J-1 FAQ & Links Superthread (Read first before posting) UPDATED 11/7/2011

MEJ · 15-06-2011 1:21pm

Does anyone know anything regarding the compant you're with sponsering you to stay on? I was told by one person that it was cost about 4 grand and then a couple of other people told me it was free in which case I will definitly look into it more.

lil_lisa · 16-06-2011 5:27pm

Are you talking about a H1B visa? If a company decides to keep you on under this visa, they have to pay up to $4,000 in fees for several different things. They are quite strict on this, the employee CANNOT pay these fees. So, to answer your question, it is free for you but costs the company. And, honestly, $4,000 is not a lot of money for a company hiring a new employee. Wikipedia have a good article about the H1B.

Folie a deux · 16-06-2011 10:24pm

Im in America now but still don't have a job. I keeping getting e-mails from intrax to fill in my job information. Is it ok if you can't get a job or will you be dismissed from the program if you fail to find one?

aisling1987 · 01-08-2011 6:11am

Hey All,

Im here on the J1 graduate visa. Im here 7 months now. Ive been getting work here and there but am about to be offered a full time position. Ive heard that my visa can be extended for 6 months. Does anyone know anything about this??

Thank you!

lil_lisa · 01-08-2011 7:55am

The J1 graduate visa cannot be extended past 12 months. Unless you are on the Training J-1 visa, the longest you can stay is 12 months (without the travelling time allowed). If you are still within a year of graduating, you should consider trying to get another year visa. Otherwise, the H1B is still available if the company are interested in sponsoring that visa.

Harpy · 03-08-2011 2:10am

Hey,
Im coming to the end of my one year IWT.. I've been looking into the 18 month trainee visa. Just wondering has anyone gone on this and do they know how they go about checking the one year professional work experience thing?

sleepyescapade · 17-08-2011 9:55am

im organising the 12 month IWT at the moment with the IIC and im hoping to have my visa start date for the beginning of november. however i want to travel there in mid october. anyone have any problems getting in to the US a few days/weeks earlier than your visa start date? i know on the US gov site it says we are allowed up to 30 days in advance but just wondering if anyone had any problems? thanks

Corrimbla · 17-08-2011 7:44pm

No you wont have a problem. I entered 3 weeks before my visa start date. Best of luck with the visa! U going to Boston by the way?

sleepyescapade · 17-08-2011 8:36pm

Corrimbla wrote: »

No you wont have a problem. I entered 3 weeks before my visa start date. Best of luck with the visa! U going to Boston by the way?

Thanks for your reply

No, I am going to Seattle!

sleepyescapade · 09-09-2011 4:54pm

Got my bank draft for the embassy today, in $$, it says "international cheque" on it though. Is this correct? Sorry..never dealt with these things before

ciankgn · 16-10-2011 3:12am

Hi all,

First, this is an amazing thread. Thanks to all for the advice, its very helpful.

The question I wanna ask is has anyone got a general idea of costs for a 12 month visa. I know that costs will depend on flights, company, sponsor etc.. but has anyone got a ballpark? like €1500? or higher? What did it cost you to go?

I'd love to go to the NY area for 12 months and I have graduated with an IT degree.

Thanks!

Corrimbla · 16-10-2011 10:47pm

€1,500 to €2k is a good range to include visa, insurance & flights. Then you will need at least €2K with you to get set up re accomodation and to cover you until you start earning. Probably need alot more then that for NYC tho as rents are crazy down there and most landlords will ask for first & last months rent plus deposit..but if you have family or friends to go to it will go a long way!! hope this helps

SDARBS · 07-11-2011 1:00pm

I dont see this one answered before, so forgive me if its already been asked.

Currently studying for a postgraduate MBA Part Time, reading the literature I think it qualifies for IWT, could anyone in the know confirm this?

dmca811 · 22-11-2011 9:30pm

Hi,

Hopefully someone can help me here. I am in the process of getting my Irish citizenship and passport, luckily this is very easy!

However I just spoke to go4less and they say that because I went to university in Scotland I am not eligible for the IWT visa. Can anyone shed any light on this? The direct quote from the US state department document is "Be a bona fide post-secondary college/university student or recent graduate. A recent
graduate is defined as an Irish citizen who has graduated from a post-secondary college/university in their home country no more than 12 months beyond graduation. The applicant must provide evidence from his/her post-secondary institution of student status or graduation." I was born in Scotland, so can I claim this is my home country, and therefore claim eligibility?

Thanks, in advance.

Corrimbla · 22-11-2011 9:39pm

No its a bilateral agreement between the US and Ireland and "home" only refers to Ireland in this case. In order to qualify you must have attended full time college within the 32 counties of Ireland. Sorry dude!

