What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through a wide range of work and travel, language, volunteer, professional training, internship, and au pair programs within the United States and around the world.

Their goal is to create affordable and exciting cultural exchange programs with an unparalleled level of support. They take great pride in the professionalism and service of their staff, and work hard to ensure a rewarding and enriching experience for everyone.

The US Sponsor organisation are responsible for vetting your J1 job in line with Dept of State criteria and issuing your DS-2019 work paper. They are your point of contact in the US for any programme related queries or emergencies.

What is A J1 VISA?

The J1Visa is the sticker in your passport, issued by a Consular Officer at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The J1Visa allows you to enter the US when you present it with your DS2019 Form at the border or airport.

The Work & Travel J1 Visa (together with your DS2019 Form) allows you to: work up to 4 months in the US. See the prohibited jobs in the US Jobs and Terms and Conditions sections.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a United States Government computerised system that collects and manages data about foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay, including Work & Travel participants. SEVIS is maintained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau (ICE formerly INS) and is designed to help foreign visitors follow the terms of their visas. 

Upon arrival in the United States, the student must register with SEVIS through the U.S. Sponsor portal and comply with a 30-day registration period after that.

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. Your work start date will be printed on your DS-2019. Your work permit only allows you to work from the 15th May until the 15th September if you are studying in R.O.I. If you are studing in Northern Ireland or UK your work permit only allows you to work from the 1st of Jun until the 15th September.

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 your SAYIT portal.

What is the I-94 Card?

The I-94 is a form used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection intended to keep track of the arrival and departure to/from the United States of people who are not United States citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Please check the following link for details on how to access your I-94 https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home 

What is the Social Security number (SSN) ?

The Social Security Number (SSN) is the American version of the Irish PPS number. All individuals must obtain a SSN so they can work legally in the USA.

How do I apply for my Social Security Number?

How do I apply for my Social Security Number?

Applying for a Social Security Number upon arrival in the US is mandatory.

Important:  You will not be issued a Social Security number if you do not register in SEVIS. You must register as soon as you arrive in the U.S. Participants need to wait at least 3-4 business days after registering in SEVIS before applying for a Social Security number.

To apply for a Social Security Number, you need to visit your local Social Security Office in the USA destination where you will reside for the summer. You need to complete the application form and bring the follow documents with you (Supplied in your final pack).

•   "Dear Social Security Officer" letter
•   SS-5 (application form)
•   DS-2019 form + SEVIS receipt
•   Passport with your J1 Visa
•   I-94

Most Social Security offices are only open Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm. Try to avoid applying between the busy hours of 11am to 2pm. Please take a look at the standard application process for the SSN HERE

The procedure and application form are available HERE

We Recommend:

•   You use your employers mailing address on your application, at least then if you move accommodation your card will go to a secure address.
•   Check the box labelled “Legal Alien allowed to work” for question 3.
•   Always ask for receipt of proof from the Social Security Officer.

If you have applied for your Social Security Number before but never received the number / card, you should contact the Federal Benefits Unit in the US Embassy on 01-6688777, ext. 2112  (8.30am-11.30am Monday- Friday excluding Wed)

Important: When you apply for your Social Security Number (SSN) you will get a receipt letter. Make a copy of it for your personal records. Give the original receipt letter to your employer when you arrive. The receipt is proof that you have applied for a Social Security number.

How long does it take to get a Social Security Number?

Important: After you apply, it may take 4 to 6 weeks for your Social Security Card to arrive. You are allowed to work while you are waiting for your card. If your employer has questions about your eligibility to work because your card hasn’t arrived, ask him or her to call your US Sponsor.

Can I work before I receive my Social Security Number?

Yes, an employer can legally hire you but you must have proof that you have already applied for your SSN. If you have any problems concerning gaining a job due to the fact you are waiting for your Social Security Number, please contact your sponsor immediately.

Do second timers need to apply for a Social Security number?

No, if you already have a Social Security Numbers, you do not need to get another one. A Social Security Number is for life.

What do I do if I have lost my Social Security Number?

Unfortunately, we cannot assist you with your Social Security Number as we do not have access to participants Social Security information. You need to contact the local Social Security Office in the USA, where you are staying, with two forms of ID to get your Social Security Number.  DO NOT apply for a new Social Security Number!
 
We advise participants who lose their social security cards to replace lost cards, especially in the event that they decide to return to work in the U.S on a future J1 SWT program. The link is HERE

If you believe that your card may have been stolen, there is a section on the website on how to report this.

