J-1 Visa at a glance
Your J-1 visa is your ticket to a summer in one of the most exciting countries in the world! To work in the States you need a sponsor, and that’s where we step in. BUNAC will assist you at every step in submitting your application for this student-only visa, including arranging embassy interviews, applying for your DS-2019 and checking all your documents along the way!
Visa Eligibility
Are you:
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At least 18 years old?
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A full-time UK or Irish University student?
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Available between June and September?
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Ready for an all-American adventure?
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Then what are you waiting for? Apply now!
Think it’s tricky to get your hands on that all-important American visa? Only if you don’t know where to look!
Your visa questions answered
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Which nationalities can apply? |
Students of all nationalities can apply providing they meet the requirements. If you are not a UK or EU passport holder then please download the Overseas Student Information Sheet |
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How long can I work for? |
You can work for up to 4 months between June and September 2013. |
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Does the visa allow multiple entries? |
Most EU passport holders get multiple entry visas. |
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Do I need a job before I apply for the visa? |
If you are not from a US Visa Waiver country then you must have a job pre-arranged BEFORE you apply to BUNAC's Work America programme.
If you are from a visa waiver country then you do not have to pre-arrange work if you arrive before July 8th, after this date everyone must have a job pre-arranged. |
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How old do I need to be? |
18 by 1st June 2013. There is no upper age limit |
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Do I need to be a student? |
Yes! To be eligible for the visa you must be a current full-time student at a UK or Irish university* on a degree level or HND course (or equivalent). Final year students are eligible to apply.
Not a student? View BUNAC's non-student programme options. |
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What support funds do I need when I arrive in America? |
$600 if you pre-arrange a job, $1000 if you will be job hunting on arrival |
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Who is the programme sponsor? |
BUNAC administers Work America in conjunction with the US authorised sponsor, Geovisions. |
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How much does the visa cost? |
The visa and delivery fee is approx. £135 |
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Can I bring my children? |
No |
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Can I bring my partner? |
Only if your partner is also eligible to apply for the J-1 visa |
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How many visas can I have in my lifetime? |
As long as you’re still eligible, there is no limit to the number of J-1 visas you can have. If you’ve had a J-1 visa before either through BUNAC or another organisation, you can apply to Work America for 2013 as a returner providing you’re still eligible. |
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Is there anything else that will help me decide? |
There is no similar, flexible visa available to non-students. Getting a visa for the USA is very difficult when you are no longer a student so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! |
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Will my visa be issued on the day of my interview |
No. The US Embassy will hold onto your passport. You should assume they will have your passport for at least 2 weeks. |
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The Visa process |
The US Government requires all first time applicants to attend an interview with the US Embassy. Returners may be eligible for a postal application. BUNAC’s experienced team will guide you through this process. All visa applications must be submitted to the US Embassy by the end of June 2013. |
* The UK university must be an accredited university and registered with the Dept of Education