ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR WORK USA SUMMER JOBS?

The Work USA Summer Jobs program pre-arranges summer resort work in America. We have start dates in anywhere from May-October and job contracts can last for around 3-5 months.

To participate in the Work USA Summer Jobs program you must be eligible for the 12 month J-1 visa. To be eligible you must satisfy in full the criteria below:

• Be 18 years of age or older;
• Hold a New Zealand or Australian passport; and
• Be currently enrolled in full-time study at a recognised tertiary level institute or recent graduate from at least 12-months (two consecutive semesters) from full-time study at a recognised tertiary level institute.
• If you are applying as a current full-time student you must have completed 12 months of full-time studies prior to departure.
• Recent graduate 12 months eligibility commences from the actual end of full-time classes or study defined as the date of your last exam or last assignment submission.

The following is NOT eligible:

• Part-time courses
• Certificates
• Short courses
• Study completed at a tertiary institute outside of Australia or New Zealand (exceptions may be made for exchange programs)

These are the broad definitions of the eligibility requirements, and each case does need to be assessed on its own merit. If you have any questions or require further clarification please contact us on 0800 443 769 or contact us here.

Proof of Student Status

You will need to have your eligibility form signed and stamped with the institution’s seal by the: polytechnic/university registrar, or student administration officer, or supervising professor or tutor.

Additional Visa Criteria

The J-1 visa that you get through Work USA Summer Jobs program allows you to work in virtually any job, anywhere in the USA. The exceptions are that you cannot work as a Medical Intern, Nanny/Au-pair, Domestic help, Football/Soccer coach or Camp Counsellor (see Summer Camp USA pages), and a few others.

You cannot be accompanied by spouse or dependents. You cannot be a commercial driver.

The J1 Recent Graduate visa eligibility has some very specific criteria. If you would like some clarification on anything at all, fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch within 1-2 working days, by phone and email, to answer any questions you might have.