Da Shins Kelly · 09-01-2012 1:43am

Hey, just wondering how much money you're supposed to have in your pocket going out there? The cost of this whole endeavour seems pretty steep.

Twee. · 09-01-2012 1:52am

I think it was $900 or so if you don't have a job lined up, about $700 if you do. But realistically you're going to need it and maybe more - you need money to live (food, transport) if you don't have a job right away, might not get a pay cheque for two weeks to a month, may have to pay rent/security deposit/1st and last months rent to landlord. Basically it's money to cover your ass for the first month!

Da Shins Kelly · 11-01-2012 5:01pm

Also wondering by what time do flights have to be booked?

Also, is there much difference between the different programmes? Is there any 'better' one?

xOxSinéadxOx · 17-01-2012 8:34pm

Just wondering how did people chose who to go with to get the J1? Like usit etc. Don't really know what the difference is or who to pick.

Robotnic · 27-01-2012 1:53pm

Great thread people! Can the IIC boston help you with Summer J1 Visa or is it only the IWT/intern visa that you'd go to them for?

Does anyone know earliest start date of a J1 for summer 2012, can't see it on any of the FAQ pages of the Irish companies?
thanks in advance

blagirl · 31-01-2012 10:03pm

Hey try campleaders.com ! There a camp company and sort ur visa, flights etc out for u. With them u write up your own profile and they post it live on a database for over 1000 Camp companies in America. So you could get placed anywhere in the usa its €600 for flights and fees with them and then u stay at the camp as a counselor for 8 weeks, food/acc is free and u get paid

Can travel after then

best of luck!

nbar12 · 07-03-2013 5:05pm

Would anyone know how I could go about getting the J1 Visa myself? I rang usit there a few minutes ago and they said a J1 to NY would cost between 1100-1200 and there isn't a chance I'm paying that!

MEJ · 07-03-2013 5:08pm

That's how much it costs unfortunately. I think the IIC in Boston might be a bit cheaper but I found it handy to use USIT because you go in once and sort it out rather than emails back and forth to the States.

MEJ · 07-03-2013 5:08pm

You have to go through an agency btw

nbar12 · 07-03-2013 11:34pm

MEJ wrote: »

You have to go through an agency btw

Ah yeah I know I went on one to Boston three years ago and thought Usit were alright but I've been told if you go in and try and haggle with them they might sort out cheaper flights so I think I'll do that now or risk heading over with a holiday visa and work with the Mexicans!

Dicksboro_man · 16-03-2013 4:36pm

Im sure this has been asked many times already but I couldn't find the suitable threads.

Basically, is it true that companies such as USIT and go4less charge 100-300 euro extra for flights if you book through them?

Is it possible to apply for your J1 to US embassy on your own without paying 3rd parties?

And lastly, Im looking at Boston here. €460 return atm on skyscanner, how much more than that do ye reckon i'll pay with USIT and likes?

Thanks guys!

carlmango11 · 04-04-2013 10:18pm

Dicksboro_man wrote: »

Im sure this has been asked many times already but I couldn't find the suitable threads.

Basically, is it true that companies such as USIT and go4less charge 100-300 euro extra for flights if you book through them?

Is it possible to apply for your J1 to US embassy on your own without paying 3rd parties?

And lastly, Im looking at Boston here. €460 return atm on skyscanner, how much more than that do ye reckon i'll pay with USIT and likes?

Thanks guys!

USIT charged me €800 for flights to JFK and they're not even direct. It'd probably work out cheaper to book your own and pay their ridiculous €75 "admin" fee. They're such a ****ing rip off it's incredible.

R019912 · 16-04-2013 10:17pm

This question has probably been asked many times but I can't find it. Anyway, I'm in final year and going on a J1 in the summer. Have my interview soon and I literally have zero proof that I intend to return home. I really do intend to but I'm just not sure what I wanna do when I get back. What do people suggest I do in this situation?

Corrimbla · 16-04-2013 10:37pm

Get somebody you know to write you a letter on company letterhead paper saying they will offer you a job with the company on your return. Worked for me. Otherwise if you intend to do a postgrade get a letter from a college.

R019912 · 16-04-2013 10:55pm

Corrimbla wrote: »

Get somebody you know to write you a letter on company letterhead paper saying they will offer you a job with the company on your return. Worked for me. Otherwise if you intend to do a postgrade get a letter from a college.

