Interested in applying for a J-1 Grad Visa in 2020?
The J-1 Irish Work and Travel (grad) visa program is a wonderful opportunity to live and work in the U.S. for a year in a placement related to your field of study. At the Rian Center, we have helped over 3,000 Irish students and graduates start their careers through our program. Come on the visa program with Rian and we will support you throughout, and most importantly, our Intern Placement service will assist you in your search for a suitable paid placement in your area of study, in the city of your choice.
The program’s temporary suspension is due to lift soon and we anticipate reopening applications on May 16, 2020.
Any 2019 graduates or 2020 final year students (soon to graduate), can register your interest by filling out our online inquiry form starting on May 16th. In the meantime, you can email us at j1iwt@j1-program.mystagingwebsite.com if you have any questions.
Please Note: When we reopen applications, eligibility will be based off of the date listed on your scroll, rather than by coursework end date. This will create a longer window of eligibility. Depending on your scroll date, there may be an extension to the eligibility window so even if your date passes you may still be eligible.
We are excited to restart our visa program and to help you have a fantastic year in the U.S!
Important Updates
Updated March 27, 2020
March 27, 2020: The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a new travel advisory: those on short term visas who risk losing employment, financial security and access to health care should return to Ireland. Please visit their Twitter page for the announcement.
About our Program
The Rian Immigrant Center is a U.S. Department of State designated visa sponsor for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa program. Irish citizens and international students who are current students or recent graduates of Irish universities, can intern in the U.S. in their field of study for up to 12 months to gain experience and enhance their future career and academic pursuits. The Rian Immigrant Center became an accredited J-1 visa sponsor in 2008 and has since supported more than 2,500 graduates and students through our programs.
What the Rian Immigrant Center’s J-1’s Are Saying
“The J-1 IWT program is by far the best opportunity for graduates who want to gain vital work experience and go on a life-changing adventure. My J-1 IWT program to San Diego, California provided me with professional and personal development that was unparalleled to any other option. My first piece of advice is if you are considering the J-1 IWT – simply go for it… you will reap the benefits tenfold.”
— Christopher Dixon-O’Mara, 2016
Masters in Energy and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin
“I think in a few years from now, the most memorable and impactful experience will have to be finally securing a role that I enjoy and beginning my career. It takes a lot of hard work, long hours and determination but I never doubted my decision to move to New York.”
— Emmet O’Shaughnessy
Business and Information Systems, University College Cork, 2019
J-1 Irish Work and Travel (graduate visa)
Under this category of the J-1 visa, you can travel to the U.S. without having secured an internship. It is a work-based learning experience for you to advance your skills in your field of study. We sponsor this visa only for Irish citizens who graduated from Irish universities. Our Director of Intern Placements builds relationships with U.S. employers and assists interns in offering tips on networking, interviewing, resume building for U.S. companies, securing appropriate positions when available, and additional resources.
Learn more about our J-1 IWT visa program by reading below:
Program Eligibility Requirements
Information for Potential Employers
To apply for the J-1 IWT program, please fill out our eligibility form below.
J-1 Intern Program
If you do not have an Irish passport or did not graduate from an Irish university, you may still apply for the general J-1 Intern visa. This visa is also a work-based learning experience, but you must secure a placement on your own before applying for the visa. Your position will have the same restrictions listed above.
J-1 Intern Program with Ulster University
In partnership with Ulster University, Rian provides international internship opportunities for third-year students with top U.S. employers across multiple sectors. As their visa sponsor, we provide constant support for students throughout their stay in the U.S. For more information about this program, click here.
J-1 Summer Work and Travel
The Rian Immigrant Center is also a resource for those who travel to Boston on J-1 Summer Work and Travel visas. We do not sponsor the J-1 Summer Work and Travel visas, but we support students as they transition to Boston and help them navigate living and working in the US. Assistance from our Director of Placements might be available upon request.
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J-1 Intern Program Purpose & Policy Regarding Mandatory Return to Ireland Upon Completion
The J-1 visa programs are US public diplomacy programs designed to foster global understanding through cultural exchange visits. The US Government’s Department of State categorically requires all J-1 visa exchange visitors to return to their home country upon completion of their exchange program in order to share their exchange experiences. The J-1 Intern program is not a pathway to permanent status in the United States.
If you have any intention of staying longer than the 12 month program period, or transferring to another visa, then the J-1 visa programs are not for you. As a participant in the Rian Immigrant Center’s J-1 program you must commit to not transferring to a B-2 Visa, H-1B, L visa or apply for an adjustment of status. All program applicants are required to sign a declaration stating that you understand that you are applying for an non-immigrant, J-1 Intern Visa and that this is not a pathway to permanent status in the United States.