What is the Online Orientation?

The Orientation is a mandatory requirement of the program set down by the US Department of State. All students must complete the Online Orientation before their DS-2019 will be issued or risk their program sponsorship being withdrawn. It is mandatory for all J1 students to complete the online orientation. Each email is personalised and each student needs to watch the orientation through their own log-in. 

Do I have to show Proof of Funds when I am entering the US?

US Immigration Officers do require that all J1 participants have a certain amount of money to finance them when they are entering the USA on their J1 program. When entering the US you need to have your completed Job Offer Form (DS-2019) and €1000 minimum available to you on arrival in the US, and you must be able to show proof of this to the US Immigration Official. A bank statement showing the funds maybe requested by US Immigration on entry.

Can I stay in the USA after my J1 Visa expires?

Yes, but only as a tourist for a maximum of 30 days. You can't work during this period. You may not leave the US and re-enter on your J1 visa during this period. You may not be able to re-enter on an ESTA (holiday visa)  within the 30-day period after the J1 visa expires. All immigration decisions for entry to the USA are at the discretion of US Immigration.

I'm in the USA and I have lost my passport/DS-2019/Social Security card. What should I do?

If you have lost your:

•   Passport: Contact your closest Consulate/Embassy for a new passport
•   DS-2019 form: Contact your sponsor immediately.
•   Social Security Card: Contact your local Social Security Office to apply for a replacement card. DO NOT apply for a new card.

When do I go to the Embassy?

Once your job offer is vetted and approved, you must accept it through your InterExchange account. Your DS-2019 will then be issued and available for download through your Inter Exchange account (within approximately 7 - 10 days), you are then eligible to complete a DS-160. 

To complete your DS-160 go to SAYIT J1 account for instructions. The DS-160 form is required to be completed so you can book your appointment for the US Embassy.

You cannot attend the US Embassy until you have a job approved and your DS-2019 issued.

Can I book my own flights?

Yes. For the 2025 J1 season we are allowing applicants to book their own flights or can book flights through SAYITJ1.  However we highly recommend that they do not book their flights UNTIL their Job Offer has been approved, their DS-2019 has been issued and they have been to the US Embassy for their appointment.

Can I find my own job?

Yes! We encourage students to seek out their own job offers, especially if you intend to go to California where limited jobs are in high demand. If you are offered a job you must have the employer fill out the Employment offer and Agreement form and submit this to us. Your sponsor will vet your job offer by contacting your prospective employer. If your job offer meets the J1 criteria your sponsor will issue you with a DS-2019 work paper.

Students booked on the Job Placement programme have to work for a minimum 10 weeks and must be available to work until the 10th of August at least. 

Can I change my approved employer before I travel to the US?

You can only change your employer if you have not attended your US Embassy Interview. 

If you have already attended your US Embassy Interview, you will not be allowed to change your employer until you travel to the US, submit your new job offer form to your sponsor to vett and then work with your original employer for the minimum of the 2 weeks notice required.

If you have not attended your US Embassy Interview you will be allowed to have your second  job offer vetted by your sponsor but will have to pay a €60 DS2019 replacement fee.

*Please note that this fee must be paid upfront before your second job offer will be vetted by your sponsor. Your first job offer will be automatically cancelled and there is no guarantee offered that your second job offer will be approved.

Can I change my job after I travel?

If you wish to change jobs after you have started work you may do so provided you have your new job vetted by your sponsor in advance of starting the new position. You must give your employer two weeks notice before leaving.

Can I leave the US on holiday during my J1?

You can leave the US during your J1 period once you inform your sponsor and have the Travel Validation part of your DS-2019 completed by them. Allow 2 weeks for this before departure. More information can be found on Travel Validation in your pre-departure final pack.

Re-entry on the J1 programme is only possible within the dates printed on your J1 visa & DS-2019 work paper in line with your current SEVIS status.

If your SEVIS status is Program Ended you must not cross the border as you will not be allowed re-enter. For further details contact your US Sponsor.

Important: J1 participants are not permitted to travel to the Tijuana Metropolitan area in Mexico. Violation of this rule will result in termination of your J1 programme.

Trips home to Ireland are restricted to a maximum of 14 days under insurance rules.

What is the J1 Final Pack?

The J1 Final Pack advises information about all you need to know before heading to the US. It lists your obligations and outlines specific steps you are required to comply with once you arrive in the US.

