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Work USA 12 months
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.
You had us at exclusive
You’ve studied for years, worn the Harry Potter gown, and now a mild panic has set in. What next? This one-off visa allows you to globalise your resume with up to a year working in America. You can do casual or career work, in fields from fashion to finance, and in any of the 50 states – including the one with the pineapple on top. (Aloha Hawaii. And sorry about the pizza thing).
It would say on the tin...
We provide the J-1 visa advice, eligibility screening, US sponsorship and medical cover to work in America for 12 months and stay for 14. Most travellers choose to independently enter the job market when they arrive – sourcing jobs related to their degree. Or if you’d rather have something casual lined up – you can arrange short-term hospitality work with our summer J-1 USA employers on our Job Hub.
Is it for me?
From NZD $2,249
18-35 + Aussie or Kiwi
Student or grad only
Stay for 14 months
Do casual or career jobs
Work anywhere in the USA
13 months' medical cover
Reasons to work in America
Unique opportunity
We don’t want to get all noughties YOLO on you, but this visa is genuinely a ‘use it or lose it’ one-off. There are few visa scenarios where you can move to America for such a long period – and with so few job restrictions. AKA – try not to let it pass you by after graduation.
Job flexibility
Unique to this visa, you don’t need to have a job in America lined up. And when you do start working, it doesn’t have to be in a field connected to your degree. Meaning you can use it as a traditional working holiday visa to work and travel, or to get ahead in your career.
Explore America
Don’t just visit – live it. From iconic cities to beach playgrounds and mom ‘n pop towns, this rare visa allows you to put down temporary roots for a year – experiencing American life as a bad-ass New Yorker, New England yachtie or juice-carrying Angelino. (Other stereotypes also allowed!).
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
The J-1 mothership – this unique visa allows you to work for 12 months, with a 30-day grace period to travel at the start and end of your work permit. You can't apply for a J-1 visa without a sponsor. Together with our US partner, we provide your sponsorship and work papers – with 1-on-1 support throughout the whole process. You must have your visa approved and enter the USA within 12 months of finishing your degree.
Unfortunately, this type of 12-month J-1 visa is only open to Australia and New Zealand passport holders. Not you? Check if you're eligible for our four-month Work USA experience instead.
Deposit
NZD $200
Second payment
NZD $2,049
Total
NZD $2,249
What’s not included
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
Good to know
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.
Jobs
Apart from some restrictions (including remote work, medicine, farming, childcare and domestic help – check our FAQs for more) you can do most types of work anywhere in America. You can also work for the same US employer for the full 12 months with uncapped earning potential – giving you the chance to make your mark, put your academic skills to work, and grow your professional network.
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
Getting a temporary job is a great way to start earning $$, settle into American life and relieve the pressure of finding a role straightaway. We’ll give you access to our Job Hub where you can search and apply for backpacker jobs. From server jobs in New York to lifeguard jobs in LA – these are usually 3-4 month hospitality, tourism or retail roles over America’s summer (Jun-Sep).
Career jobs
From working as a finance broker to a food stylist, you have the freedom to work in most sectors with the flexibility to find your job when you land. As you’ll already have sponsorship to work in the USA, as long as your employer is happy with your temporary status, you can apply for jobs like any American would. Your salary will then reflect the industry and your experience.
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1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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, use our guide in your online account to convert your CV to a US resume, and be ready to go with references.
5
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!
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.
Get hired or get the intel
Meet Camp Directors face-to-face, connect with others heading to camp, and (fingers crossed) get hired on the day. To register your interest, apply for Summer Camp USA and let us know which city you'd like to attend. We can't wait to see your face, but don't worry if you can't make an in-person event - the quickest way to get hired is in our hiring pool.
Looking for a fresh start? The most liveable cities and the coolest ski resorts, Canada is the ultimate working holiday visa. Join our Canada Crew for all the intel on who can go, when you need to apply, and what types of jobs you can do. Plus, that age old question - summer or winter in Canada? (Both being the correct answer!).
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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
We promise to wear pants
Your work and travel ride or die – our JENZA team in Australia and New Zealand are here to help with all your questions.
How it works
The J-1 visa consists of an online application and in-person visa appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. From your eligibility screening to securing your sponsorship paperwork and getting your visa back, can take up to three months. And don’t forget – you must enter the USA within 12 months of finishing your degree, so remember to build this into your timeframes.
Countdown to America
1
Apply online + sponsorship application
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
2
Attend your screening interview
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
3
Submit your sponsorship application
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
4
Receive your DS-2019 form
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
5
Apply for your J-1 visa + book embassy appointment
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
6
Attend your US Embassy appointment
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
7
Land a seasonal job (optional)
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
8
Book flights + pre-departure orientation
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
9
Arrive in the USA
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.
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'
"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 2023/24 Work USA roadtester - who left New Zealand for a life living and working in New York.
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As seen on social
All the inspo and intel
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?
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.
Talk to us
Call us for all the intel on where you can go, what jobs you can do, and when you need to apply.
Which nationalities can do Work USA 12 months?
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.
How long can I stay in the USA for?
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.
Can I leave the USA during my visa?
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.
Can I extend my J-1 visa?
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.
Do I need to specify a date on my visa?
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.
What jobs can I do on this 12-month J-1 visa?
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:
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!
What is a DS-2019?
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.
What is SEVIS?
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.
What travel insurance is included?
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.
Ask a question
Didn't see your question? Ask our team here.
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JENZA Travel International Ltd, trading as JENZA, is a company registered in Dublin, Ireland with Registered Company No. 707281 and registered address at 29-31 South William St, Dublin, Ireland, D02 EY96.
