Q2: How much does the programme costs?
A: Please refer to the Cost page.

Q3: What does that price cover?
A: Processing of application; transfer of all relevant documents to CIEE in Portland; Participant Handbook; Issue of DS-2019; US Embassy appointment arranged for ROI applicants; Dispatch of all Visa Application forms, including samples; Insurance; 24 hour emergency service in the USA. The total programme fee also includes your insurance coverage.

Q4: What does the SEVIS fee cover?
A: This fee is charged by the US Government in order to maintain the SEVIS system. The SEVIS system generates your DS-2019 and serves as a tracking system/database while you are in the US. There are more details regarding the SEVIS system in the programme handbook and materials you receive when approved for the programme.

Q5: Do all applicants have to pay the Host Company Vetting fee? What does this cover?
A: Not all participants will have to pay the Host Company Vetting fee. Only participants going to a Host Company that does not fit one of the following criteria will have to pay this fee: an annual turnover of US$3 million, a full-time staff of at least 25, or previously hosted an intern or trainee through CIEE in the last 3 years. This fee covers the actual extra costs involved in completing the physical site visit to your companies location.

Q6: How long before I can go? Can this be expedited?
A: The processing time of your application to the Internship Programme will be approx. 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit all necessary documentation. Unfortunately it is difficult to guarantee the processing times for the Internship due to SEVIS waiting periods and Interview Appointment availability at the US Embassy/Consulate. If your company must undergo the special vetting process, then this will add an extra 4 weeks of processing time to your application. Due to this we do not accept applications with a departure date less than 8 weeks away. If your application is processed in less time you can re-arrange your flights for an earlier date provided your J1 visa is issued by that date. Please note there will be an extra 2weeks processing time for an applications submitted/in process ovber an Irish or US holiday period.

Q7: Can I go to the US and apply from there?
A: Unfortunately, no. You need to be in Ireland for a majority of the process for several reasons. The main reason is that if you have spent too much time in the US prior to attending your Interview at the US Embassy/Consulate they will look at your application more suspiciously and you will run a greater risk of rejection. We also need to be able to contact you if there are any problems with your application, so they can be dealt with immediately. You also must attend your US Embassy/Consulate interview yourself in person in Ireland.

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Q1: Is the Internship USA Programme open to all Irish Nationals?
A: No. You need to be a full-time Third level student (2 years course minimum undergraduate, 1 year postgraduate) or a recent graduate (within 12 months) from a recognised ROI or NI college/University. Foreign students who are studying at least 2 years in Ireland and obtain their qualification from a recognised third level College/University in ROI and NI are also eligible. All applicants must show proof of return to Ireland.

Q2: I hold an Irish passport and/or live in Ireland but studied in the UK. Am I eligible?
A: Yes and no. If you are currently enrolled in a British mainland University you will not be able to apply through USIT. However you may apply directly through ISTPlus. Their web site is www.istplus.com If you have completed your coursework at your mainland UK college then you may apply through USIT.

Q3: I am a 32 year-old student. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, as long as you meet all eligibility requirements. The upper age limit for the programme is around 40 due to US recommendations.

Q4: Is the Internship USA programme only open to Irish nationals?
A: No, any nationality is eligible for the programme once they are registered in Ireland as a full time student and will receive their academic award from a college or university in Ireland. Similarly recent graduates (within 12 months) of any nationality may apply once their award is from an Irish college and they have sufficient evidence to show that they will return to Ireland at the end of their Internship. If you are not planning on returning to Ireland, it may be a better idea to apply for your J1 Visa through the US Embassy/Consulate in your country of permanent residence.

Q5: I already went to the US with a J-1 Work and Travel visa. Can I still apply for the Internship programme?
A: Of course. Regardless of how many times you went to the US with a J-1 Work and Travel visa, you can still apply for up to 12 months for a J-1 Intern visa provided you meet all eligibility requirements. You will need to provide a copy of that previous J1 Visa and previous IAP-66/DS-2019 when you apply. Please note that you cannot return to the US on an Intern J-1 until you have been out of the US for 90 days.

Q6: I already went to the US on an Internship programme. Can I apply again?
A: Yes, provided you meet all eligibility requirements and your new internship programme will impart an advanced level of skills or grant exposure to new areas and that you are out of the US for a min of 90 days between J-1 Visas.

