Top 5 tips for preparing for a J1 Trainee visa to New York

Moving to NYC is a big change. The taxis are yellow, pizzas are supersized and, for a city that doesn't sleep, the locals are incredibly friendly.

Designed for graduates and non-graduates to accelerate their training with a professional placement for up to 18 months in the USA, Eamonn shares his top tips for moving across the pond on our USIT Trainee USA program.

The process can be overwhelming at first. From navigating visa paperwork and finding accommodation to adapting to a completely new culture, there’s a lot to take in. But it's is an incredible opportunity, one that brings with it excitement, personal growth, and the chance to gain valuable international experience.

Having gone through this journey myself, I’ve learned that good preparation makes all the difference. Below are my top five tips for anyone preparing to move to New York on a Trainee USA visa. They’re based on my own experience and the lessons I learned along the way, both before I arrived and during my time settling into life in the city that never sleeps.

1. Understand your visa and training program

Before anything else, take time to really understand your visa category and its requirements. The J1 Trainee visa has specific conditions that must be met, so it’s worth reading through everything carefully. Make sure you know your start and end dates, what documentation you’ll need, and any limitations that apply to your visa.

Equally important is familiarising yourself with your training plan and the company that will be hosting you. This will outline what you’ll be doing during your placement – the skills you develop, the departments you’ll work in, and the stages of your training. Knowing this in advance helps you feel more confident going into your role. I found that researching the company’s background and main areas of work gave me a much clearer picture of what to expect.

2. Plan your finances

New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive. Financial planning is crucial. Before leaving, make sure you have enough savings to cover at least your first two to three months of expenses. Between housing deposits, transport costs, groceries, and setting up essentials like a phone plan or metro card, your initial outgoings can add up quickly. If your host company offers a stipend, remember that it might take a few weeks after your arrival before your first payment comes through. A financial buffer will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on settling in rather than stressing about money.

It also helps to create a simple budget. Track your weekly spending and find ways to save where possible. For example, by cooking at home rather than eating out or by getting a monthly unlimited MetroCard if you’ll be commuting daily. These small habits can make a big difference over time.

3. Secure accommodation and learn about your neighbourhood

Finding accommodation in New York can be one of the biggest challenges, especially when you’re new to the city and unsure where to start. My best advice is to use every available resource. In my case, I reached out to the Aisling Irish Centre in Yonkers, which was a huge help. They provided guidance and local contacts that made the process much easier. Many community organisations like this support newcomers and are well-connected in their local areas.

When researching neighbourhoods, consider factors like rent prices, safety, and your daily commute to work. Yonkers, for example, offers a quieter, more residential environment compared to Manhattan, but it’s still close enough to the city by train. You’ll also want to look into public transportation options – the subway, bus routes, and nearby stations – since these will be a big part of your daily routine.

The more you know about your neighbourhood before you move, the smoother your adjustment will be. If possible, join online community pages or expat forums to ask questions and get real feedback from people already living there.

4. Get involved and build connections

One of the best decisions I made after arriving in New York was joining a local GAA club. It gave me an instant sense of community and belonging. Being surrounded by people with shared interests and familiar backgrounds made the transition to life abroad much easier. Through the club, I met people who offered advice, friendship, and support – everything from tips on where to shop to invitations to social events.

Getting involved in local clubs, sports teams, or community groups is one of the fastest ways to meet people and create a social network. It also helps you feel connected to something beyond work. New York can feel overwhelming at times because of its size and pace, but once you find your circle, it starts to feel like home.

5. Explore and embrace the city

Finally, make the most of every opportunity to explore and experience everything New York has to offer. It’s a city of endless variety – each borough has its own personality and charm. Spend weekends visiting landmarks like Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty, but also take time to discover the lesser-known neighbourhoods, cafes, and parks that locals love. Learning about US holidays and cultural traditions will also help you integrate more fully.

Use your time off to travel – whether it’s a short trip upstate or a weekend visit to nearby cities like Boston or Philadelphia. These experiences not only help you understand the culture but also make your time in America unforgettable.

Most importantly, embrace the adventure with an open mind. Moving abroad can be challenging, but every challenge brings growth. From navigating public transport to learning how to adapt to new work practices, each step helps you develop resilience and independence.

Preparing for the USIT Trainee USA program in New York does take effort, but it’s worth every bit of planning. Understanding your visa, organising your finances, finding the right accommodation, building connections, and exploring your new surroundings will set you up for success.

For me, support from the Irish community in Woodlawn, the Aisling Irish Centre and my local GAA club played a huge role in helping me settle in and feel part of a community. A new city or country may be vast and fast-moving, but with the right preparation and mindset, it quickly starts to feel like home.

Looking to grow your skillset, learn from leaders in your industry, and get world-class experience that will accelerate your career opportunities when you return to Ireland? The internship experts, our USIT team will run through everything you need to know about the visa, traineeship requirements and vetting process – with step-by-step guidance throughout the process. Book a call now to discuss your options.