J-Visa for the USA!

LaLucy

And do what? Are there loads of jobs in the US?

Corholio

clarebearstare wrote: »

Hi everyone

Just updating you on my progress. Had my interview this morning in the embassy...after a bit of waiting around they called me to the counter and asked me what the purpose of my trip was, what I planned to work as, what I studied in college and had I been to the States before. That was it, they stamped my forms and said my passport and visa will be posted to me in 2-3 working days!

happy days and don't be too worried about the interview, I was freaked out but it was fine!

Thanks for that clarebearstare.

Do you mind saying what you studied and what you told them youd be working at?

Just so id get an idea of how flexible they are, if at all.

clarebearstare

I studied Property Economics and I told them I would be looking for something real estate/finance related. They didn't question me any further than that on it!

stainluss

sakura77 wrote: »

Ive been following this thread for ages. I've been looking at every possible visa available to the USA. I might as well be an immigration expert.
I even met the Irish DFA guys (coincidence) at a function.

I believe this visa is kind of bull*. Its not fair. recent graduates from ireland get to 'go to the USA'..yay! and the previously thought freedom and flexibility have turned out to be false. Find an INTERNSHIP?! travel around the USA? have 30 days to find a job? related to your field of study?! who is going to hire someone (say, you've been searching for a month or more) for less than a year (unless its bar work, etc etc) ?! are you kidding me?! These 20,000 irish kids will either a) come crying home, broke b) end up working under the table, contributing further to the US illegal irish 'problem'...the very problem they sought to fix WITH this agreement!

The current economic climate makes this process insanely difficult. Recent grads dont usually have the MEANS to support themselves in the USA for that long.

The 'reciprocal' agreement- is not reciprocal. US citizens can go to Ireland easily enough and find a job (although that is probably very difficult NOW in Ireland, almost more than anywhere else) and do whatever they want.

THe US Dept. of State, as per usual, is not only charging a bucket for visas, but applying unrealistic and stressful conditions to it that, in my opinion, is not a very 'friendly' agreement.

They should just make it a straight-forward working holiday like we have in Japan, Australia, Canada, Ireland etc etc etc.

If anyone hears any more news from the IIC (Ive been in touch with them too) or anyone else- any updates as to conditions (by the way , are people even applying for this right now? please share your experience if so. I personally don't want to sign up yet unless everything is cleared up)

please let us know!

i agree that double standards apply between these two countries.. i belive there are 25000 irish working under the table over there now

Arcee

LaLucy wrote: »

And do what? Are there loads of jobs in the US?

You need to have graduated from a recognised third level course within the last 12 months so you need a degree or masters or equivalent. I'm sure some sectors in the US still have jobs for the right candidates. It's up to you if you want to take the risk.

Dani Adelante

Anyone see this on the news? Dunno if I should wait on this or just go for the current one as there's nothing definite here.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0315/cowenb.html

PeakOutput

well ihanded usit 1000euro today it better all work out :eek:

krc41

So have many people applied for the 12 month visa? There seems to be different information everywhere I look! Are most people booking through Usit / Sayit or the US sponsers like Pan Atlantic or IIC??

Cliona99

I'm planning on applying through the IIC. Just trying to get the cash together at the moment. Bit nervous because of the state of the jobs market over there but gonna give it a go anyway. This is the first time I've posted here but I've been reading for weeks and it's been a big help. So cheers.

PeakOutput

usit advised em that even if i have a job sorted before i go i might have to wait 3/4 weeks while it is audited by ciee

this is a bit of a deal breaker for me and i have decided to get a regular j1 and just do 4 months instead of 9 good luck to the others with this one

AARRRGH

I'm still considering getting this visa, but USIT say I have to buy my flights through them. Thing is, I don't want to travel via USIT.

To the people who have applied via the Boston centre, can you arrange whatever travel yourself, or do they force you to travel a certain way or using a certain company?

Thanks

Cliona99

That was one of my reasons for going with the IIC in Boston. Usit will charge you an arm and a leg for flights. And the insurance they sell you might cover things you don't need covered and not cover things you want covered, if that makes sense. But if you want to buy your own insurance Usit will charge a fee to make sure it's suitable. Seems like a racket.