Tbh, I don't really know anybody that can provide a letter from a company saying I'm going to be working there. I've no intentions of doing a postgraduate, but if I just apply for one would that be proof enough? It's kind of annoying that they can't appreciate that not everybody has a definite plan set out for their life before coming home from America. I intend to just go there, enjoy it and reevaluate what I wanna do with my life when I'm home

lil_lisa · 16-04-2013 11:26pm

There are millions of people trying to get into the US every year. They have to be strict with who they let in.

You could provide copies of some job applications or college applications or something. Maybe even a family member or close friend write a letter for you. They just need some sort of proof that you won't overstay your visa.

carlmango11 · 17-04-2013 4:44am

R019912 wrote: »

This question has probably been asked many times but I can't find it. Anyway, I'm in final year and going on a J1 in the summer. Have my interview soon and I literally have zero proof that I intend to return home. I really do intend to but I'm just not sure what I wanna do when I get back. What do people suggest I do in this situation?

Neither me nor my friend were asked for proof of intention to return and we're both in our final year.

R019912 · 17-04-2013 9:56am

carlmango11 wrote: »

Neither me nor my friend were asked for proof of intention to return and we're both in our final year.

I'll probably end up being the one unlucky f**ker out of every 100 people that they ask for proof from!

colliehandy · 20-04-2013 10:28pm

Hey guys, I am due to pay my balance with USIT tomorrow. I made two payments of 400 euros today online on the USIT website with a VISA card, however, when I attempted to make the third and final payment I was unable to do so. Instead, I kept getting a message saying the following:

"Please note:

In order to make a payment towards your J1 Booking, you must contact our Call Centre or one of our branches.

Contact details for our branches can be found here."

This normally wouldn't be a problem but my balance is due tomorrow (Sunday) and the USIT offices are closed on Sunday! Anyone have a solution?

nbar12 · 10-05-2013 1:10am

anyone going to New York and want to give me a job for 2 months? pretty please...

propagandavm · 10-05-2013 1:31am

Im looking to apply for the graduate visa through the iiic boston. How did people get in contact with them? Are they much cheaper than going through goforless or usit?

Also is there anyone planning on going to the states in before october 12? Im going on my own.

R019912 · 10-05-2013 4:03pm

Hi, I need urgent advice on my passport! I only just read on the interview guide that the passport needs to be in pristine condition. I spilled coffee on my passport a while back and the top parts of most pages have small stains on them. Also a lot of the pages have bent corners. Does anybody know how strict the embassy are on this? My interview is wednesday and i'm meant to be leaving on the 27th of May, so am I screwed?

lil_lisa · 10-05-2013 10:35pm

Its 100% up to the discretion of the Embassy.

My friend went up with a passport that had the cover glued back on and they gave her her visa. She had no problems. However, that could have been the person working that day.

Try and clean up your passport, i.e. straighten out the pages, maybe put it under something very heavy for a few days to flatten out.

R019912 · 16-05-2013 11:19am

lil_lisa wrote: »

Its 100% up to the discretion of the Embassy.

My friend went up with a passport that had the cover glued back on and they gave her her visa. She had no problems. However, that could have been the person working that day.

Try and clean up your passport, i.e. straighten out the pages, maybe put it under something very heavy for a few days to flatten out.

Thanks for the info. I went to my interview yesterday. Nothing was said but I dunno whether I will get the visa or not. If I wasn't gonna get it would they have told me there and then or do I need to wait until the documents are posted back out?

silja · 16-05-2013 11:24am

R019912 wrote: »

Thanks for the info. I went to my interview yesterday. Nothing was said but I dunno whether I will get the visa or not. If I wasn't gonna get it would they have told me there and then or do I need to wait until the documents are posted back out?

Normally they say something either way ("congrats" or "Have a nice time in the USA this summer" or "I am sorry we cannot issue you a visa because..." or "Before we issue your visa, we need to investigate.."). If they kept your passport and documents, that is a good sign though. Did they give you a piece of paper with anything written on it?

R019912 · 16-05-2013 11:45am

silja wrote: »

Normally they say something either way ("congrats" or "Have a nice time in the USA this summer" or "I am sorry we cannot issue you a visa because..." or "Before we issue your visa, we need to investigate.."). If they kept your passport and documents, that is a good sign though. Did they give you a piece of paper with anything written on it?

Hmm, well he didn't say anything along the lines of congrats, just "all done now, you may leave" or something like that. The only piece of paper I received from him was a receipt for the interview with his signature on it. But if generally he would have told me there and then that he couldn't issue me a visa then I'll take it as a positive sign

Fbjm · 12-06-2013 4:36pm

Going to copy and paste a question from I found from a few years back which I couldn't find an answer to, any help is appreciated here lads.

