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USIT

We don't spam - we just want to keep you in the loop on the latest work & travel news.

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USIT is Ireland's leading specialist in student travel, work abroad and intern/trainee programmes to the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

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Our brand family

All the J1 intel 

Read 

J1 USA

Travel Talk

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How to make an amazing summer ever better – share it with others!  

My advice for making friends on your J1 in the USA

Need to Know

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Been there spent that. J1-er Niamh gives us the rundown on how to budget for an all-American summer.

Advice for budgeting on your J1 in America

Staff Stories

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USIT Staffers, Aoife and Rob, give us the inside scoop on how they found their J1 accommodation in the USA.

How to find J1 accommodation in the USA

Travel Guides

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Welcome to Newport, where the coffee's on tap and the sunsets slap.

A guide to Newport's best places to visit

Fun Stuff

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From American Football to pickleball, Emma breaks down all the ballgames of Boston.

My experience of Boston's favourite sports

Summer Camp

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Safe travels = happy travels. Team talk from the USIT crew on staying safe on the road. 

Everything you need to know about J1 travel safety

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You honestly had us at earning money and perpetual sunshine. 

Wondering if a summer J1 is right for you? Check out our Top 10 reasons why you should go for it.

10 reasons why every Irish student should do a J1

There's nothing our J1 team don't know about working and playing in the States. From where to travel on your J1 to how to fill out that pesky visa form, our team are legends on the J1 scene. 

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Resident know-it-alls

Balancing profit with purpose, USIT only works for us if it works for others too. We donate 5% of profits to our Youth Access Scholarship Fund so that young people from under-served and lower-income backgrounds can experience working overseas. Find out more and apply for funding [here.](https://www.usit.ie/about-us/#:~:text=world%20go%20around-,Our%20impact,-As%20a%2065)

Good to know

**To apply for J1 USA, 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
- Have a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay with a free double page for your paper visa
- Have proof of an onward flight from the USA
- Be able to provide proof of supporting funds, usually USD $800 in the form of a bank statement


Am I eligible for a J1?

**How long can I work in the US on a J1 visa?**

Depending on your job offer, your J1 visa will allow you to work in the USA from 15 May-15 Sep, with 30 days after to travel. You can do a J1 every year you’re studying – up to three times in total. 

**What's the process to apply for a J1 visa?**

You’re not able to apply for a J1 visa independently, it must be done through a U.S. Department of State approved sponsor. Together with our US sponsors, we provide your sponsorship papers (DS-2019) to work in the USA, apply online for your J1 visa, and attend your in-person embassy appointment – with one-on-one support from our Irish J1 team.  

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About the J1 visa

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Global

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Need academic credit as part of your degree or want to spend the summer or a semester abroad getting ahead? USIT provides the visa sponsorship and placement tools to intern anywhere in the USA for 1-12 months – with 30 days either side to travel.

Internship USA 

18-30 | 2-14 months | Student or grad

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Just graduated? Hats off! Put what’s on paper into practice with a year working in your academic field in America – with the flexibility to find your position when you arrive.

USA Graduate program

18-30 | 1-year | Final year or grad

Grad USA

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Working holiday visa, travel insurance and Vitamin D all included. Plus, your choice of bed nights and job support. Too easy. 

Working holiday visa Australia

USIT Work Australia

18-35 | 1-year | Depart year-round

Work Australia 

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Live and work in New Zealand for up to one year with visa advice, arrival nights, travel insurance, and your future best friends/housemates/life partner (maybe). 

Working holiday New Zealand

Work New Zealand

18-30 | 1-year | Depart year-round

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Want to spend your college summer holidays getting ahead in your career – but don’t want to miss out on an Irish J1? Stand out and see the world with a a professional internship in the USA. 

Visa sponsorship + placement resources

Intern in the USA

Student | 3-8 months | Summer or winter

J1 Career

More ways to work the world

Life's a beach when you're on a Cape Cod J1. Your 'future employer' will be flying over to interview for 25 country club jobs: including beach attendants + retail roles. Staff perks include movie nights, 4th July celebrations + weekly socials. Book J1 USA to secure your interview slot on our Job Hub.

