J-1 Visa Eligibility - the BUNAC visa team will assist
you in submitting your visa application to the US embassy as well as provide and
check all documents along the way.
J-1 Visa at a glance
A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to visitors participating
in programmes that promote cultural exchange, such as BUNAC’s Work America
programme and its other programmes within the U.S. All applicants must meet eligibility
criteria.
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Visa information
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US J-1 visa
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Which nationalities can apply?
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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?
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Your
student summer jobs work experience lasts for 4 months between June and
September.
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Does the visa allow multiple entries?
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Most EU passport holders get multiple entry visas.
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Where can I work?
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Anywhere in the USA
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Do I have to pre-arrange my job?
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No. You can job hunt on arrival before 8th July.
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Who will be my sponsor?
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GeoVisions will sponsor your J1 visa.
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Age
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At least 18 by 1st June 2012, there is no upper age limit
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Student status
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To be eligible 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. Gap year students, distance learning, Open University and those on professional
courses such as ACCA are not eligible
Not a student? View BUNAC's
non-student programme options here.
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Visa process
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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 2012.
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Will my visa be issued on the day of my interview
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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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What support funds do I need?
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$600 if you pre-arrange a job, $1000 if you will be job hunting on arrival
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How much does this visa cost?
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The visa and delivery fee is approx. £115
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Can I bring my children?
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No
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Can I bring my partner?
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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?
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If you’ve had a J-1 visa before either through BUNAC or another organisation, you
can apply to Work America for 2012 as a returner providing
you’re still eligible
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Is there anything else that will help me decide?
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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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Do I have to take a BUNAC flight?
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No, you have the flexibility and freedom to book your own flights to and from any
US destination. We would strongly advise you not to book any non-transferable flight
until your J-1 visa has been issued and your passport returned by the US Embassy.
Alternatively, you can purchase the BUNAC Travel Package for approx £579. This includes
a flexible roundtrip ticket from London to New York, first night’s accommodation
in New York, and a few added extras!
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* The UK university must be an accredited university and registered with the Dept
of Education
** Prices subject to change.