With the IIC, you buy your own flights with whoever you want, and you sort out your own insurance and they'll recommend companies that comply with the State Dept.'s regulations.

AARRRGH

Cliona99 wrote: »

That was one of my reasons for going with the IIC in Boston. Usit will charge you an arm and a leg for flights. And the insurance they sell you might cover things you don't need covered and not cover things you want covered, if that makes sense. But if you want to buy your own insurance Usit will charge a fee to make sure it's suitable. Seems like a racket.

With the IIC, you buy your own flights with whoever you want, and you sort out your own insurance and they'll recommend companies that comply with the State Dept.'s regulations.

Thanks Cliona. Yeah I reckon it'll be the IIC for me.

I'm actually considering getting a cruise to NY (always wanted to do that) so don't want to go on a USIT flight!

Alan1988

Hi guys, doing the J1 this year. We're going to Miami, Florida. Does anyone have any contacts or advice in regard to jobs and accommodation? Any help would be much appreciated.

stainluss

Alan1988 wrote: »

Hi guys, doing the J1 this year. We're going to Miami, Florida. Does anyone have any contacts or advice in regard to jobs and accommodation? Any help would be much appreciated.

i would reccomend craigslist.com for both:D

AARRRGH

Cliona99 wrote: »

That was one of my reasons for going with the IIC in Boston. Usit will charge you an arm and a leg for flights. And the insurance they sell you might cover things you don't need covered and not cover things you want covered, if that makes sense. But if you want to buy your own insurance Usit will charge a fee to make sure it's suitable. Seems like a racket.

With the IIC, you buy your own flights with whoever you want, and you sort out your own insurance and they'll recommend companies that comply with the State Dept.'s regulations.

Are you already in the US btw? Or when are you heading over?

Cliona99

Aarrrgh, I would LOVE to cruise to America, friend of mine is deathly afraid of flying so she combined her honeymoon and her emigration with a cruise from Spain to Texas. Also meant she could bring as much stuff as she wanted.

I'm still in Ireland. Hoping to leave on June 18th, (touch wood), if everything goes okay with this visa. Are you planning on staying in NY? What kind of work do you do/degree do you have?

AARRRGH

Cliona99 wrote: »

Aarrrgh, I would LOVE to cruise to America, friend of mine is deathly afraid of flying so she combined her honeymoon and her emigration with a cruise from Spain to Texas. Also meant she could bring as much stuff as she wanted.

Actually, I'm really happy you posted that, because I was worried the port authorities would be difficult and say I have to arrive by plane or something!

Yeah, I can imagine it's a great way to arrive in the US. Pricey though, nearly 2k! But that includes accomodation and food.

Cliona99 wrote: »

I'm still in Ireland. Hoping to leave on June 18th, (touch wood), if everything goes okay with this visa. Are you planning on staying in NY? What kind of work do you do/degree do you have?

Yeah, I reckon I'll stay in NY. I have friends there and I reckon I'll love it. My degree/masters is in computer science, so I have to do some sort of computing job. I'd take anything really, as long as it's paid! (I'm genuinely concerned I won't be able to find a paid position, i.e. terrible economy and "internship" visa...)

What about you - what's your qualification? Have you started looking for work yet?!

Summer Rose

I know its only slightly related but does anyone know if you have to go through USIT to get the new 12 month visa for the US. They're changing 700 euro and im broke. can i deal directly with the embassy instead?

Our man in Havana

can i deal directly with the embassy instead?

Yes and no.

You need to obtain sponsorship papers from the US, that is what USIT charge for. If you can get those papers yourself then you can deal with the embassy yourself.

Without those papers you cannot apply to the embassy for the visa. The embassy does not care if you get those papers yourself.

AARRRGH

Does anyone know if the date of your visa (i.e. day 1 of 365) starts when you receive the visa, or when you step foot in the US?

Probably a sill question, sorry...

Our man in Havana

Date of landing.

There will be a date by which you must arrive by and it runs for 365 days from the date of arrival.

Corholio

Bond-007 wrote: »

Yes and no.

You need to obtain sponsorship papers from the US, that is what USIT charge for. If you can get those papers yourself then you can deal with the embassy yourself.

