12 Month USA Work and Travel Visa for Students to Continue

The USA is a notoriously difficult country to get a work visa. That is unless you are a full time tertiary student or recent graduate.

The 12 month J-1 visa allows current students and recent graduates that hold a valid New Zealand or Australian passport to work in virtually any job anywhere in the US.

The visa was launched as a 2 year pilot programme in 2007. The pilot period expired September this year and after significant consultation the US government has recently agreed to extend the programme until further notice.

Non-profit work and travel organisation International Exchange Programs (IEP) is thrilled with the extension to the visa. IEP’s Company Director Bex Gilchrist feels that this is a very positive outcome for young New Zealanders wanting to travel abroad.

“With the current economic climate governments are reassessing their immigration policies. The fact that the US government has chosen to extend this visa shows that they believe in the value of reciprocal travel between USA and New Zealand for students.”

During the two year pilot period IEP has sponsored more than 160 applicants on their Work USA Plus program. Participants have worked in some amazing jobs including journalism, engineering and viticulture. Others, focused on the traveling, have picked up short term hospitality, retail and ski resort positions.

“On a 12 month work and travel visa you can experience the real USA. Our participants come back from their time in the states with a real appreciation of the diversity of the people and experiences it offers” says Ms Gilchrist.

To combat the tight US job market IEP offers employment assistance prior to kiwis leaving New Zealand and throughout their 12 months in the states. IEPs parent organisation, BUNAC, is headquartered in the US and has close connections with a large number employers. To find out more about the 12 month work travel visa contact IEP on 0800 443 769 or visit www.iep.org.nz

ENDS