What is a J1 visa?

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, we’ve all worked in the US – so are here for firsthand advice on all things America.

Not a student? Check out our Camp USA program instead.

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 working 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, bar a list of locations outlined in our FAQs (that are restricted due to their remote location or lack of affordable accommodation), you can work almost anywhere in the USA so long as your position fits the J1 criteria. J1 jobs in these locations 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 $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 out our FAQs for a list of restricted professions and tips below 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.

Our new online account makes it easy to upload your documents, keep track of your application, and watch handy tips and tricks from our team.

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 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’re 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.