Irish students hoping to head off this summer on a J1 in May only have a few weeks left to apply for their visa.
That’s according to USIT, leading Irish provider of overseas work and travel programmes, who today have announced their first cut-off dates.
The deadlines apply to Summer 2023 J1 applications and they’re only a matter of weeks away.
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Those looking to leave in May will need to apply for their J1 by January 31 while there is a February 28 deadline set for those looking to depart in June.
Speaking about her own J1 experience with USIT in New York last summer, Ruth Tighe a student from UCD said: “The best advice I have for someone thinking of doing a J1 would be to start the application process early and also to use the USIT job portal to find a job unless you have a job set in stone from an already established connection”.
The US Embassy has appointment dates set for as early as late January enabling students to have their J1 secured earlier than usual.
The USIT jobs hub already has over 900 jobs available in US locations; Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Boston, as well as resorts such as Nantucket, Myrtle Beach, Ocean City, and more.
Speaking about the available programmes, a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs said: “The J1 visa programme is a valuable part of facilitating mutually beneficial and enriching exchanges between the US and Ireland, and we were happy to see participation return in strong numbers last summer.
“Through the J1, thousands of Irish people have had the incredible opportunity to work and travel in the US.
“This programme ensures the continuity of Ireland’s strong people-to-people relations with the United States, and we look forward to seeing continued high levels of interest for the upcoming J1 season”.
Warning the public about the upcoming January deadline for May departure dates, CEO of USIT, Vicki Cunningham said: “We really can’t stress enough how important it is for students to apply for their J1 by the end of January in order to secure a May departure date and make the most of their summer this year.
“This is just one step we’ve taken to ensure we offer students the most streamlined process possible to obtain their J1 visa this Summer and compete with the growing demand for the J1 programme”.
USIT will be hosting a series of in-person information sessions across the country in Cork, Sligo, Dublin, Limerick and Galway to ensure students have everything they need to get their application underway ahead of the first J1 deadline. To keep up to date on those, students should visit www.j1online.ie/events
Those unable to attend an in-person info session should sign up for the next virtual J1 presentation which takes place on January 17th at 5.30PM.
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