USA Working Visa Info

For the summer semester break participants must

• Hold an Australian or New Zealand passport valid for the entire period of your intended stay in The States (two years validity is recommended)
• Be currently enrolled in full-time university or a government recognised education provider (ie. TAFE), or have graduated in the last 12 months;
• Have been/will have completed the first year of your academic study before departure;
• Be aged 18-30 years inclusive at the time your application is received.
• Be medically and criminally admissible to The US under the The US’S Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Additional Information

• This visa cannot be extended
• You have 30 days to leave the United States following the expiration of your visa. This 30 day period is designed to allow you to travel before returning to Australia / New Zealand
  
  

FAQ

I am 17 years old / I am 31 years old. Can I apply for WHP USA?
No, unfortunately not as you do not meet the criteria for the WHP USA. You must be aged 18-30 years inclusive to participate in the WHP. You may wish to explore if you are eligible to apply for a regular work permit.

I am a New Zealand passport holder. Is there a working holiday program for me?
Yes, you are eligible for US working holidays, provided you fit the eligibility requirements.

Is there minimum passport validity?
Yes. The work permit may not be issued to exceed the validity of your passport. As such, please ensure that your passport is valid for the time you wish to be in The States.

Can I travel after or before I begin working?
Yes, you can. You have up to 30 days after the completion date on your DS-2019 form to leave the country. During this time you are legally not allowed to work, so it is just for travel!

Can I travel outside the US and then return?
Yes, it is actually quite common for participants to travel south of the border to Mexico, or up to Canada. Before you leave the country however, you must first notify CIEE.

CIEE needs to sign your DS-2019 form and write an official letter allowing you to return into the country. You cannot return after the completion date of your DS-2019 form. If you do plan to travel outside the US, you must give at least 2 weeks notice.

When can I leave?
Participants in the summer semester break program can only travel in the dates of their institutions summer vacation dates. However, the 12month program allows you to enter the country and begin work anytime throughout the year. So you can leave anytime you want, as long as it is no later than 30 days after the completion date of you DS-2019.

Do I need to have pre-arranged employment before I leave home?
No, you can find employment anytime you are over there. However if you want to arrange employment before you leave, just ask us how.

What jobs can’t I work in?
You cannot work in any of the following fields:

• Any job that is unpaid
• Sales jobs requiring the participant to invest his/her own monies to pre-purchase inventory
• Domestic help positions in private U.S. households - e.g. au pair, servant, gardener or chauffeur
• Jobs in the adult entertainment industry (Sorry guys!)
• Jobs that are substantially commission-based and thus do not guarantee minimum wage
• Operators of pedicabs, rolling chairs, other passenger carrying vehicles for hire, and/or vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license
• Jobs providing clinical care, medical services or involving patient contact, hands on therapy, counseling, administering treatment or making diagnoses of medical, psychiatric or psychological patients, or veterinary work involving hands-on care.
• As ship or aircraft crew members, or as pilots, except as crew members on ships that travel only within domestic U.S. waters
• Teacher, teaching assistant or coach
• Camp counselor
• Jobs through staffing/employment agencies

Can I get a second job?
Absolutely, just make sure it doesn’t interfere with your primary job.

When is the latest I can apply for a visa?
We recommend that you apply at the very least two months before you intend to leave.

Do I need to use the The Working Holiday Club’s insurance policy?
Yes. US Department of State regulations stipulate that all J1 visa holders must have an approved level of insurance. The Working Holiday Club’s insurance is specifically designed for people traveling on a working holiday and meets this level of coverage, which is why we make it compulsory to obtain this insurance.

The health system in the US, is pretty average. If the injury is not life threatening, and you don’t have health insurance, then they will not help you. There is no free health care such as Medibank, so hospitalization is extremely expensive, another reason why we make it compulsory. The insurance covers you during the dates marked on your DS-2019 form.

Am I allowed to do this program more than once?
Participants can apply for the summer semester break program as many times as they want, provided they are still studying. However participants can only apply for the 12 month visa once.

Where can I work in the US?
You are able to work anywhere in the continental US, as well as Hawaii and Alaska.

Can I go with a friends?
Yes, you can. Actually a lot of friends go together. Simply let us know whom you want to travel with and we can make it happen.

What is a DS-2019 form?
It is a form issued by a US government agency, that allows you to apply for your J-1 visa. It is provided by your sponsor CIEE. You are required to show it to border officials when you enter the country, when applying for your social security card and also you must supply a copy to your employer. So it is a good idea to make a few copies of it before you leave.

Do I have to attend an interview at the US Consulate?
Yes, if this is your first time applying for a J1 visa. US Consulates are located in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. The Working Holiday Club will provide you with information about how to book an appointment, and a step-by-step guide to obtaining a visa.