J-1 Australia / New Zealand
Work for 6 to 12 Months

Program Overview

This unique J-1 Exchange Visitor program allows university students and recent graduates the opportunity to work and travel in the US for a maximum of 12 months. Take your gap year and turn it into a US experience!

Employment Opportunities

Most participants typically work in semi-skilled to non-skilled service positions at resorts, hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks. Internships in US businesses and other organizations (i.e., architecture, science research, graphic art/publishing and other media communication, advertising, computer software and electronics, and legal offices, etc.) are allowed. Participants are also permitted to work in multiple locations and can be transferred within departments.
You are welcome to secure your own employment with such businesses as mentioned above or Life Adventures can facilitate your placement in a number of different locations with outstanding resorts and reputable companies. You are not obligated to accept any offer we may pose to you, however, once accepted you are expected to keep that employment commitment for at least 6 months unless previous approval has been given. After you have completed your 6 months commitment, you are able to continue with the current employer, search for alternative employment or travel and enjoy the USA.

Eligibility

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and a current university student or recent graduate (within the last 12 month).

Flights

Life Adventures works with you to coordinate the arrival and departure dates and expectations based on your needs, employers needs and program requirements. We outline specific arrival windows and work with you to insure arrivals are optimized to your convenience.

Housing

Housing arrangements will vary by location. Employers often provide nearby housing options at employee cost. Other positions will require you to secure housing independent of the employer.

On Going Support

Life Adventures keeps continual contact with both the employer and participants to ensure a great experience for both. You will be required to keep an active email while in the USA. You will need to check in with Life Adventures on the website “Check-In” within 5 days of your arrival in the US and then every 30 days thereafter. Our initial check in is to confirm your arrival and to validate your visa. The monthly “Check-Ins” thereafter are simply our way of making sure you have communication with us and to insure that your program is a success. We are here to help you.

Additional Program Information

Program Duration:

Participants are permitted to work and travel in the US for a maximum of 12 months.  Unlike the traditional J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa that has a maximum work eligibility of 4 months and permits a participant to travel for up to 30 days after, the 12 month Pilot Program is limited to a maximum of 12 months regardless of employment or travel. 

Visa Requirements:

All participants must obtain a J-1 visa through the US embassy.  Life Adventures provides the sponsorship necessary in order to apply for the J-1 visa.  Life Adventures will provide specific details and assistance.  

Additional Requirements:

All participants must also have the following:

• Travel/Medical Insurance

• Background Screening

• Round-trip Airfare

• Accessible funds