Without those papers you cannot apply to the embassy for the visa. The embassy does not care if you get those papers yourself.

Thats interesting, ive asked this question here before and was told, (almost insultingly lol) that USIT or a similiar place are the only way to get the papers.

Has anyone know gone about getting them directly or know the process how to do it?

Our man in Havana

Do you know anyone that did the J1 last year?
Get a look at the pink sheet of paper with the visa, the company is on there.

AARRRGH

Bond-007 wrote: »

Date of landing.

There will be a date by which you must arrive by and it runs for 365 days from the date of arrival.

Thank you.

This "date by which you must arrive by", do you know roughly how long this normally is? For example, is it one month after the date your visa is approved?

Cheers.

Our man in Havana

Usually it is one year from date of issue.

Cliona99

(But I'm pretty sure you need to arrive in the US within 12 months of graduation anyway).

AARRRGH

Cliona99 wrote: »

(But I'm pretty sure you need to arrive in the US within 12 months of graduation anyway).

Hey Cliona.

Did you see this post of mine?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59554940&postcount=269

Cliona99

Thanks, I didn't see that post. And I don't really know how this stuff works but I'm going to try and do the quotey thing. Bear with me.

AARRRGH wrote: »

Yeah, I reckon I'll stay in NY. I have friends there and I reckon I'll love it. My degree/masters is in computer science, so I have to do some sort of computing job. I'd take anything really, as long as it's paid! (I'm genuinely concerned I won't be able to find a paid position, i.e. terrible economy and "internship" visa...)

What about you - what's your qualification? Have you started looking for work yet?!

The only time I've been to New York, embarrassingly, was on a seven hour layover in JFK. Saw nothing but the airport. (Expensive too, $10 for cigarettes!?!) But yeah, friends there is enough motivation for anyone. That's why I'm going to Texas!

I'm worried about finding work too. Unpaid internship wouldn't really do it for me. I've a BA in English and Philosophy- in a perfect world I'd get a job teaching English as a foreign language because I did a month long tefl course and planned to go to Spain but then this visa came along and I really really want to go to the States. Recession or no recession. I'm also hoping, (against all evidence to the contrary), that the economy will recover sooner rather than later and that I won't get deported for not being able to find a job.

I have started looking for work already but it's not looking good. I'm hoping that things will have changed by mid-June. If I can't teach English, I'll look for anything and try to relate it to my degree in any way possible. Sorry for waffling on and on. When are you going to apply?

AARRRGH

Thanks for the reply Cliona. It wasn't waffle, don't worry.

I'm going to apply in mid-June I reckon. As I want to arrive by boat (I've discovered you can also travel on a cargo ship; I think that'd be such an adventure) it makes my travel arrangements a bit more complicated.

I'm thinking I will try to have the visa by the end of July, and then leave Ireland near the end of August. I may delay everything for another month though, i.e. apply for the visa in July and leave Ireland in September.

So I have a few issues -

1. Get the visa close enough to my sailing.
2. Find a sailing which is guaranteed to leave close to a certain date. (I know I could just go on the QM2 which is a cruise ship, but I think that's about twice the price of a cargo ship, and I sort of like the craziness of going on a cargo ship.)
3. Find a job!

I'm going to start looking for a job today. I worked in the recruitment industry for a few years so I'm pretty sure I'm just wasting my time - employers aren't too interested in people in foreign countries who won't be arriving for a few months! But I'm going to try anyway.

My tactic is to write a really good cover letter and to contact small IT companies who might be happy to get an experienced, educated software tester on the cheap.

I am a bit worried though. Let's say I can't find a job when I go over. What will happen to me? I reckon I have just about enough savings to survive the year unemployed (I'd have to budget though, but I think I could do it.) I also have a bit of revenue from the websites in my signature, but not enough to live on.

I am concerned about getting deported though. It's called a "travel and work" visa. If I can't find a job, could I argue I am going to travel for the 12 months? Or is there a cut off period where they say enough is enough and kick you out of the country?! So many unknowns!

stainluss

AARRRGH wrote: »

Thanks for the reply Cliona. It wasn't waffle, don't worry.

