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Work USA 12 months

Working holiday USA

12 months' US visa sponsorship, optional seasonal job

Exclusive to Aussie and Kiwi students and grads, this one-time visa allows you to live and work anywhere in America for up to 12 months – with 30 days either side to travel.

LET’S TALK
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Not Aussie or Kiwi? Check out our other USA work options
You have 12 months from finishing your degree to do this one-time visa
From servers to stockbrokers – you can pretty much work in any field. Nice job!

You had us at exclusive

Why do a working holiday in the USA?

It would say on the tin...

What is Work USA 12 months?

ASK US ANYTHING

Is it for me?

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From NZD $2,249

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18-35 + Aussie or Kiwi

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Student or grad only

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Stay for 14 months

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Do casual or career jobs

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Work anywhere in the USA

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13 months' medical cover

Reasons to work in America

Unique opportunity

Job flexibility

Explore America

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The job lot

Work in 50 states

Work as a researcher in Alaska, a model in New York or a techie in San Fran. This grad USA visa gives you the freedom to follow your dream career, get international experience, and take advantage of every opportunity America has to offer.

Visa + cost

Who can apply for Work USA 12 months?

Am I eligible?

You must be a New Zealand passport holder, aged 18-35, and either be:

  • A full-time tertiary level student currently in a nationally accredited institution of higher education studying on campus, who has completed one year of study before entering the USA.

OR

  • A recent graduate from full-time tertiary study who has studied on campus, and who has had their application approved and entered the USA within 12 months of completing their degree requirements (final coursework/exam).

Deposit


NZD $200

Second payment


NZD $2,049

Total

NZD $2,249

Secure your spot with $200 deposit
  • Sponsorship to work in the USA
  • 13 months’ medical insurance
  • J-1 sponsorship documents
  • Step-by-step visa guidance
  • US Embassy interview prep
  • 12 months’ Job Hub access
  • SEVIS US Government fee
  • Handbook for all the job + housing info
  • Pre-departure call for all the intel
  • 1-on-1 support before you go
  • 24/7 support on the ground
  • US SIM card
  • Social Security set-up support
  • Bank account set-up support

US Embassy fee

 Paid to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 for NZ passport holders / USD $400 for Australian

Support funds

You may be asked to show proof of support funds - USD $1,000 with a pre-arranged job / $2,000 without  

Travel insurance

 Medical cover is included, but travel insurance is required to cover the rest of your trip

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved   

Travel before you start work

Get 10% off worldwide Contiki trips before you go! Friends = benefits 

Balancing profit with purpose, JENZA only works for us if it works for others too. We donate 5% of profits to our Youth Access Scholarship Fund so that young people from under-served and lower-income backgrounds can experience working overseas. Find out more and apply for scholarship funding.
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Our roadtester community

"You get to actually live in a country, get to know people and work in the field that you want to."

Binh, former JENZA roadtester
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Jobs

What jobs in America can I do?

America in numbers

60+

Years we’ve run US cultural exchanges

100%

The best decision you’ll make after uni

417

Number of In-N-Outs in the USA

417

Acceptable number to visit during your visa

Finding your job

Casual jobs

Career jobs

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Tips on finding your job in the USA

If you can make it there...

1

Tell them about JENZA

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Tell them about JENZA

The sponsorship cost and visa red tape can often be a barrier for US companies looking to take on international staff. When applying for jobs, make sure you tell them from the outset that you’re already sponsored to work in America.

1

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Tell them about JENZA

The sponsorship cost and visa red tape can often be a barrier for US companies looking to take on international staff. When applying for jobs, make sure you tell them from the outset that you’re already sponsored to work in America.
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Utilise your student services

Reach out to your tutors, student career services and international education office to utilise their resources and connections. Even if they’re only able to secure short-term work experience, it’s still a valuable foot in the door.

2

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Utilise your student services

Reach out to your tutors, student career services and international education office to utilise their resources and connections. Even if they’re only able to secure short-term work experience, it’s still a valuable foot in the door.
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Check out these sites

Set up job alerts on US and international job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, USA Jobs, AngelList, ZipRecruiter, SimplyHired and Monster. The list may be long, but the initial legwork will pay off in the long run.

3

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Check out these sites

Set up job alerts on US and international job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, USA Jobs, AngelList, ZipRecruiter, SimplyHired and Monster. The list may be long, but the initial legwork will pay off in the long run.
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Get online and get creative

Shortlist companies in the States and at home (they may have US offices) and then get creative. Connect with their leaders on LinkedIn, set up Instagram alerts, be ready with references, and use our Intern Hub for handy tools on how to create your personal brand, convert your CV to a US resume, access our directory of US employers, and more.

