Live and work in the USA for the summer – with 30 days after to travel. Secure your summer with just a €99 deposit and select ‘USIT Job’ to get access to 1,000+ J1 summer jobs in America.
On the fence?
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Summer in the city
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?
All the J1 jobs in all the right places
We have over 1,000 J1 jobs with tried-and-trusted employers across the States – with more being added each year. Positions range from servers to lifeguards, and are in cities and summer hot spots across the US – including San Diego, New York, San Francisco, Boston, LA, Chicago, Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach and more. 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.
Peace of mind deposit guarantee
The later you book, the fewer jobs will be available and the more chance you have of not securing your J1 visa in time. Cue tears and/or working in the boondocks of America while your friends are bronzing body parts in San Diego. J1 bookings open in July, so start the process early with a €99 deposit. And in the unlikely event you change your mind and decide to stay at home for the summer (* snorts with laughter *) you can transfer your deposit to another USIT program.
The best place to book your J1
The original J1 experts since ‘61, 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 a new customer account to easily access all your documents, more J1 USA employers than ever, and the largest J1 team online and on the phones for dedicated 1-on-1 support. We’re also where you are – hosting virtual and live events on campuses across Ireland where you can get all the J1 intel IRL.
18-30 years
Full-time college student
3-4 months (Jun-Sep)
Get hired by our J1 employers
30 days after to travel
Apply Jul-Mar
from €899
Summer stories
"USIT make the whole thing easy and doable in-between college.
It can be difficult trying to get all the paperwork before you go, but USIT take all the hassle out and keep things smooth. It'll be the best summer of your life for sure!" Áine
Need to know
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 sponsor approves it for the J1 visa program.
Here’s the need to know on who can apply, what jobs you can do and how it all works.
Win back your J1 '24. All early bird bookings and everyone who has booked since 1 Jun '23, will go into a draw to win back their J1 program cost. T&Cs apply.
About the visa
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Who can apply
To be eligible for the J1 visa program, you must be:
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.
Types of jobs
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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 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.
How it works
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The application process
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.
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.
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 €949 | Find your own
Early bird €899
Early bird offer. Book before the 31 Oct and save €50. Was €949, now €899.
USIT Job €1,249 | J1 job included
Early bird €1,199
Early bird offer. Book before the 31 Oct and save €50. Was €1,249 now €1,199.
What's not included
Flights
We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved.
Travel after your J1
Talk to us about where you can go and what you can do.
US Embassy fee
This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $105 for Australia passport holders.)
Support funds
You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800.
Loving your work
All 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!
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Just some of our J1 jobs
J1 summer jobs / 2024 / Florida
Hiring: Sports Attendants, Boca Raton, FL
Jobs available: Fitness and Golf Attendants (5 openings). Pay USD $13/hour. Meals and accommodation provided. Plus, your flights will be reimbursed up to $500 at the end of your contract. Book J1 early to apply.
Jobs available: Fitness and Golf Attendants (5 openings). Pay USD $13/hour. Meals and accommodation provided. Plus, your flights will be reimbursed up to $500 at the end of your contract. Book J1 early to apply.
J1 summer jobs / 2024 / San Diego
Hiring: Surf Instructors, San Diego, CA
Jobs available: Surf Instructors (15 openings). Pay USD $17/hour + tips. Life's a beach when you work in sunny San Diego. These J1 summer positions will get swept up fast, so book J1 early to apply.
Jobs available: Surf Instructors (15 openings). Pay USD $17/hour + tips. Life's a beach when you work in sunny San Diego. These J1 summer positions will get swept up fast, so book J1 early to apply.
J1 summer jobs / 2024 / San Francisco
Hiring: Watersports Instructors, San Fran, CA
Jobs available: Paddleboard and Kayak Instructors (10 openings). Pay USD $17/hour. Use of equipment during time off and social events. These jobs will go fast, so if they float your boat, book J1 early to apply.
Jobs available: Paddleboard and Kayak Instructors (10 openings). Pay USD $17/hour. Use of equipment during time off and social events. These jobs will go fast, so if they float your boat, book J1 early to apply.
J1 summer jobs / 2024 / New York
Hiring: Lifeguards, New York City, NY
Jobs available: Lifeguards (10 openings). Pay USD $17/hour. Included staff housing in the heart of NYC, daily meals and uniform! How do you like those apples? Book J1 early to bag a job in the Big Apple.
Jobs available: Lifeguards (10 openings). Pay USD $17/hour. Included staff housing in the heart of NYC, daily meals and uniform! How do you like those apples? Book J1 early to bag a job in the Big Apple.
J1 summer jobs / 2024 / Boston
Hiring: Ice-cream Servers, Boston, MA
Jobs available. Ice-cream Shop Servers (20 openings). Pay $15/hour + tips. Here's the scoop: generous tips, end of contract bonus and free ice-cream! These sweet jobs won't stick around, so book J1 early to apply.
Jobs available. Ice-cream Shop Servers (20 openings). Pay $15/hour + tips. Here's the scoop: generous tips, end of contract bonus and free ice-cream! These sweet jobs won't stick around, so book J1 early to apply.
J1 summer jobs / 2024 / Chicago
Hiring: Dockhands, Chicago, IL
Jobs available: Dockhands (22 openings). Pay USD $15.50/hour + tips. What's up, dock? Only 22 summer J1 positions working on the water, close to the city. Great if you're travelling solo or with shipmates. Book J1 early to apply.
Jobs available: Dockhands (22 openings). Pay USD $15.50/hour + tips. What's up, dock? Only 22 summer J1 positions working on the water, close to the city. Great if you're travelling solo or with shipmates. Book J1 early to apply.
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.
Summer stories
"My J1 experience was by far the best thing I have ever done!
The places we explored and the people we met were nothing compared to home. I would 100% recommend a visa with USIT, everything was explained clearly and easily." Ciara D
Press play
J1 jobs Chicago
Shooting the breeze on their summer J1s from the Windy City, meet our USIT J1-ers. With tips on where to live, when to book and how to make friends.
Ask the experts
Book a call with USIT
Don’t call us, we’ll call you. All our USIT team have worked the world, so are here for real talk and authentic advice about where you can go and what you can do.
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We're going to need a bigger bucket...
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