I'm going to apply in mid-June I reckon. As I want to arrive by boat (I've discovered you can also travel on a cargo ship; I think that'd be such an adventure) it makes my travel arrangements a bit more complicated.

I'm thinking I will try to have the visa by the end of July, and then leave Ireland near the end of August. I may delay everything for another month though, i.e. apply for the visa in July and leave Ireland in September.

So I have a few issues -

1. Get the visa close enough to my sailing.
2. Find a sailing which is guaranteed to leave close to a certain date. (I know I could just go on the QM2 which is a cruise ship, but I think that's about twice the price of a cargo ship, and I sort of like the craziness of going on a cargo ship.)
3. Find a job!

I'm going to start looking for a job today. I worked in the recruitment industry for a few years so I'm pretty sure I'm just wasting my time - employers aren't too interested in people in foreign countries who won't be arriving for a few months! But I'm going to try anyway.

My tactic is to write a really good cover letter and to contact small IT companies who might be happy to get an experienced, educated software tester on the cheap.

I am a bit worried though. Let's say I can't find a job when I go over. What will happen to me? I reckon I have just about enough savings to survive the year unemployed (I'd have to budget though, but I think I could do it.) I also have a bit of revenue from the websites in my signature, but not enough to live on.

I am concerned about getting deported though. It's called a "travel and work" visa. If I can't find a job, could I argue I am going to travel for the 12 months? Or is there a cut off period where they say enough is enough and kick you out of the country?! So many unknowns!

i would'nt worry about it. theres plenty of people over there who aren't supposed to be!theres even something like 1,000,000 illegal border crossings per day from Mexico

Cliona99

Stainluss, being there illegally might be tempting until you realise that they'll deport you and then bar you for 5-10 years if you get caught. I have friends there who I would hate not to see for ten years. Plus, you can't get a driver's license, your choice of jobs is severely limited, and you can't leave and come back without a whole lot of stress/risk.

Aarrrgh, I think this visa depends on you being employed, (paid or unpaid). And if you can't find a job within a couple of months, they'll kick you out. But then, maybe if you could survive on just your savings you could find an unpaid internship, for a couple of hours a week just to keep the visa people happy. But I don't know. I'm hoping if you actually sign up for this they send you a big book of rules so that it all becomes clear before you leave the country...

As for cargo ships, the plane-phobic friend I mentioned earlier wanted to do that. Turned out to have waiting lists of years because each only carries a couple of passengers. But maybe you'll get lucky or things may have changed since she was going, who knows.

I'm going to apply as soon as my new passport arrives. I'm getting very nervous, but I'll relax once all the forms are filled in and it's out of my hands and just up to the visa people to decide either way.

Arcee

Hey all, hope your visa preparations are coming along well. I've decided to hold off for now.... too many restrictions and unknowns for the moment!

Cliona99 wrote: »

Aarrrgh, I think this visa depends on you being employed, (paid or unpaid). And if you can't find a job within a couple of months, they'll kick you out. But then, maybe if you could survive on just your savings you could find an unpaid internship, for a couple of hours a week just to keep the visa people happy. But I don't know. I'm hoping if you actually sign up for this they send you a big book of rules so that it all becomes clear before you leave the country...

When I was doing some research I noticed this in the details about the new visa:

Citizens of Ireland traveling to the United States to participate in the IWT Pilot Program will do so under the Department’s existing Intern category regulations (22 CFR 62.22), and applicable sponsor program rules, with the exception of participant placement.

See here: http://dublin.usembassy.gov/general/twelve-month-intern-work-and-travel-pilot-program.html

If the rules for the new visa are the same as the current intern program (bar having a job before you get there) then unfortunately you have to be working a minimum of 32 hours a week. The rules for the current intern program are here: http://www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2007-06-19-E7-11703

(iii) Ensure that training and internship programs provide a balance between the trainees' and interns' learning opportunities and their contributions to the organizations in which they are placed; (iv) Ensure that the training and internship programs are fulltime (minimum of 32 hours a week)

At one point I was hoping to get a 10-15 hour a week internship (paid or unpaid) and then work in a restaurant/bar in the evenings but I don't think that's possible......

Cliona99

Arcee, scary but helpful, so thanks.

