J-1 Summer Work Travel Program
Starting in 2016, the two largest sponsors of the J-1 Summer Work Travel program in Ireland are requiring Irish students to have a summer job vetted and approved before they travel to the U.S.
What the Change Means
ACT NOW! Irish J-1 Summer Work Travel participants working through CIEE and InterExchangein the U.S. and USIT and SAYIT Travel in Ireland now must have their job vetted and approved by their U.S. Sponsor before they will be issued the documents they need to apply for a visa.
Who Benefits from the Change
By hiring students before they arrive, you fill your staffing needs in advance of your seasonal rush. Students can travel assured they may start working immediately upon arrival.
Why Hire International Students
The Summer Work Travel program provides international university students opportunities to interact with Americans and experience American culture while sharing their own cultures. Students fill seasonal or temporary jobs that require minimal training, helping you in your busiest times while earning funds to help defray their expenses.
How To Hire A J-1 Summer Work Travel Participant
1. Identify a J-1 Summer Work Travel participant you want to hire (if you want help finding the right student, contact CIEE or InterExchange)
2. Complete a job offer for that participant
Answer questions and provide documentation when the participant’s sponsor calls to verify the offer:
- Employer Identification Number (Federal Tax Identification Number)
- Business License
- Workers’ compensation information
3. Help the participant learn about U.S. culture and encourage staff to learn about the participant’s culture.
Once the job starts, notify the sponsor of issues or emergencies during the participant’s employment
4. Help the participant learn about U.S. culture and encourage staff to learn about the participant’s culture.
5. Once the job starts, notify the sponsor of issues or emergencies during the participant’s employment
Acceptable Types of Jobs
All employers hiring Summer Work Travel participants must demonstrate a need for additional seasonal or temporary staff during the months participants are available to work.
Program requirements for employers include:
- Positions must be entry-level and unskilled, requiring minimal training
- Participants must not displace American workers
- Participants may not work for employers that have experienced layoffs in the past 120 days or have workers on lockout or on strike
Certain types of jobs are expressly prohibited. They include:
- Construction/general labor jobs Pedi-cab jobs and those requiring operating a motor vehicle
- Jobs requiring work hours between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Jobs in a private home (childcare, cleaning, and so on)
- Jobs requiring purchasing of inventory for sale
- Jobs requiring work as an independent contractor.