4

Girl in New Orleans

Get online and get creative

Shortlist companies in the States and at home (they may have US offices) and then get creative. Connect with their leaders on LinkedIn, set up Instagram alerts, be ready with references, and use our Intern Hub for handy tools on how to create your personal brand, convert your CV to a US resume, access our directory of US employers, and more.
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Hustle your connections

The American dream was founded on hustle culture. Reach out to friends and family, and stalk (in a non-threatening way) past alumni from your course on LinkedIn to see what they’re doing and where they’re working. You’ll have more contacts than you think.

5

3 girls at baseball match

Hustle your connections

The American dream was founded on hustle culture. Reach out to friends and family, and stalk (in a non-threatening way) past alumni from your course on LinkedIn to see what they’re doing and where they’re working. You’ll have more contacts than you think.

Watch me!

Everything you need to know about Work USA 12 months

Once you've finished studying, the window to apply for this J-1 visa is small. You must apply within 12 months of finishing your final course work or exams. And once that window closes, it’s closed forever (huge pane). Here's our resident visa whisperer, Jessie, to explain the J-1 rules, when to apply, and what types of jobs in America you can do.
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What you say

Every day walking outside my door I’m like, this place feels like the movies.
Savannah, JENZA roadtester
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We promise to wear pants

Book a video call

Your work and travel ride or die – our JENZA team in Australia and New Zealand are here to help with all your questions.
BOOK A CALL

How it works

When and how to apply

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Countdown to America

  • Check your eligibility, hit ‘Apply now’ and create your profile to start your application. You can then access your online account anytime at the top of this page. Once you’ve paid your deposit, head to the ‘Book your interview’ section in your online account and follow the prompts to book a time slot to speak with us. We recommend starting to complete your sponsorship application before your interview, so that you can ask any questions that have come up. You'll need to fill out a range of information including your personal details, employment history, why you want to travel to the USA, and also upload your documents.

    1+ days

  • While you’re not expected to pledge your allegiance to the flag, this J-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa – which means it's designed for international students or graduates to experience everything America has to offer. A visa requirement, in this casual 30-60 min interview with one of the JENZA team we'll go through the process in more detail, get to know you a little more, and ask what your plans are while you're in the USA. It’s also an opportunity to get advice and go over any questions you might have.

    1 day

  • Once your interview and online sponsor application have been completed, let us know and we'll have a look over it to make sure there’s nothing missing. If everything is correct, we'll ask you to pay the remaining JENZA balance and we'll submit your application to our US sponsor for approval.

    1+ days

  • Once we have submitted your application, it will take them 2-3 business days to send on your DS-2019 form. This is the form you need to start the process to apply for your J-1 visa. Around this time, you'll also receive an e-mail from our insurance provider to create an online account.

    2-3 days

  • Use your DS-2019 form and the instructions provided by JENZA to apply for your visa online. Be sure to reach out to us if you need any assistance. Once you've completed the online part of your visa, you'll need to pay the visa fee online. After this, you can book the in-person part of your visa application at your local embassy or consulate. Note that visa appointment wait times vary significantly across locations and throughout peak times of the year. To check the current processing times at your local embassy, click here

    2+ days

  • You'll then take your supporting documents along with you to the US Embassy. This is generally a very quick interview where the official will look over your documents and ask a couple of questions about your trip. They will then take your passport and DS-2019 papers to add your visa in your passport. Prepare for them to have your passport for 5-10 days. You can either pick your passport up in person, or arrange to have it posted to you by providing a pre-paid self-addressed post bag at the time of your interview.

    5-10 days

  • A pre-arranged job isn’t a condition of this visa, but if you’d rather have something lined up while you find your feet, we’ll set you up on the JENZA Job Hub where you can search and apply for pre-vetted seasonal jobs. Typically these are summer roles between Jun-Sep and are working as servers, retail assistants, lifeguards, front of house, baristas and more. We can also help out here by sending your CV to our Chief Jobsworths (AKA, our jobs team) who can help you to find something suitable.

    7 days

  • Once you have your visa processed, you can go ahead and book your flights. Make sure you fill out the flight details in the 'Travel section’ on your account so we can be sure to give you a final call before your departure date. You'll also have access to a pre-departure briefing via your online JENZA account. It is a requirement that you watch this, so be sure to tick the box to confirm you have!