Cliona99

My new passport just arrived, and I got a 'certified copy' of my degree during the week. Have everything I need now, (and I just spent an hour doing sums trying to work out if I could definitely afford it, but I think I can!), so I'm going to apply for this visa...wish me luck!

Wuggectumondo

Best of luck Cliona!

Has anyone sent their $100 dollars to IIC by registered letter? I sent mine last Monday and they said they haven't got it... but I tracked it online and it said it was delivered :rolleyes:

Cliona99

Thanks Wuggectumondo, did they find your deposit yet?

simonrooneyzaga

Im finishing up my degree in the next few weeks but obviously have no diploma yet... will this affect my chances of getting the visa?

Cliona99

Nope, because current students can apply too. You just need a letter from your college saying that you're a student, (and probably what course you're doing and when you'll graduate and stuff).

stainluss

Wuggectumondo wrote: »

I sent mine last Monday and they said they haven't got it... but I tracked it online and it said it was delivered :rolleyes:

best ask the post office, mate.
i think they would have to pay you if it got lost because its registered?

AARRRGH

Anyone else given up on this?

I've been thinking about it a lot, and from talking to my friends in the US, it seems it will be near impossible to get a job.

So realistically I won't find a job there, will use up my savings, and will return jobless to Ireland!

I reckon I will do another masters instead so I have the option to do it again in a year or two...

grapefruitmoon

It seems to be full of pit-falls alright :-/
I'm with you AARRRGH. MA in International Relations in Sept (fingers crossed), apply while studying and get the flock out as soon as I finish..!
California: 2010!
Things will probably have settled down a little bit by then too.
So not giving up; putting the idea on hold.
(Hopefully this won't have soared in popularity by this time next year rendering us unable to get the visa though!)

DroghedaColeen

Hey,

I went to the States on the J1 visa for a few summers in college, now I'm living in NYC with the new 1 yr J visa. I dont have a job and nobody's bothering me about it. J1 is such a laugh, I read a few funny stories that remind me of my times here. Best country in the world....
http://www.irishcentral.com/travel/Tales-from-the-dark-side-Life-on-a-J1-visa-.html

vote4pedro

Hey Coleen, any chance you could explain just how you got your J Visa? And any more details about how strict they are with making sure you have a job related to your degree?

DroghedaColeen

Sure, it's very easy. You literally go on the embassy website, fill out the forms, pay about $1000 and get USIT to sponsor you. No they arent strict about having a job, they understand you may not get one. Defo do it, before your time runs out! Here's the link http://dublin.usembassy.gov/general/twelve-month-intern-work-and-travel-pilot-program.html

vote4pedro

Wow, so all that stuff about having immigration guys checking up on you every month or so to make sure you have a job and that its related to your degree isnt true? Maybe I should apply after all!

jojo75

Heys guys,

Just doing some research an work and travel insurance and here's an interesting link I found, http://www.migrantproject.ie/documents/New12MonthWorkandTravelVisatoUSA-CMPApril2009.pdf. Top of page 3 compares prices for this new visa, quite a bit of difference in the cost of each company.

On another note if I apply through the Irish Immigration Centre I have to get my own insurance, anyone know of any companies which do work and travel insyrance?

Cliona99

Hey Jojo,

The IIC recommend Gateway Connexions (gatewayconnexions.com). They meet the State Dept's requirements for insurance. Go to the above site, click on 'business or sponsored travel', then choose 'gateway usa'. Enter your details and you should get a quote for about fifty dollars a month. As far as I can figure it's worst case scenario coverage only. Not much use for day to day stuff. Good luck!

clarebearstare

Hi everyone

Its been a while since I posted so thought I'd update everyone. Arrived just over a month ago in San Francisco, was really persistent with the job hunt for around 10 days and got lucky with an internship. However, the IIC haven't been hounding me about getting a job so they're pretty laid back probably because they know its tough. Also on the insurance front I got it through blue insurance online, the basic backpacker plan for 200 euro and the IIC checked it over and said it meets the requirements so this'll save you a few hundred on the gateway connections plan!

Good luck!

vote4pedro

Congrats on the internship! Another quick question though; just how much dealings do you have with IIC, do you actually have to check in often, or is it more a case of them signing off once you get there and leaving you to it?