Q7: I've finished my internship and would like to begin another internship while in the US. Is this possible?
A: No, you must return to Ireland to make the application for the new internship. Please note you must meet all programme eligibility requirements and will have to remain in Ireland fopr a minimum of 90 days between the visas. If you wish to apply as a PCT, you will have to meet all eligibility requirements and will have to remain out of the US on any type of ‘work’ visa for 2 years.

Q8: Can students currently on other visa types studying in the US apply for the programme?
A: No, you are not permitted to change visa classes while in the US; you would need to return to your country of permanent residence in order to apply for a new visa. The US Embassy/Consulate may query you on why you wish to spend so much time in the US.

Q9: Can applicants take up unpaid positions as interns in the US?
A: Yes, however they must be able to provide firm evidence that they will have access to at least USD$750 per month in order to support themselves throughout the entire period of their stay in the US. This can be in the form of a guarantor in Ireland or through proof of savings. Please note you CANNOT hold any other employment while in the US. Your Host Organisation must give you a minimum of 32hrs per week Intern experience.

Q10: Are students who have taken a year-out eligible for the programme?
A: No. Students whose course contains a mandatory period of work experience are eligible for Internship USA provided they apply for the programme while still enrolled as a full-time student and/or their university still considers them enrolled as a full-time student during this period. Repeat students or students who have been voluntarily taken a year off, although they may have college backing to defer their studies for a year, are not eligible for the Internship or PCT programmes - in this case we would recommend you look into some of our working holiday programmes.

Q11: If I'm on the US Summer Work and Travel Programme and I want to stay on in the US, can I apply to go directly on the Internship USA Programme?
A: NO! As with the US Summer Work & Travel Programme, the Internship USA is a J1 class visa, and it is not possible to have two J1 visas running back to back concurrently. US immigration regulations state that there must be a 90-day break between J class visas. As such, if a participant on the US Summer Work & Travel Programme wants to apply for the Internship USA programme, they must return home to Ireland to do so and then must not re-enter the US any less than 90 days later. You can begin the application process for the Internship/PCT USA programme before this 90 days is up, but you will not be able to enter the US until the 90 days have expired.

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Q2: Why do I have to pay a visa fee also?
A: The Visa Application Fee is a separate fee that the US State Department requires from you in order for them to process your paperwork. This fee is paid directly to them and has nothing to do with either USIT or CIEE.

Q3: What does the programme fee cover?
A: See above. General, Q3.

Q4: What is the SEVIS fee? Do I have to pay it?
A: SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS was implemented post 9/11 in order to allow the US Government to track the location of all participants on student exchange based programmes, including the Internship/PCT USA programme. The system is now fully implemented and the US Government has levied a fee to cover the administrative costs of the system. You must pay this fee in order to obtain your J1 visa from the US Embassy/Consulate. USIT/CIEE arrange payment for you and will supply you with a SEVIS receipt (I-797 or I-901)with your DS-2019 before your appointment with the US Embassy/Consulate.

Q5: How long before I get my visa?
A: The processing time is generally 6 to 8 weeks, however it can take more or less time depending on your individual application. You should receive your DS-2019 about 2 weeks before your US Embassy/Consulate appointment, provided you have booked your flights, and your J1 Visa within 5 business days of your Interview.

Q6: What are the cancellation fees?
A: If you choose to cancel before your DS-2019 is printed your cancellation fee is €99/UK£69; this covers the programme cancellation costs only. If you choose to cancel after that date it is €250/UK£159. If your application has been submitted to CIEE you will also lose the €180/£75 SEVIS fee. The flight cancellation fee depends completely on the type of fare purchased and the amount of time before departure date.

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Q2: Why do I have to submit a bank statement to the US Embassy/Consulate?
A: You must submit a bank statement to the US Embassy/Consulate and at US Immigration in order to prove that you can support yourself and will not pose a burden on the US Government. Keep in mind that you should have sufficient start up funds as your first pay cheque may not become available to you until you’ve been there for a little while.

Q3: My employer is paying me. Why do I have to provide a Financial Security Statement?
A: Once again we and the US Government want to ensure sure you will be able to take care of yourself and not pose a burden on the US Sponsors or Government.

Q4: I do not have a current account bank statement but I have a Visa credit limit of more than €400. Is that OK?
A: Unfortunately no, the US Government feels a bank statement is the best and most accurate way of reflecting your financial status. Please ask your bank to provide you with a bank statement before you attend your Interview at the US Embassy. Your statement should be dated within the last 30 days.

