CIEE Work & Travel USA Program
Starting in 2016, Irish students participating in the CIEE Work & Travel USA program will be required to have a summer job vetted and approved before traveling to the U.S.
What Change Means
ACT NOW! Irish CIEE Work & Travel USA participants now must receive an offer of employment by a U.S. employer before they will be issued the documents they need to apply for a visa.
Who Change Benefits
By securing a job in advance, students can travel to the U.S. assured they may start working immediately upon arrival, and will be able to focus on experiencing America to its fullest.
How to Find a Job
Talk to friends and family who have already been to the U.S. Many employers in the U.S. are familiar with the J-1 program and keen to hire students from Ireland culture while sharing their own cultures.
Or, sign-up for a job fair. CIEE J1 Ireland Exchange will offer job fairs in Ireland over the winter months. These jobs are pre-approved by CIEE and simplify the process even more.
Follow These 4 Simple Steps to Get A Job Approved!
1. Collect a job offer from an employer
Once an employer has offered you a position at his or her business, a job offer must be completed
2. Submit the job offer for review
Submit the job offer to CIEE J1 Ireland Exchange for vetting.
3. CIEE verifies position
CIEE will contact the employer to review the job offer details. The employer will need to provide the following documents before CIEE can approve the position:
- Employer Identification Number (Federal Tax Identification Number)
- Business License
- Workers’ compensation information
Note: Please let potential employers know that CIEE will be contacting them.
4. Interview for a J-1 visa and travel to the USA
If the job offer is approved, CIEE will issue a DS-2019 form and a J-1 visa interview can be scheduled with the U.S. embassy. If the job offer is not approved, CIEE will notify you.
Keep Your Word
You are expected to report to the site of activity listed on your DS-2019 form. Failure to report to your pre-approved job and make a good faith effort to work at the position and honor your work commitment may result in program termination. You must contact your U.S. sponsor before leaving a job. All additional and subsequent jobs must also be vetted by your U.S. sponsor before you begin work.
Acceptable Types of Jobs
All employers hiring CIEE Work & Travel USA participants must demonstrate a seasonal or temporary need for additional staff during the summer season. The positions must be entry level, unskilled, and require minimal training.
Unacceptable Types of Jobs
Certain job types that are expressly prohibited. They include:
- Construction/laborer jobs
- Jobs requiring driving
- Pedi-cab jobs
- Jobs requiring work between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Jobs in a private home (childcare, cleaning, and so on)
- Any job requiring purchasing of inventory for sale or work as an independent contractor.
Please be sure to review the requirements and list of prohibited positions before submitting a job offer.
For Help Finding a Job
For more information and help in identifying potential CIEE Work & Travel USA job opportunities, please contact CIEE J1 Ireland Exchange.