Am I eligible to apply?
You can apply if you are:
18 at the time of travel. There is no upper age limit.
Currently enrolled at a college and participating in full-time Post-secondary studies that culminate into a degree. Students enrolled in a programme of 2 years or less must demonsrate that their current studies lead to a degree programme and show intent to pursue that degree. Final year students no longer need to be pursuing further education in the next academic year; but will need to show they are returning to Ireland after the summer.
I am a Final Year Student – can I apply?
Yes final year students no longer need to be pursuing further education in the next academic year; but you will need to show they are returning to Ireland after the summer.
I have been on 2 J1 visas - can I get another with SAYIT?
Yes. You can now go as many times if you wish.
Where can I apply?
The simplest way of all is to book on-line. Alternatively you can book by post, telephone or in person at the SAYIT office in Cork.
When can I apply?
The programme is now open. Complete the application form available on-line or from SAYIT Cork. We are not restricted in the number of visas we can provide, however, we would encourage you to book early to avail of the best choice of flights.
I do not have a Passport. Can I still apply?
No. You must have a valid passport at the time of booking. A photocopy of the personal information page must be submitted within 5 working days of booking.
How much does it all cost?
The programme costs varies depending on whether you wish to travel as an Independent or a Commando traveller and where you wish to fly.
Then can I pay installments or just one payment?
After the initial deposit of €50 (free if you book online for a limited time only), you can pay the balance either in stage payments or one final payment on or before 2nd of March. You can fast-track your application by paying €188, this will ensure that you get an early Embassy interview. We recommend you pay in advance of the closing date, we can then request your DS 2019 (Official visa document which entitles you to apply for a J1 visa).
How can I pay?
You can pay by cash, cheque made payable to SAYIT Travel, bank draft or credit / Laser card.
Do I need a US Job Offer?
US Job Offers are not mandatory however we recommend all participants to actively seek a job prior to departure. Approximately 23% of J1er’s have a job arranged before they leave for the USA.
I cannot make the US Embassy interview, what happens?
It is mandatory for all applicants to attend an interview at the US Embassy in Dublin. You will have the opportunity to select your appointment on any Wednesday from the 13th January - 5th May 2010 (subject to availability).
What if the US Embassy denies me a visa?
The issuance of J1 visas is at the discretion of the US Embassy. Should you be denied a visa you should contact SAYIT immediately. SAYIT will resubmit your application pleading your case. Resubmission can take up to 6 wks. SAYIT accepts no responsibility for visa denials and the Embassy’s decision is final.
I have a holiday planned and the Embassy have my passport. What happens now?
Under no circumstances should you plan any foreign holiday during April / May, which is the most likely time that the Embassy will be in possession of your passport. The Embassy will NOT return or expedite the issuance of visas on demand.
What does my insurance cover?
A copy of the policy is available to through the J1 Lounge. Please read the insurance policy carefully. As with all insurance policies there are some medical and general exclusions. Please note there is excess on the policy for each claim. The amount of the excess will vary depending on what you are claiming for.
What doesn’t my insurance cover?
Your insurance policy does not cover any form of medical treatment required while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pregnancy is also not covered.
Are valuable items covered by Insurance?
We advise to leave valuable items such as jewellery or camcorders at home. If you wish to take a valuable camera, camcorder or musical instrument with you we would strongly recommend that you have this item insured under your parents/guardian house insurance policy. The item must be named on the policy to be insured. PLEASE NOTE – Any items purchased while in the US is NOT covered under the insurance policy.
Am I insured before I leave?
Yes, you are insured as soon as you have paid your final balance. Therefore, if you need to cancel prior to departure due to an insurable reason you may make a claim through the insurance. Please note that the cost of the policy and the excess on the policy will be deducted from the total paid prior to refund. So if you haven’t paid more than this, you are not eligible for a refund from the insurance company.
What documents are required to apply for a visa?
Your Passport and the completed DS-160 form along with a visa size photo are required documentation to apply for a visa. In addition SAYIT will supply you with a DS 2019, a US bank draft and SEVIS receipt to accompany your application. You must ensure you have a valid passport at the time of application. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date from the US. Full details on how to complete all DS forms can be found in the J1 Lounge.
What is a DS-2019?
The DS-2019 is a very important and unique document that allows SAYIT to apply for a J1 Visa on your behalf. This is a Government document and cannot be replaced. The DS-2019 is one white sheet. The front of the form contains your personal details, name and date/place of birth. Read through the form to ensure that all details are correct and sign, place and date the bottom. If this is not done correctly and precisely it will be returned to you and this may delay your visa application.
When you are going through US Immigration on your way to the US, you must present your DS-2019 and Passport to the official. The Immigration Official MUST stamp your DS-2019 if the form is not stamped you will not be able to apply for a Social Security Card.
What is the DS-160?
Completion of this document is required by the US Embassy in order for a J1 visa to be issued. You must complete this form in FULL. Every question must be answered whether relevant or not. The DS-160 must be completed online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ details on how to complete all DS forms can be found in the J1 Lounge.
I want to book my own flight?
Under the rules of the programme all flights must be booked through SAYIT Travel only. All our flight contracts are specifically designed for the J1 programme and afford flexible conditions both prior to, and after departure. Failure to book though SAYIT Travel will result in forfeiture of any J1 special offers and possible cancellation from the programme.
Can I change my flight before I depart Ireland?
Yes. All flight changes are subject to availability and may be subject to a flight change fee.
Can I change my flight while I am in the US?
Yes. SAYIT will change your ticket subject to the airline's terms, conditions and change fees. All changes are subject to availability. All flight changes must be carried out through the J1 lounge.
What if I fail an exam?
If you fail an exam and have to come home to repeat you are covered for flights and flight change fees up to the value of €700. To avail of this cover you must contact SAYIT before the end of June and you must travel back to the US within 3 days of finishing your exam repeat. We suggest you change your original ticket in the US and pay the relevant change fee. When you know what date you wish to travel back to the US, contact SAYIT and we will book the cheapest available ticket. You can only travel back to your original destination and you must stay a minimum of 14 days. You will need a receipt for the change fee, the new ticket purchased and proof that you failed and re-sat your exams in order to make a claim through your insurance. The second option open to you id to travel home to Ireland and not return to the USA.
What if I get sick while in the US?
If you have an accident / become ill or need hospitalisation you must contact the AXA Assistance toll free number 1 - 866 - 269 - 725 to advise them that you need medical assistance. They will approve the medical treatment and agree payment terms with the relevant hospital / doctor. The Assistance Company must be contacted prior to going to the hospital. In the event that you need to attend a medical centre/doctor for minor medical treatment you must ring the AXA Assistance toll free number prior to going to the doctor. The Assistance Company will give you details of local medical centres/doctors that you can attend. If you attend a medical centre/doctor as an outpatient you will be required to pay the medical bills and claim back from the insurance company afterwards.
What do I do in an emergency (i.e. accident, loss of passport, etc)?
If there is an emergency the first thing you should do is consult the “Pre-Departure Orientation" document. Most eventualities are covered in the guide and you should be able to find an answer to any query you might have.
What happens if I lose my air tickets when I am in the US?
You must contact SAYIT and we can reissue your electronic ticket and forward it to you via email. There will be a small charge of €30 for ticket reissue.
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