    1+ day

  • Once you've landed in the USA, you must activate your visa. This can be done via your online account with your US sponsor. Be sure to stay in touch while you’re away and tag us @jenzatravel, we'd love to hear all about your adventures.
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Get it for free (ish)

Earn back your adventures

We know the most authentic voices come from our community. Whether you want to come on board as an ambassador, roadtester or as a one-off collaborator for blogs, vlogs or images – earn some extra $$ on the road with a content side hustle.

Just say 'yes'

What our Work USA roadtester had to say

"A tip that someone told me is to say 'yes' to everything. You never know where a connection might lead you - whether it’s job, or friends… it really helped open doors.” Feel good advice from Savannah, our 2024 Work USA roadtester – who left New Zealand for a life living and working in New York.

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All the inspo and intel

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Friends = benefits

Unlock 10% off Contiki when you book with JENZA

Looking for a little pre or post trip action? We've teamed up with Contiki to bring you the ultimate work and travel dream team. Check your online account to access your 10% off code.

Got questions?

We’ve got answers

Not found what you're looking for? Hit 'Ask a question' below and one of our JENZA Support Squad will come back to you - pen pal style.
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Talk to us

USA experts
Call us for all the intel on where you can go, what jobs you can do, and when you need to apply.
CONTACT US

  • This visa is only open to Australian and New Zealand students and graduates. Check the full eligibility in the visa + cost section on this page.

    If you’re a student from a UK, European or other eligible Northern Hemisphere universities, check out JENZA Work USA 4 months – which allows full-time students to work in America for 3-4 months over the American summer holidays.

  • You can work in the USA for 12 months. Plus, your J-1 visa allows you to have a 30-day grace period before you arrive and at the end to travel around the USA. You’re not allowed to work during your 30-day grace periods. When you apply, you’ll select a start date that will be printed on your work permit. You can enter the USA up to 30 days before this date, and remain in the USA for 30 days after the finish date.
  • Yes, but for no more than 30 days. Our visa sponsors will need to approve and sign off your DS-2019 form before you can leave the USA. Please note that you cannot leave and re-enter on the J-1 visa during either of your 30-day grace periods.
  • The J-1 visa is for the purposes of temporary cultural exchange, to experience living and working in America. It’s not possible to extend your visa and you must have the intention to return to Australia or New Zealand.

  • Yes, you’ll need to select an arrival date that will be printed on your work permit. (If you’ve already graduated, this date must be within 12 months of you graduating). You can arrive into the USA up to 30 days prior to your start date – this is your 30-day grace period. If you want to change the date and your DS-2019 form has already been printed, you will need to pay an additional fee to have it changed.

  • Uniquely flexible and independent, apart from a few restricted professions, you can do pretty much any kind of work when you’re out there – from career-related roles to support your professional path, to more typically working holiday jobs working in hotels, bars, shops, restaurants and more. You can work for one employer for the whole 12 months or do shorter roles with multiple employers.

    Restricted jobs include:

    • Farm work, which is covered by a different agricultural visa
    • Childcare, such as working as an au pair or nanny
    • Camp Counsellor or sports coach. See our Summer Camp USA experience if you’d like to work with children and young people or teach an activity
    • Medical professional
    • Maid or domestic helper
    • Casino dealer, cashier or croupier
    • Driving with passengers
    • Starting your own business, being self-employed or a freelancer

    Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and jobs will need to be approved by the sponsor on a case-by-case basis. If you are unsure about whether your field of work will be allowed, please get in touch!

  • DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) is the official certificate of eligibility. This is the official US Government form that our sponsor issues on your behalf to allow you to apply for your J-1 visa at your US Embassy or Consulate appointment.
  • SEVIS stands for Student Exchange Visitor Information System. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operates this tracking system for all J-1 visa holders. Compliance with SEVIS is simple and straightforward. However, failure to comply with any of the regulations of this system could have devastating effects on your visit and any future travel to the USA. We’ll run through all the details with you on your initial call with the JENZA team and in your pre-departure orientation.
  • The US State Department requires all J-1 visa holders to be covered for the full length of their visa. We include 13 months' medical cover, which you can find out more about here. If you’re staying for the full 14 months of your visa, we can extend this for USD $90. You must also take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover against other parts of your trip. For example, flight delays, cancellation and curtailment, personal belongings, legal costs, adventure sports, and more.
  • Didn't see your question? Ask our team here.

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