employment that is approved once you arrive in the US. Only under very specific circumstances will you be able to change employer (e.g.: you've been fired/terminated/made redundant). If you are having a serious problem with your internship provider you may also apply for a change of internship. Make sure to contact CIEE straight away if you are having problems with your employer. In any case do not quit/change job without prior approval by CIEE. This could otherwise result in the withdrawal of sponsorship.

Q7: Am I allowed to hold a second job during
my traineeship?

A: No. The US regulations on this programme prohibit holding any other job while you are over on this Visa. If you do so you risk losing your Sponsorship and Visa and may be deported from the US.

Q8: Are there any jobs I'm NOT allowed to do?

A: YES! Medical, veterinary, health, childcare and housekeeper positions are not authorised under the J-1 Internship visa. There are also some positions that fall under the US Government's 'Unskilled Occupation' list.

Q9: My internship is not paid. Is that OK?

A: YES! However you must complete all of the relevant documentation on the Financial Sponsorship form and you will need to furnish the US Sponsor, CIEE with proof of funds and a letter from your financial sponsor stating the amount of money they will furnish you with and how they will get it to you while you are in the US.

Q10: Are participants on the Internship USA programme liable for taxes in the US?

A: Yes, participants are responsible for paying ALL income taxes, which apply to your area. However, you do not have to pay Social Security, Medicare or Federal Unemployment Taxes.

Q11: What forms will I need to file my tax return?

A: Before you can file your tax return you will need to obtain a W-2 from your Host Company. US Employers are required to post these to all employees no later than 31 January every year, so you should receive this by mid-February. Make sure that your Host Company has your correct address. The 1040NR-EZ is the form you must complete for your Federal taxes. You will also need to obtain your W-2 form from your employer at the end of the year. If you paid any State or Local taxes, you will need to get any State/ Local tax forms that are applicable to you - these can often be obtained via the web or through local government offices in your area of the US.

A: You can obtain all Federal tax forms from the IRS web site: www.irs.gov . You may also obtain the federal tax form from the American Embassy outside of the U.S. To obtain State tax forms, look in the "blue pages" of any local telephone book in the U.S. to find your state tax office address. Local libraries, post offices and town/city halls also may have state, federal and local tax forms.

Q12: My only compensation is room and board. Do I have to pay taxes on that?

A: We advise that you ask your employer for a statement at the end of your employment (I.e. W-2 or 1099 form) stating the amount of compensation for that period of time, mentioning that this was compensated through room and board. NOTE: All IWT Programme participants should apply for a Social Security Card and file a tax return at the end of the year, regardless of whether they have received regular payment/compensation or not. This is beneficial to the participants, in case they want to come back to the U.S. in the future, so that they have proof that they followed the regulations while here on CIEE's program.

Q13: Do I have to apply for a social security number if my traineeship is unpaid?

A: Yes. Whether you are paid or not you are 'employed.' The company you train with will also have to have a social security number for you for tax purposes.

Insurance:

Q1: Do I have to buy the insurance with USIT?

A: Our insurance is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the US Sponsors and Government, however you can submit an alternative insurance policy. Your policy must meet certain requirements for coverage. If it is approved you do not have to purchase our insurance. You can request an Alternative Insurance request form by email from iwt@usit.ie.

Q2: What does the programme insurance cover me for?

A: Cancellation and curtailment; Emergency Medical Responses and Repatriation; Baggage and Personal Effects; Travel Delay and Holiday Abandonment; Hijack; Missed Departure; Personal Accident; Personal Liability; Student Loan; Legal Expenses; Exam Failure; Loss of Earnings; Programme Participation Costs in certain cases where a return to Ireland is necessary; Government Travel Advice and certain Hazardous Pursuits are all things that are covered to varying degrees on the IWT Insurance Policy. For further details or specified information regarding the policy you will need to refer to your policy.

Q3: I am booking my flight with my credit card. Do I need to buy insurance?

A: Yes.

Q4: Can I go with an alternative insurance?

A: Yes, however the coverage needs to cover your entire stay in the US and there are other specifications that it must fit before it can be approved. You must submit a copy of your entire policy and certificate of insurance to USIT with an Alternative Insurance request form. This form can be obtained by request from iwt@usit.ie

Flights:

Q1: Can I book my flights to anywhere in the US?

A: Yes, you can travel to anywhere in the US.

Q2: Can I book my flights with another travel agency?

A: No, you must book your flights with USIT, this is so we have all of your travel information to provide to the US Government and Sponsors, as well as the Insurance provider. It's also more beneficial as you can purchase tickets that can be changed for a nominal fee in case you run into problems with obtaining all of the necessary paperwork to travel on your traineeship. Make sure that you are aware of all fees and rules that may apply to your specific ticket.

Q3: I am entitled to concession travel because a member of my family works for an airline. Is that okay?

A: Yes, however you will have to provide us with a letter from the airline stating that you are entitled to concession travel and that you will not travel outside of your insurance dates. You can request the Concession Travel form by emailing internshipusa@usit.ie