A. The J-1 Summer Work and Travel Programme allows full-time third level students to enter the US on a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. This programme allows you to travel to the USA and work there legally for up to four months starting from the dates printed on your DS-2019 (in box 3) and ending no later than 10th October 2008. After your DS-2019 expires you may stay in the US but only as a tourist for a maximum of 30 days.

Q. Who are CIEE?

A. CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) are the J1 US Sponsor. On behalf of the US Government, CIEE issue all DS-2019 Work Authorisation Documents for USIT’s J-1 participants. As the largest and most experienced US J1 Sponsor they are well placed to provide the highest level of support services for all USIT participants after their arrival in the US. They can be contacted via telephone at 1-888-COUNCIL or by e-mail at contact@ciee.org.
For more information about CIEE and how they help J-1 participants you can check out their website, www.ciee.org.

Q. What is SEVIS?

A. SEVIS is a computerised system used by The US Department of Homeland Security to collect, maintain and manage information about international foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay in the USA. All J-1 participants must register with SEVIS within the first 20 days of their programme commencing (the programme start date will be stated on your DS-2019 form in box 3). Failure to register within this time frame can lead to serious consequences for the individual. Please refer to the J1 handbook for more detailed information about SEVIS registration, etc.

Q. What is a DS-2019?

A. The DS-2019 is the official document that allows participants to work legally while on the J-1 Summer Work and Travel Programme and it is issued by our sponsor CIEE on behalf of the US Government. It is only valid for work when accompanied by the J-1 visa which is stamped into your passport by the US Embassy

The DS-2019 will state the exact time period in which each J-1 participant can work in the USA (e.g. 2nd June until 1st October 2008). The last date participants can work in the USA is 10th October 2008, any start date after 11th June 2008 will automatically have this end date. Participants cannot work after the end date on their DS-2019 (e.g. 1st October) but they can remain in the USA for a further 30 days as a tourist. These additional 30 days are for travel purposes within mainland USA only!

Application Information

Q. When do I apply?

A.The 2008 J1 Summer Work and Travel Programme is now open. You can apply online or call 08456001316 for further info. The first thing we suggest you do is apply for a valid passport if your passport will expire in the near future or if it is not in pristine condition.

Q. Where can I go?

A. You can travel to anywhere in the USA provided you book your flights through USIT. Hundreds of options are available - why don't you do something totally different for the summer - work at a beach resort in Honolulu, a hotel in Anchorage, an amusement park in Orlando, a restaurant in Seattle, a diner in Ohio… you have 50 states to choose from!

Q. How many times can I go on the J1 Summe Work & Travel Programme?

A. There is no limit to the number of times you get a J1 Summer Work and Travel Visa. Once you still qualify under the eligibility section, you can go as many times as you want!

Q. Do I need a job to apply?

A.NO

Online Orientation

Q. What is the Online Orientation?

A. The Online Orientation is a mandatory requirement of the programme. All students must complete the Online Orientation before they travel on the J-1 programme or risk your programme sponsorship being withdrawn. For 2nd / 3rd/ 4th time participants, it is also mandatory to complete an online orientation; however it is less detailed than the 1st timer Orientation.

The Orientation link will be emailed directly from CIEE to all students before their departure. In this email there will be a personalised Username and Password which will be required when entering the web link.

Proof of Funds

Q. Do I have to show Proof of Funds when I am entering the US?

A. On departure from th UK , all participants must be able to show the US Immigration Officers that they are self sufficient. The US Immigration Officers will request to see your ‘Proof of Funds’. If you have a job arranged before your departure you must be able to provide the minimum of $475 as Proof of Funds. If you do not have a job arranged before your departure you must provide the minimum of $950.

Proof of Funds will only be accepted in the form of traveler’s cheques. US Officials will not accept bank statements or credit cards as a valid form of funding. Please contact the Programmes Department (programmes@usit.ie) if you require more information.

Q. Can I stay in the USA after my J1 Visa expires?

A. Yes, but only as a tourist for a maximum of 30 days. You can not work during this period. You may not leave the US and re-enter on your J1 visa during this period.

Working in America

Q. Do I need a job before I go?

A. NO. However, programme regulations do require 50% of participants to have a pre-arranged job. Therefore, if you have a job before you go, please send your job offer to USIT on the USIT/CIEE Employer Offer Agreement Form and we can reduce your required funding when entering the US from US$950 to US$475.
Should I get a job before I go?
USIT strongly advise you to make every effort to pre-arrange a job before you travel. This is especially true if you want to work in highly populated areas, the west coast and big cities in the USA.

Q. What are the advantages in pre-arranging employment?

A. The advantages are huge, below are a few of the main ones:

You beat the other approx 40,000 participants coming from all over the world to the better jobs.
You know in advance where you will be located in the USA and can make an early start on looking for accommodation in your area.
You won’t have to wait until you have a Social Security number (SSN) to be sure of employment.
You will start earning within two weeks of starting your job.

Q. How can I find a job before going?

A. USIT will provide a jobs listing database on the www.j1online.ie website (live early Dec). Also your Programme Handbook, which you will get when you pay in full, will list websites and publications and other resources that you can use as leads.