Q5: Will still need to show proof of funds to US Immigration??
A: Yes, US immigration can decide to allow or not allow you into the US even if the US Embassy has granted your visa, so we recommend that you have another set of these documents when going through US Immigration.

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Q2: My passport validity will expire while I am in the US? Is that OK?
A: No your passport must be valid for your entire stay. If it is not you will either need to apply for a new passport with the appropriate validity or change the dates of your Internship to fit into your current passport's validity.

Q3: My passport has been stolen and I only have an emergency 1-year replacement passport. Can I go in the US with it?
A: You can go to the US with it as long as its validity covers your entire stay in the US and your J-1 Visa is issued into it.

Q4: My passport details are incorrect, can I fill in the forms to match it instead of getting a new one?                                                                                        A: No your passport must be issued correctly, you should contact your local passport office to find out how long it will take to get it re-issued. All details on all forms must be correct and match your passport exactly.

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Q2: How do I apply for my J-1 visa?
A: Once your DS2019 has been issued you will attend a scheduled interview at the US Embassy/Consulate. USIT will arrange your appointment for you and will notify you of your appointment date and time in the cover letter to your 'Welcome Pack'. Your 'Welcome Pack' will be sent to you shortly after we receive your completed documents and will detail the documents and information required for your US Embassy/Consulate interview. Your DS-2019 will be issued to you shortky before your appointment date provided you have booked your flights and there have not been any delays in processing your application.

Q3: I am going to the US for the full duration, do I really need ‘Return Evidence’?
A: Yes, the US Embassy/Consulate require that all participants supply a letter of Return Evidence to illustrate that you are returning to Ireland once your programme is completed. This can be a letter showing an intention to return to studies or to a job here in Ireland. You MUST have this, if you do not your application will be rejected. This programme is a temporary exchange visitor programme and should not be viewed as a springboard to stay in the US permanently.

Q4: What is a DS-2019 form?
A: It is the 'Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status', which is the document that entitles you to apply for a J1 Visa. You cannot obtain a J-1 Visa without a DS-2019. Similarly your J-1 visa is not valid without your DS-2019. Only the two documents together grant you permission to live and work in the US.

Q5: Should I keep a copy of my DS-2019 while I am in the US?
A: YES! You must keep your original DS2019 in a safe place and with you throughout your stay in the US and you will need to take it with you if you travel outside of the country. We also recommend that you keep a photocopy of this and all of your travel documents in a safe place just in case something happens to them.

Q6: I have lost my DS-2019. Does it matter?
A: YES! If you lose your DS2019 while you are still in Ireland contact USIT straight away and we will arrange getting a replacement for you. If you lose it while you are in the US you will need to contact CIEE straight away. You may have to pay a fee for the issuance of a new document.

Q7: How long can I stay on a J-1 Intern visa?
A: You can avail of a J-1 Internship visa for a maximum of 12 months. The 12 months is the maximum period you can spend interning, you are allowed to enter the US about 14 days before the start date on your DS-2019 and can stay for up to 30 days past the end date on your DS-2019 provided that you have purchased enough insurance and programme fee for your entire stay in the US.

Q8: Can participants apply to extend their period of internship after they've travelled out to the US?
A: If you are on the Internship USA programme, you can apply to extend your period of training with your host company once the total time spent interning in the US as an intern does not exceed 12 months. You will need to fill in the extension application forms and pay the relevant programme and insurance fees. You will need to apply for an extension prior to the expiry of your current DS2019 and allow a minimum of 6 weeks for processing your application. (See the 'I am in the US on the Internship/PCT USA programme!' section or email internshipusa@usit.ie )

Q9: Can I apply directly to the US Embassy if I have a job offer in the US?
A: No. You must be a registered participant on a US Government authorised work exchange programme or have other official US Visa documentation for other visa types. The US Embassy does not issue work visas (J1) without the necessary Work Authorisation from a US Government approved legal sponsor. CIEE is the approved legal sponsors of our programme and can issue such Authorisations - the DS-2019. Without a DS-2019 you cannot apply for a J1 visa, regardless of whether you have secured a trainee position or not.

Q10: Can I study in the US while on Internship visa?
A: No. The regulations on this programme do not allow you to study at a US institution while there.

