J-1 Visa
A J-1 visa allows you to enter the United States for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 (depending on the programme) for work experience. You are allowed to earn a stipend while working at a pre-determined placement in the United States.
Following a successfully completed programme you will have 30 days to travel around the United States before returning home.
Visas are provided by the U.S. Department of State and CAEP or WISE. You will need to apply for a programme and you will be issued a visa accordingly. An appointment at the US Embassy near you is required to grant the visa before entry into the United States.
To be eligible:
- Applicants must be 18-30
- Trainees will have have 5 years’ experience in their requested field or 1 years’ experience and a third level degree (or equivalent) in their requested field
- Interns will still be at college or have graduated in the last 12 months (FETAC 6 or higher)
- J-1 visa provided by U.S. Dept. of State and CAEP/WISE for training in agriculture related fields
- Visa application co-ordinated by CAEP/WISE
- Medical/accident insurance required for CAEP only (WISE fee includes insurance)
- J-1 visa holders will receive room and board plus minimum stipend of $1100/month
- J-1 visa holders must pay state (if applicable) and federal taxes
Application Process
Step 1
- For some programme applications, you are required to register online. You will be asked to create a user name and a password. Please contact our Outbound Programme Coordinator for more information.
- Once you have registered online (if applicable), you will receive an email explaining how to complete the online application.
- When completing the application we are happy to upload documents supplied to us if you do not have access to a scanner.
- Read the declaration carefully and make sure you understand fully it’s content.
- You will be asked to call in to the Equipeople office for an interview.
- The full application is then submitted to CAEP/WISE for evaluation.
You will also need to include the following in your application:
- A brief but detailed autobiography (1 page) written by yourself which should include details about your experience, personal details and background, family background, special customs and beliefs, hobbies, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, plans for the future, and expectations from the programme. (WISE)
- A copy of your up to date CV.
Note: The CAEP programme requires the same information but it is part of the online form
Step 2
If your application is successful CAEP or WISE will then look for a suitable position for you. Once a suitable host is found, you will receive Placement Advice (PA), detailing the placement, accommodation information and stipend.
Step 3
Once you have confirmed your placement, then the CAEP/WISE fee and the remainder of Equipeople’s fee are payable.
- A credit/debit card payment or bank transfer of fee due depending on length of stay (CAEP)
- A bank transfer of USD$575.00 (WISE)
- A bank transfer of €307.50 (including VAT) to Equipeople
Only when this is paid can the DS2019 and DS7002 forms be issued which allow you to arrange an interview at the American Embassy in Dublin to apply for your visa.
Step 4
As soon as CAEP or WISE inform us that the DS2019 and DS7002 forms are on their way, we will advise you to arrange an interview at the US embassy in Dublin. Forms can be collected from our office or sent to you by registered post. There is a fee of USD$160.00 for the American Embassy to process your application.
Step 5
- Once your visa is approved, flight arrangements should be made.
- It is important to contact us with your flight details before you fly so that we can ensure your visa and your insurance cover are activated before you enter America.
- CAEP/WISE and your host will arrange for you to be met at the airport.
- You will receive a Welcome Pack from CAEP or WISE on arrival at your host employers. This will have useful information including details of your Insurance cover.
Free Time
Because working is just one aspect of going to America and there are many opportunities to take part in adventure activities and exploring during your time off, we recommend you to take a look at www.discoveramerica.com