Spend Up to a Year in the USA

Irish Work & Travel Program

 

The United States of America is a vast land of history, culture, and innovation. Packed with every type of landscape, weather, occupation and person you can think of, 12 months won’t seem long enough. But it’s a year you won’t forget.

With the Irish Work and Travel Program you will have the opportunity to learn and train and travel with the best – either in Boston or anywhere in the U.S. The experience you gain here will last a lifetime.

We are delighted to provide Irish students in -- and recent graduates of -- Irish colleges with the opportunity to work and learn in this competitive environment -- whether for a few months or an entire year. The Irish Immigration Center’s exchange program enables Irish students and recent graduates to undertake paid training with a U.S. employer for up to 12 months. This exchange is for you if you are:

• In a degree program in your home country or have graduated within the last year
• Considering a ‘year-out’ for international training and experience
• Seeking short-term, paid internship.
• Looking for an adventure, travels and a chance to explore America.

The J-1 visa allows you to live and work in the U.S. for up to 12 months. You do not need to have a job before you arrive on American soil, but you will need to have health insurance and adequate financial support while searching for employment.

Click the links at top right for more details and the official application form.

If you have any questions, please contact our International Programs Department on (001)617-542-7654 ext. 16 or e-mail: J1IWT@iicenter.org.

How Does It work?

The Irish Immigration Center supports you from beginning to end, from helping with your paperwork to orienting you to the U.S.

Before Departure, we provide you with:

• The signed paperwork needed to present at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for obtaining a J-1 Visa.
• An orientation to life in the U.S.
• A 24-hour emergency hotline.
• Information on obtaining a U.S. Social Security Number

 If you are coming to Boston, we provide you with:

• Low-cost access to our downtown ‘cybercafe’ for job and housing searches
• Orientation materials introducing you to life in Boston

What Is The Cost?

Applicants pay the Irish Immigration Center a fee of $600 (including an initial $100 non-refundable deposit). The U.S. government’s SEVIS fee ($180) and J-1 Visa application fee is payable there at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate at time of application.

Why IIC?

We believe that travel and international exchange and training play a huge role in the development of young people. As a locally based organization we are able to provide you with the necessary support to maximize your work and travel experience. We look forward to welcoming you to the United States.

The IIC is a not-for-profit organization specializing in international exchange programs between Ireland and Boston. We have 10 years experience providing Irish young people with U.S. exchange experiences.

Work and Travel Program in the News:

Read about the launch of the program in the Irish Echo here: http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=18987

For U.S. Citizens Wishing To Spend 12 Months In Ireland

This is a reciprocal program between the U.S. and Ireland and so..:

US citizens wishing to travel to Ireland under the terms of the agreement should make an application for a US Working Holiday Authorization at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington or the Consulates General of Ireland in Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco.

A completed and signed application should be presented at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington, or at the Irish Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco together with:

• Valid United States passport;
• 2 recent identical passport photographs with your name on the reverse;
• Current curriculum vitae (with references);
• Original bank statement showing that you have access to €1,500 (or equivalent) plus a return ticket; or €3,000 (or equivalent);
• Originals of any qualifications obtained or letter from school/college/university (where applicable)
• The relevant fee of €250 or dollar equivalent as advised by the relevant Mission;

Once the Embassy or Consulate General is satisfied with the documentation above, the application will be approved in principle and the applicant notified. The Working Holiday Authorization will be issued on submission by the applicant of:

• Return airline tickets;
• Certificate of medical/travel  insurance valid for the duration of the trip (based on dates on tickets)
• Valid United States passport that is valid for the entirety of the trip to Ireland i.e. for a full year after their ticketed date of entry.

For more information visit the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs website here: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=73713

Learn more about our visa program:

Reconnecting via exchange: Ireland, US sponsor one-year visa program--The Boston Globe