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Q2: Can I go to Canada / Mexico for a few days?
A: Yes, but you will have to follow the procedures outlined above as these rules apply to any travel outside the US. Please note travel to Canada and Mexico means you are leaving the US, so you cannot travel to these places during your 30 day travel period.

Q3: Can I come back home for a holiday during my internship?
A: Yes, but you will have to follow the procedures outlined above as these rules apply to any travel outside the US and you will have to do this before your DS-2019 and J1 visa expiry dates.

Q4: Can you take time out to travel around the US before you begin your Intern programme?
A: You can only be in the US for a maximum of 14 days before you begin working on either the Internship USA Programmes.

Q5: May I travel around the US after my Trainee programme ends?
A: Once your DS-2019 expires, you have 30 days from that date to travel within the United States as long as your insurance has not expired. Please note you cannot travel outside of the US during this 30 days – this includes travel to Canada and Mexico.

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Q2: Will USIT arrange my internship for me?
A: We do not arrange internships for individuals, however we do have available positions posted. There is a USIT Select and a CIEE Trainee Select service and you can gain access to the available positions by visiting this link. If none of the available positions suit you, there is a great deal of information and links to resources on our website under the 'Finding a Traineeship' sections. Please note USIT and CIEE are not recruiting agencies and if there is not a position that suits your needs we recommend that you embark on an independent search. Please note USIT and CIEE will facilitate initial contact, but it is up to you and the company to make any agreements and USIT/CIEE will not be responsible should things fall through.

Q3: Can I change job during my internship?
A: No. The sponsorship of CIEE for your internship is specifically granted in relation to the employment you secured at time of application. Only under very specific circumstances will you be able to change employer (e.g.: you've been fired/terminated/made redundant). If you are having a serious problem with your internship provider you may also apply for a change of internship. Make sure to contact CIEE straight away if you are having problems with your employer. In any case do not quit/change job without prior approval by CIEE. This could otherwise result in the withdrawal of sponsorship.

Q4: Am I allowed to hold a second job during my traineeship?
A: No. The US regulations on this programme prohibit holding any other job while you are over on this Visa. If you do so you risk losing your Sponsorship and Visa and may be deported from the US.

Q5: Are there any jobs I'm NOT allowed to do?
A: YES! Medical, veterinary, health, childcare and housekeeper positions are not authorised under the J-1 Internship visa. There are also some positions that fall under the US Government's 'Unskilled Occupation' list. Please see more detailed information on this in our 'Eligibility' section. You must have a minimum of 32hrs work per week.

Q6: My internship is not paid. Is that OK?
A: YES! However you must complete all of the relevant documentation on the Financial Sponsorship form and you will need to furnish the US Embassy with proof of funds and a letter from your financial sponsor stating the amount of money they will furnish you with and how they will get it to you while you are in the US.

Q7: Are participants on the Internship USA programme liable for taxes in the US?
A: Yes, participants are responsible for paying ALL income taxes, which apply to your area. However, you do not have to pay Social Security, Medicare or Federal Unemployment Taxes.

Q8: What forms will I need to file my tax return?
A: Before you can file your tax return you will need to obtain a W-2 from your Host Company. US Employers are required to post these to all employees no later than 31 January every year, so you should receive this by mid-February. Make sure that your Host Company has your correct address. The 1040NR-EZ is the form you must complete for your Federal taxes. You will also need to obtain your W-2 form from your employer at the end of the year. If you paid any State or Local taxes, you will need to get any State/ Local tax forms that are applicable to you - these can often be obtained via the web or through local government offices in your area of the US.

Q9: Where can I get IRS forms?
A: You can obtain all Federal tax forms from the IRS web site: www.irs.gov . You may also obtain the federal tax form from the American Embassy outside of the U.S. To obtain State tax forms, look in the "blue pages" of any local telephone book in the U.S. to find your state tax office address. Local libraries, post offices and town/city halls also may have state, federal and local tax forms.

Q10: My only compensation is room and board. Do I have to pay taxes on that?
A: We advise that you ask your employer for a statement at the end of your employment (I.e. W-2 or 1099 form) stating the amount of compensation for that period of time, mentioning that this was compensated through room and board.
NOTE: All Internship/PCT U.S.A. participants should apply for a Social Security Card and file a tax return at the end of the year, regardless of whether they have received regular payment/compensation or not. This is beneficial to the participants, in case they want to come back to the U.S. in the future, so that they have proof that they followed the regulations while here on CIEE's program.

