J1 for beginners

barbiedollz

i am planning on doin a J1 next summer but i dont kno where 2 start.
could some1 tell me all that i need 2 do for 1 and where 2 start.
ive tried the J1 and USIT sites but it still confuses me...ie:visas etc

lil_lisa

You need to apply for a J1 visa either through SAYIT, USIT or go4less when the J1 2011 season opens (should be around Nov/Dec 2010).

You will probably have to put down a deposit and they try to get people to pay everything in full (even flights) as early as possible so they usually have incentives for this. They will try and get everything done before Feb/March but you can still book flights up to your embassy interview.

The interviews usually go on in March, April or May, depending on when you applied, when you're leaving and how much you've paid (I think).

Finally you'll have your embassy interview, a lot of paperwork will have to be filled out for all of this. It's pretty straight forward and the visa sponsoring company should be able to help you if you have any problems with this.

You should be told straight away if you can get a visa. After that they will mail it out to you within a week or two (as it goes through the sponsor company first).

After that you're on your own to the US. Hopefully you'll have found a job and accommodation before leaving or you know someone but it might be a bit difficult. A lot of people have nothing before coming out and are lucky enough to land on their feet.

The most difficult part of this process (about from forking over the money) is deciding where you want to go

Good luck!

barbiedollz

how hard is it to find a job before you go...i have zero contacts in the us but i really want 2 go...if i apply early would it increase my chances of getting a job.....also what part of the US would you reccomend.
thanks

lil_lisa

Well it depends on where you're going. I'm probably the worst person to ask, I spent two springs searching for jobs, applying to everything but was still left with nothing. Even with plenty of contacts. I think the key is to get out of cities (or maybe just be luckier than me!).

Also, look for Irish communities wherever you go, there are a lot of them and they can be helpful.

Where you want to go is completely up to you. Do you want to be by the beach or more inland? In a crowded city or the country side?

barbiedollz

i dont mind where i go as long as i can get a job....if i applied ealry...ie dec/jan would i b able 2 get a job from the usit database.
i would like to have a job before i go out there.