All you need to know about

How to apply

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Check your eligibility

Are you ...

Enrolled in a full-time academic day course in a recognised Irish University or College?

Are you ...

Any nationality studying in Ireland, an Irish or Northern Irish National studying in Great Britain or an Irish National on Erasmus?

And finally ...

Are you aged between 18-30 at the time of your application or by the 15th May 2025?

(Answered no to any of these? Drop us a message, you may be eligible for another US visa.)

Okay I am eligible - what next?

Next steps for your J1 application

1. Can you go?

Make yourself familiar with the rules and regulations and check you have a valid passport.

2. Check out the packages

Review the add-ons and select what options work best for you.

3. Complete application

Complete your J1 application, provide details and fill in all your information

4. Documents

Log into your USIT J1 tracking account and upload your J1 documents, proof of student status, and a copy of your valid passport

5. Phone Interview

We’ll call you to complete the mandatory phone interview

- If you pick the 'Find your own job' option:

a | Select your Job & Interview

Find and get hired by a US employer. Once hired, submit your job offer form for vetting with the sponsor. This can take 4-6 weeks from the date of submission so submit early.

b | You're Hired!

Your DS-2019 Work Authorisation papers are requested and sent to you digitally.

c | US Embassy

USIT will provide a guide so you can book your US embassy appointment. Once you’ve interviewed, your passport will be retuned, usually within 5-7 business days.

d | Pick up your passport

Pick up your Passport from your local DPD collection point. These are found in cities and towns across the country.

e | Orientation

Learn more about your USA sponsor and the next steps for you to take once you arrive in America.

And finally - pack your bags

Don’t forget to pack your phone charger and your best filters!

- If you pick the 'Guaranteed job' option:

a | Select your Job & Interview

Search the jobs database for positions available in your desired location. Interview via Skype or at one of our multiple in-person hiring fairs. Submit your job offer and we’ll send it to your US Sponsor for vetting and approval.

b | You're Hired!

Your DS-2019 Work Authorisation papers are requested, issued and printed (this can take 2 weeks). Papers are sent from the USA to USIT office and we will organise delivery to you.

c | US Embassy

We’ll schedule your appointment and let you know your date and time. Once you’ve interviewed, your passport will be retuned, usually within 5-7 business days.

d | Pick up your passport

Pick up your Passport from your local DPD collection point. These are found in cities and towns across the country

e | Orientation

Learn more about your USA sponsor and the next steps for you to take once you arrive in America

And finally - pack your bags

Don’t forget to pack your phone charger and your best filters!

Girl with sunglasses standing with her arm raised on a beach with waves and sunset in the background

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

Still have some questions?

No worries - our J1 team are always on hand to answer any queries you might have about a J1 summer.