You must print off a copy and carry it, and any documents that are accessible through it, with you to the US.

I’m a final year student, am I still eligible?

Yes, if you are in final year and actively pursuing a degree of a full-time course of study at an Irish or UK ministerial‐recognized post-secondary academic institution you are eligible to apply. Please note, you will need a letter from a Course Co-ordinator / Head of Department stating your intent, or confirming that you will be returning to full-time education following your J1 and continuing with at least one more year of full-time study. This must lead to a degree or higher qualification. OR a letter from a bona fide employer offering a full-time position on your return from the US.

My passport expires before I go, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply. However you will need to apply for a new passport immediately once you have booked your programme. We need a copy of your passport as soon as possible in order to process your application.

I’m a repeat student, can I still apply?

Unfortunately, repeat exam students are not eligible to apply.

How long do I have to submit a job offer?

Applicants will have up to the 28th of February 2025 to submit a job offer. 

Do I have to take insurance?

Yes, SAYIT J1 Insurance is mandatory for all participants on the J1 programme. The insurance provided is specifically tailored to the J1 programme and in our opinion is the most acceptable insurance.

I’m travelling with a group, is it possible for us all to work with the same employer/same destination?

If you are travelling with a group there is no guarantee that you will all get jobs with the same employer or destination. You can specify where you would like to travel to, however, we would advise you to start your job search as early as possible.

What is the J1 Waitlist?

When our J1 allocation is full, you will no longer be able to apply for the J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa. You can however sign up to be put on our waitlist. This means, should a space become available, we will contact you directly. You will then be required to pay your deposit if you wish to proceed. 

Can I change programmes?

Change in Programme types:

Changing from Job Placement to Self Placement

  If your application has not been processed to the US Sponsor, your Programme Fee will be reduced to the Self Placement Programme Fee (based on the date we receive your completed job offer form with your request by email ONLY) plus an administrational fee of €50 will be added. (Any applicant who was submitted to InterExchange, can not have their programme changed until they submit a valid job offer to us.)

  After a DS-2019 has been issued for a Self Placement position, you are not allowed to change to Job Placement.

Changing from Self Placement to Job Placement

  Any Self Placement applicant who changes from Self Placement to Job Placement will have their Programmme Fee changed to the corrected Programme Fee valid on their request date (received by email ONLY)

  After a DS-2019 has been issued for a Job Placement position, you are not allowed to change to Self Placement.

Can I extend my J1 visa? Can I overstay?

No. The visa cannot be extended. Please choose your visa dates carefully. Due to the rules of the US State Department it is not possible to extend your work authorisation beyond the end date of the programme. 

No. Staying beyond the period of time authorized, by the Department of Homeland Security, and out-of-status in the United States, is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the United States. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will generally be automatically be voided or cancelled, as explained above. 

What if I have a criminal record?

Applicants applying for visas at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin are required to furnish a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, you may submit with your application the documents relating to the arrest. Applicants applying for visas at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin are also required to furnish a Police Certificate from your local Garda Station.  Information on obtaining the police certificate is available from the Garda Siochana website at https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/online-services/data-protection-foi-police-certificates/policecertificates.html#:~:text=A%20Police%20Certificate%20is%20a,in%20respect%20of%20this%20jurisdiction.

• What if I was convicted in the United States?

If you were arrested and/or convicted of an offense in the United States, you are required to obtain a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, you may submit with your application the documents relating to the arrest. If you do not know the address of the court, the information is available from the internet at https://www.uscourts.gov

Applicants are also required to furnish  a Police Certificate from their local Garda Station issued within 6 months of the visa interview.

• Drink Related Offenses

Applicants who have been arrested and/or convicted of a drink related offense may be referred to the Embassy's panel physician for evaluation. You will be advised further on the day of the interview. As we cannot pre-adjudicate a visa application, we are unable to provide further guidance until you formally apply for the visa, at which time you will be given the opportunity to discuss your application with a Consular Officer.

• What if I was convicted in a country other than the United States or the Republic of Ireland?

If you were arrested and/or convicted of an offense, you are required to obtain a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, you may submit with your application the documents relating to the arrest.

Do I have to contact anyone before returning to Ireland?

Yes, you must contact your US Sponsor to let them know you are leaving the US by emailing them your confirmation that you’re leaving along with your flight details (date, flight number, departure airport etc.) Please CC: the email with j1visa@sayit.ie