• Apply while enrolled as a University undergraduate or postgraduate student or apply and commence your training within 12 months of your graduation date.
• Have already begun a course of study of at least 2 years duration at a university or any other third-level educational institution. One year postgraduate course are also eligible. Students who are under the age of 18 or who have not yet begun university level education are not eligible for this programme.
• Have pre-arranged course-related training in the US. The position may be paid or unpaid and must have university/college approval. The maximum duration of your training can be 12 months.
• Be a full-time student or recent graduate only.
• Begin your training while still a student or within 12 months of graduation.
• Non-Irish Citizens: You are eligible for this programme provided you are completing your entire course in Ireland. For information about extra requirements in this case, please contact internshipusa@usit.ie
• Not work in an unskilled occupation or prohibited J-1 job as defined by the US State Department. Please note that a list of "unskilled occupations" and jobs prohibited to J-1 visa holders is available here.

• Be at least 20 years old (and generally not older than 40)
• Have graduated from a third-level institution and have at least 12 months of relevant professional experience outside the US. In cases where the applicant does not have a degree then 5 years of professional experience outside of the US will be required.
• Secure a full-time trainee work placement in the US. This placement should be related to your current career field. If you completed your degree within the two years previous to the start date of your training then your placement should relate to your coursework and current career path. The maximum duration of your training can be 18 months.
• Not work in an unskilled occupation or prohibited J-1 job as defined by the US State Department. Please note that a list of "unskilled occupations" and jobs prohibited to J-1 visa holders is available here.

NB! If you have completed or been enrolled in a full-time course of study at a degree or certificate granting third-level academic institution in the 12 months preceding your programme start date you must apply for the Internship USA programme only!

Flights:

Flights must be booked with USIT as part of your programme. They are not included in the fee but must be booked before your embassy interview in order to receive your DS-2019 (please note you cannot sit your interview without this document, so book your flights sooner rather than later!). Bear in mind USIT cannot guarantee your application will be approved by CIEE (the partner organization in the US that issues your documents) or by the US embassy when you sit your interview. USIT book you the most flexible flight available to avoid any disappointment should you need a flight change.

Training Programme:

Placements should consist of practical training directly related to your field of study/current career path. Practical training will vary from position to position, but should include a rotation of departments, if applicable, and a well-rounded exposure to the company/organisation. Although training takes place in the workplace, the programme does not allow participants to simply work in the US (i.e. replace a regular employee). The training should also not be duplicative of your previous experience and should show a clear progression of skills and knowledge. Please refer your Host Company to the following link, http://www.ciee.org/trainee/newhc/ where they will find information and relevant forms regarding the programme. Under no circumstances are you to complete the forms for the Host Company!

NB! Please note some types of training in Hospitality/Tourism/Agriculture may be limited to 12 mth maximum duration. For more information, please contact internshipusa@usit.ie

Return Evidence:

All applicants for the Internship/Professional Career Training USA programmes must have sufficient return evidence in order to be approved by the US Embassy. Return evidence can be a letter from your University/College stating that you will return to resume or continue your studies after your placement. For applicants not intending to return to study, this should be a letter from an Irish employer stating that when you return from the US there will be a job available for you. If you hold a property deed for an irish property this will also be accepted in some cases. Under no circumstances should this visa be used as a stepping stone to stay in the US for a longer period of time. If you give any indication to USIT, CIEE, or the US Embassy/Consulate that this is your intention your application will likely be rejected without appeal.

Previous J1 Holders:

• If you have previously participated in the US Work and Travel Programme (WAT), you can apply for the INTERNSHIP USA or Professional Career Training USA provided you fulfil the requirements listed above. You must have spent at least 90 days out of the US since completion of the US Work and Travel Programme before you can begin your traineeship in the US. You can begin your application process before the 90 days is up, but you will not be allowed to start the programme until this time period has passed.
  Please note that for the Professional Career Training USA programme you cannot use any professional experience in the US toward the 12 month professional experience requirement.
• Previous participants on the Internship USA programme can participate on this programme again for the full 12 months provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Your training plan should show a clear progression on the previous trianing plan and you must have been outside the US for 90days min between Internship visa's
• Applicants who have previously participated on the Internship USA, may apply for the Professional Career Training USA programme provided they meet all eligibility requirements and provided a period of at least 2 years has transpired between your return to Ireland from your previous programme and the start of your new programme in the US . You will be able to go for the full 18 months allowed on a Professional Career Training.
• Applicants who have previously participated on the Professional Career Training USA, may re-apply for the Professional Career Training USA programme provided they meet all eligibility requirements and provided a period of at least 2 years has transpired between your return to Ireland from your previous programme and the start of your new programme in the US . You will be able to go for the full 18 months again.