USA VISA FAQ’s

USA FAQ

Which visa do I need to apply for?
That depends of your circumstances. If you don't want to miss any university or TAFE, then you need to apply for the Subzero summer program. However if you want to spend longer in The States, you need to apply for a 12 month J-1 visa

Can I travel before or after 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!

If I want to, can I extend my visa?
No. Under no circumstances is the J1 visa allowed to be extended. So be sure to enjoy the time that you have there and live it up while you can.

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. However before you leave the country, 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?
If you are travelling on the Subzero summer program then you can leave once your educational institution has started the summer break, usually around late November.
The 12 month program allows you to enter the country and begin work anytime throughout the year.

Which jobs am I not permitted 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;
• 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, counselling, 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 counsellors and;
• Jobs through staffing/employment agencies.

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

Do I have to work full time?
No, not if you don’t want to.

When is the latest I can apply?
We recommend that you apply at least three months – contradicts previous FAQ two months before you intend to leave. However positions fill up fast, so the earlier you begin the process, the better. It is not uncommon for all Subzero summer positions to have been filled by June. We begin accepting applications for the 2012/2013 season in November 2011.

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 travelling 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 to say the least.. 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 Medicare, so hospitalization is extremely expensive, another reason why we make it compulsory. The insurance covers you during the dates marked on the DS-2019 form.

Am I allowed to do this program more than once?
Participants who take part in the Subzero summer program can do this program as many times as they want, provided they are still a student. Unfortunately applications for the 12 month program can only receive this visa once.

Are there any age restrictions?
For the 12 month program there are no restrictions as long as you are currently studying at Uni/Tafe, or you have graduated in the last 12 months. However participants in the Sunzero summer program must be aged between 18 - 30.

Where can I work in the US?
You are able to work in any state of the US, as long as it is in an allowed position.

Can I go with a friend?
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 also required to show it to border officials when you arrive in the country, when applying for your social security card and also supply a copy to your employer. So it is a good idea to make a few copies of it before you leave.

How do I apply for my US J1 visa?
Please refer to the visa process tab on the webpage as there are quite a few steps involved.

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 regarding how to book an appointment, and a step-by-step guide to obtaining a visa.

Will I make enough money to cover my costs?
That is up to you. It is affected by things such as how much you want to work, how much you want to travel, where you want to live and how much you go out.

Is accommodation provided?
It depends where you work. Some employers provide staff accommodation, and others don’t. However if accommodation isn’t provided, both your employer and The Working Holiday Club will assist you in finding housing by providing you with housemate options, as well as accommodation leads to realtors.

Can I meet others going over on the same program before I leave?
Yes, it is easy. Through the working holiday online forum, you can meet everyone going over and discuss everything from travel arrangements to housing situations. Pre-departure parties will also be a great place to meet other participants.

How much does accommodation cost?
It depends on where, and how, you want to live? However in general you can expect to pay between $70 - $130 a week for rent. Just a hint, if you are living in the snow, try to find a place with a hot tub!

Can I specify a particular position that I want to apply for?
Yes, once your application fee has been finalized and you have completed your online application you will be asked to answer our skills-based assessment test where you can put forward your application for a particular position. However, as certain positions are very popular you may wish to consider listing a number of different preferences. Remember, flexibility is an attractive trait for all employers!

What kind of people are we looking for?
Our US resort partners love the Australian working attitude and that’s what we expect you to show while over there. As long as you are hardworking, outgoing, friendly and eager you should not have any problems. While some jobs require certain skills and experience, many provide full training on site. Cash handling experience is required if applying for ticket sales positions, bar/wait experience in hospitality positions would obviously be an asset and you can never go wrong with customer service skills in almost any position

Do I need to have experience at skiing / boarding to work in a ski resort?
In most positions no ski experience is required. Some lift and instructor positions will need you to have experience on the slopes though.

When are interviews with the US resorts held?
The human resource and department managers come to Australia to conduct interviews in June-August. You will personally need to be at the specified locations on the date of the interviews. If you apply for special consideration with WHC, we may be able to arrange for you to have a skype interview with one of our employers, however considerable notice must be given.

What happens if I am not offered a job?
Should you not be offered a position by one of our resorts, you will receive a refund of the program fee less your deposit.

What if I am offered a position I don’t want?
Unfortunately, if you are offered a position that you do not wish to accept, then you will forfeit your program fee.

Do I need a Certificate in Instructing to be a Teacher?
It really depends on the level you would like to teach and the resort you would like to teach at. Some of our resort partners do require you to have certification while others do not. You will need to ask your interviewer or program coordinator about resort-specific information.