"Alright guys,

I'm filling out the DS-160 form at the moment. Very irritating form to fill out, anyway... I have two questions:

1] Passport book number. As far as I'm aware, we don't have them here in Ireland. An E.U. website [not 100% reliable] said it's the same as the passport number so I have it down as that at the moment. Is that right?

2] Photo. It requires you to upload a photo, but says if you have trouble doing this, or do not own a digital camera, you can buy the photos in a pharmacy instead. All well and good, but on the DS-160 form when I click "next" at this stage [I.e. to skip it] it won't let leave me. Anybody here experience this before?"

Cheers.

SantryRed · 15-06-2013 8:03pm

Need a hand if anyone knows,

Will Postmen not delivery post if our name isn't on the postbox? Currently subletting an apartment in Chicago until September and we ordered money cards over a week ago, and they still haven't arrived.

The more worrying thing is the fact that we have just ordered our Social Security numbers. There is a basket in the common area where other post seems to go. Would putting up a sign asking for any post with our names to be left there be sufficient?

The post office isn't too far away so going to drop down there on Monday and see what they say, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with this situation?

sleepyescapade · 17-06-2013 2:53am

SantryRed wrote: »

Need a hand if anyone knows,

Will Postmen not delivery post if our name isn't on the postbox? Currently subletting an apartment in Chicago until September and we ordered money cards over a week ago, and they still haven't arrived.

The more worrying thing is the fact that we have just ordered our Social Security numbers. There is a basket in the common area where other post seems to go. Would putting up a sign asking for any post with our names to be left there be sufficient?

The post office isn't too far away so going to drop down there on Monday and see what they say, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with this situation?

Was there a yellow form in your postbox when you moved in? You need to fill this out and send it to your local post office. I had a similar problem when I moved over, and my SS card & ID card were not delivered because my name wasn't on the postbox. If there is no form just go to your local post office and talk to them about it

mmaniac · 19-06-2013 12:28am

Well I went for my J1 visa interview Monday morning. Everything went smoothly and I was only asked 4 Questions total. Visa was granted but they gave me my ds 2019 form back and I have to change the remarks bit from none to Training. Only problem is my sponsor company Is in Maine. They are sending over a new one which will take 3 days. They said Its the first time theyve ever experienced this. Just my luck

ProudDUB · 23-06-2013 12:58pm

SantryRed wrote: »

The post office isn't too far away so going to drop down there on Monday and see what they say, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with this situation?

Yeah, go to the post office. Don't just put up a sign. Find out too where your local sorting office is. That is where your mail is sorted at, and where your post man operates from. Your local post office won't have much to do with the day to day delivery of your post. Even if you notify them there of your current address, it can take up to 10 working days to get you into the system. What you need to find out is what happened to post that has already been sent out to you & that is where the sorting office comes in. Bring some photo ID with you, and a proof of address (utility bill, lease etc etc) if you have it.

dambarude · 23-06-2013 10:00pm

Quick question for those who completed the DS-160 recently. If your photos have been accepted online, do you still need to bring a printed copy to the embassy interview? Thanks!

BadLuckBrian · 03-07-2013 11:41pm

I'm currently on a J1, but have not got a job and been here since May 27th. I was thinking of going home but decided that I might stay (im due to be here another 5 weeks). I have enough money to get by without a job for the 5 weeks but I received a text yesterday saying I urgently need to submit a job offer form otherwise I'll have my program terminated. Just wondering does anyone know how strict they are on this? I intend to get some kinda job but its proving difficult so I'm not sure how long it takes. Do people actually get sent home, or is it recommended to maybe call them and explain my situation? Thanks

lil_lisa · 08-07-2013 7:29pm

Are you on the summer J-1 or 1 year? If its the summer J-1, it depends on the J-1 company. I went once with USIT and once with SAYIT and was unsuccessful in getting a job both summers. The J-1 companies never tried to send us home though, we just called and said it was impossible to find work but that we were still supporting ourselves.

Macken14 · 17-07-2013 9:13pm

Hi.
I am currently on a J1 and have found a job that isnt allowed by my company Sayit. I never registered any job in the 30 day period and now after 44 days i have been contacted by my company to contact interexchange which i did. they said i have 30 days to leave the country and there will be no consequences when travelling to america in the future . My problem is that my flight home is 5 days after the 30 day period. I was wondering what might happen if i ignored what interexchange said and just went home on my original flight?
Advice needed, thanks

J-1 FAQ & Links Superthread (Read first before posting) **UPDATED 11/7/2011**

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J-1 FAQ & Links Superthread (Read first before posting) UPDATED 11/7/2011