Q. What kind of jobs can I do?

A. There are few restrictions to the type of work you can do. Most students work in tourism, sales or administration, finding jobs in tourist resorts, amusement parks, hotels, country clubs, golf clubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and offices. If you have a particular skill for example in computing, business etc you may find an employer willing to take you on for a paid summer internship. However, as you are only permitted to work for 4 months on this visa, it can be difficult to secure a position of a professional nature relating to an academic field of study.
There are some areas of work which are not covered by the J1 Visa and these include:

Au Pair, Mother's Helper, Child Carer, Nanny, Babysitter, Maid or other jobs of a domestic nature in private homes.
Child Care of any kind.
Medical Services (medical interns or anything involving hands-on therapy, counselling, administering treatment or making diagnoses of medical, psychiatric or psychological patients).
Veterinary Science (making medical diagnoses or administering treatment to animals).
Teaching as: Language teacher or Teaching assistant or a full-fledged trained teacher
Coaching positions or as a Personal Trainer
Beauty Therapy jobs, including massage, hairdressing, manicurist positions or any jobs involving 'hands-on' therapy of any kind.
Camp Counsellor.
Crew member on ship on aeroplane or as pilots.
Certain Casino Positions.
Pyramid-selling.
Employment with a Staffing agency.
Commission only positions.
Adult Industry positions.
Positions involving any start up fee to the participant or with a travelling concession business.

Q. Can I change my job while in the USA?

A. Yes but the Programme Regulations require participants to inform USIT and/or CIEE by registering details of their new employment with SEVIS within 10 days of the change of employment.

Q. Can I have more than one job?

A. YES. You can have as many as you like.

Q. How much can I earn?

A. It's up to you how much money you can earn. The more hours you work and the more jobs you have will determine whether you'll be able to pay off that student loan on your return!! However, participants working for 'salary only' must be paid at least the federal minimum wage, which is currently $5.85 per hour (correct at time of print). Participants working for 'salary plus tips' will receive a lower basic wage. The minimum recommended wage in this case is not less than $2.17 per hour (correct at time of print). Some states have a lower minimum wage than this.

Social Security

Q. What is the Social Security number?

A. The Social Security Number (SSN) is the American version of your National Insurance Number. All individuals must obtain a SSN so they can work legally in the USA.

Q. How do I apply for my Social Security Number (SSN)?

A. To apply for a SSN you need to visit your local Social Security Office in the USA destination where you will reside for the summer. You need to complete the application form and bring the follow documents with you.

"Dear Social Security Officer" letter (please download this from www.workandtravelusa.net)
"Dear Employer" sponsorship letter (please download this from www.workandtravelusa.net)
DS-2019 form + SEVIS receipt
Passport with your J1 Visa and I-94 card

Q. How long does it take to get a SSN?

A. On average it takes applicants between 3-5 weeks to receive their Social Security number.

Q. Do second timers need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN)?

A. No, if you already have a SSN, you do not need to get another one. A SSN is for life.

Q. What do I do if I have lost my SSN, do I apply for a new SSN when I travel on the J1 or can USIT give me this information?

A. Unfortunately, USIT can not assist you with your SSN as we do not have access to participants SS information. You need to contact the local Social Security Office in the USA, where you are staying, with two forms of ID to get your SSN. DO NOT apply for a new Social Security Number!

Q. Can I work before I receive my SSN?

A. Yes, an employer can legally hire you but you must have proof that you have already applied for your SSN.

While in the USA

Q. I have lost my passport/DS-2019/Social Security card - what do I do?

A. It is essential you carry your important documents (passport, DS-2019, etc) with you at all times. However, in the case of lost or stolen documents please follow the steps below.

Passport: Contact your closest Consulate/Embassy for a new passport.
DS-2019 form: Contact CIEE immediately on 1-888-COUNCIL. A Customer Services Agent will assist you in acquiring a new DS-2019 form. Please be aware there will be a charge for the replacement DS-2019 form.
Social Security Card: Contact your local Social Security Office to apply for a replacement card. DO NOT apply for a new card.

If you require more information on how to acquire new documents that have been lost or stolen please contact CIEE on 1-888-COUNCIL or USIT at programmes@usit.ie.

Q. Can I leave the USA for a holiday while on my J-1 visas?

A. Yes BUT participants wishing to visit neighbouring countries (i.e. Canada, Mexico, etc) or return to th UK for a short period while on the J-1 Summer Work and Travel Programme must inspect their documents carefully before leaving the USA. Check whether or not your visa allows you to make multiple entries in to the USA. This will be indicated by the letter “M” under the word “ENTRIES” on your J-1 visa. This will allow you to re-enter the USA more than once, as long as your J-1 visa and DS-2019 are both valid. If your J-1 visa and/or DS-2019 form is expired, you will NOT be able to re-enter the USA under the J-1 visa status.

PLEASE NOTE: Before your trips please contact CIEE as you must have your DS-2019 form signed by a “Responsible Officer” in CIEE’s Portland office.

Please refer to the J1 handbook for more detailed information on how to obtain a signature, from CIEE, on your DS-2019 form.

Leaving your job and returning to the UK

Q. Before I return to the UK is there anything I need to do concerning my US job and/or taxes??

A. In order to avoid any problems with your employer before you leave your job, follow these basic instructions:

Ask for your final pay check and wages due to you BEFORE you leave.
If your employer has provided accommodation for you as part of your employment, ask your employer to return your security deposit BEFORE you leave.
Confirm with your employer what date you should expect to receive your last pay check and how you will receive it (money transfer, bank transfer, etc).
Keep your employer’s contact details in case there are any problems and you need to contact them after you leave the USA.

NB Leave an address for your employer where you can receive mail. Your employer will send you forms at the end of the year which are required for processing your tax returns.

Please refer to the J1 handbook for more detailed information about US employment, paying taxes, how to file your tax returns, etc.

Extending your stay:

Q. I would like to stay in the USA and continue working after my J-1 visa expires, is this allowed?

A. Due to the rules and regulations of the Programme, as set down by the US Department of State, it is not possible to extend your work authorisation in the USA beyond the end date of the programme, 10th October 2008. The US Summer Work and Travel Programme is only valid during the designated summer period.