Q11: Do I have to apply for a social security number if my traineeship is unpaid?
A: Yes. Whether you are paid or not you are 'employed.' The company you train with will also have to have a social security number for you for tax purposes.

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Q2: Can I buy insurance for part of my trip and then pay for the rest at a later date?
A: No, the US Government and US Sponsor want to see at the time of application that you are fully insured for your entire duration of stay in the US.

Q3: What does the programme insurance cover me for?
A: Cancellation and curtailment; Emergency Medical Responses and Repatriation; Baggage and Personal Effects; Travel Delay and Holiday Abandonment; Hijack; Missed Departure; Personal Accident; Personal Liability; Student Loan; Legal Expenses; Exam Failure; Loss of Earnings; Programme Participation Costs in certain cases where a return to Ireland is necessary; Government Travel Advice and certain Hazardous Pursuits are all things that are covered to varying degrees on the Internship Insurance Policy. For further details or specified information regarding the policy you will need to refer to your policy.

Q4: I am booking my flight with my credit card. Do I need to buy insurance?
A: Yes.

Q5: My Host Organisation in the US is providing me with insurance, so I don’t need to purchase a policy before I go, right?
A: No this is not correct. Policies arranged through your Host Organisation in the US are not sufficient as they do not cover repatriation back to Ireland and this coverage is required by US law. They only cover day to day medical expenses and there is usually a waiting period once you arrive before this insurance will actually provide you with coverage.

Q6: Can I go with an alternative insurance?
A: Yes, however the coverage needs to cover your entire stay in the US and there are other specifications that it must fit before it can be approved. You must submit a copy of your entire policy and certificate of insurance to USIT with an Alternative Insurance request form and pay the €60 alternative insurance fee. The alternative insurance form can be obtained by request from internshipusa@usit.ie

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Q2: I am going for 12 months but I cannot book my return flight because it's too far ahead. What should I do?
A: Interns planning on travelling for 11 or more months are allowed to travel on a one way ticket.

Q3; I am going for 12 months. Can I go with a one-way ticket?
A: Yes.

Q4: Can I book my flights with another travel agency?
A: No, you must book your flights with USIT, this is so we have all of your travel information to provide to the US Government and Sponsors, as well as the Insurance provider. It's also more beneficial as you can purchase tickets that can be changed for a nominal fee in case you run into problems with obtaining all of the necessary paperwork to travel on your traineeship. Make sure that you are aware of all fees and rules that may apply to your specific ticket.

Q5: My employer is paying for my flights but want to buy the tickets somewhere else. Is that OK?
A: It is, however we will need a written letter from your employer stating this and a copy of the tickets you will be travelling on. They will also have to pay the concession fee of €60.

Q6: I am entitled to concession travel because a member of my family works for an airline. Is that okay?
A: Yes, however you will have to provide us with a letter from the airline stating that you are entitled to concession travel and that you will not travel outside of your insurance dates. You can request the Concession Travel form by emailing internshipusa@usit.ie

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For full information on Extensions, please refer to the 'I am in the US on the Internship/PCT USA programme' section!

Q1: My visa is expired is that normal?
A: Yes the US Embassy usually only issues your visa for the time specified on your DS-2019, at times they may even have your visa's validity expire before the end date on your DS-2019.

Q2: I have friends to visit in Canada for a few days. Do I need to do anything about my visa?
A: If you have extended your internship and your Visa has expired, you will be unable to travel outside of the US to any country until you obtain a new J-1 Visa, which you can only do in your home country.

Q3: I am coming back home to Ireland for a holiday. Is that OK?
A: Yes, However if your J-1 Visa has expired you will need to apply for a new one while you are at home. You will need to arrange an appointment at the US Embassy several weeks in advance and you will have to fill out all of the relevant forms again, as well as pay the Visa Application Fee to the US Embassy/Consulate again.

Q4: What do I do with my new DS-2019?
A: Sign it and keep it in a safe place. If you need to get a new Visa you will need to have it with you when you apply for your new visa. You will also need to make sure you've had it signed by CIEE.

Q5: Do I need to extend my insurance also?
A: When you pay the extension fees, your extended insurance comes with that. You should receive your new policy in the post shortly after you apply for your extension.

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