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In-person event | 04 Feb, Dublin (location to be announced soon)

J1 USA | Cape Cod hiring event

Don't worry if you missed our Dublin J1 hiring fair. We still have 100s of J1 jobs on our Job Hub where you can video interview with US employers in all the summer hot spots. Book J1 USA now to secure your preferred job and US city. 

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This event has already happened 

J1 USA | Chicago + San Diego hiring event

Events

Get in touch for all the intel on when to apply, how many spots are left, and what jobs you can do. 

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USIT J1 team 

What is a J1?

What is a J1 sponsor?

What is SEVIS?

What is a DS-2019?

How much is a J1?

How do I confirm a place on the J1 program?

How much money do I need for my J1?

How do I show my proof of funds?

I'm a final year student, am I eligible for a J1?

Can you apply for J1 next summer if you deferred the academic year in college?

How many times can I do a J1?

Where can I go on my J1?

What are the prohibited regions and restricted job locations for a J1?

Can I decide my US location after applying?

What are the dates that I can work on a J1?

Do I need a summer job before I go on my J1?

What types of jobs can I do on my J1?

What jobs are prohibited on a J1 visa?

Can I apply for jobs with my friends?

Can I change my J1 job when I'm in the US?

Can I work more than one job on my J1?

Can I leave the US during my J1 visa?

What if I need to return to Ireland to repeat exams?

Will I get taxed on my J1 earnings?

Can I stay in the US after my J1 or extend my visa?

What is a Social Security Number (SSN)?

I have been arrested/convicted of a crime/drink driving offence

Do you organise flights for me?

Is accommodation included on my J1?

Do I need to buy travel insurance?

Should I wait until I get my new passport to complete my application? 

What is the mandatory US sponsor online orientation?

How do you organise the US Embassy appointment?

Ask a question 

We’ve got answers

J1 jobs

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More popular than a spice bag at midnight, for summer ‘25, J1 bookings closed in Feb as we’d reached our program capacity. Only once you’ve accepted your J1 job, paid your balance, and we’ve issued your sponsorship papers is your spot for summer '26 secure – so no dilly dallying! 

This is your FOMO warning...

Secure your summer ‘26 spot

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Share your community code with friends and followers, and when they pay in full, **they'll get €30 off their program cost and you'll get €50 in the bank!** 

*Good travel karma for recommending an awesome summer is also included.

Find all the details on applying for your code in your online account. 

Refer friends + followers to... 

Earn €€ towards your J1

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The ‘slightly more studious’ sidekick to our legendary J1 USA program, J1 Career has all the summertime fun of a J1 – but with a 5-month internship instead of a hospitality, retail or tourism job. 

Looking to intern instead this summer? 

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Looking for a little pre or post trip action? We've teamed up with Contiki to bring you the ultimate work and travel dream team. Check your online account to access your 10% off code. 

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Friends = benefits

Unlock 10% off Contiki when you book with USIT 

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The ultimate summer job abroad – spend your summer living, working and travelling in the US on a USIT J1. Job hunting minus the hustle – access 1,000+ jobs in Chicago, NYC, San Diego, Boston + more. Start your summer now with a €99 deposit!

J1 job, insurance + visa sponsorship included

J1 visa guide 

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J1 USA | Summer in the States

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The best thing to happen to Irish students since subsidised SU bars, an Irish J1 visa is the ultimate way to earn and explore every summer you’re at college. From Chicago to Cape Cod, you’ll get to live and work where the tourists pay to go with a 2-3 month summer job in America – with 30 days after to travel.

What is a J1 visa in America?

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J1 since 1961, we're Ireland's original J1 experts. Our Irish team do the works: providing the J1 application processing, work papers, J1 job, medical insurance, embassy booking and expert guidance on every aspect of your J1 – from travel safety to accommodation advice. Basically, all the ingredients you need to have an unforgettable summer in the USA.  

Why choose USIT for your J1?

When it comes to supporting thousands of J1-ers each year, size matters. We have the largest J1 team in Ireland for start-to-finish support. Travellers ourselves, we know how important this summer is for you – and we work our beach balls off to make it happen.