Irish Grad USA

The Adventure

What is Irish Grad USA

CCUSA is designated by the U.S. Department of State to offer Irish full-time university students or recent graduates the chance to legally work, travel, and play for up to 12 months anywhere in the USA.

If you are thinking about taking a break from university or recently graduated and you are trying to decide what to do next, this program is a great option. You can gain international work experience and have an incredible adventure at the same time.

This is a one-time-only visa. If you are eligible, now is the time to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Applications are open year-round. You can go for up to 12 months, and you choose when your adventure will begin.

The Details

Eligibility

You need to meet the following eligibility requirements in order to participate in the Irish Grad USA program:

Be an Irish passport holder and currently residing in Ireland
A student currently studying full-time at a recognized Irish University (you must have completed at least one full year of your course prior to your participation in the program)*
OR
Already graduated from full-time studies at a recognized Irish University within 12 months of your planned US visa start date*

Please Note: You will not be eligible if you are doing your studies by correspondence or completing your studies online or are studying part-time.

*You will be required to submit proof of student status (University documentation such as transcripts or a copy of your degree)

Program Options

Through our Placement and Independent options, you get to tailor your experience by location, job, and salary. Both program options allow you to decide whether you would like to stay and work in the USA for 6 or 12 months.

If you choose the Placement Option, CCUSA will find you a seasonal job before you leave for the U.S. We are renowned for providing quality international staff to U.S. employers, (including ski and summer resorts). We work closely with our U.S employers to ensure successful work experiences for all of our participants.

Some of the job opportunities available with the Placement Option are:

Concierge
Cooks
Guest Services
Hospitality
Lift Operator
Rentals
Retail Sales
Ski School
Ski/Snowboard Instructor
Snow Maker
Ticket Sellers
Waiter/Waitress
and many more

Placement Option

The Irish Work and Travel Visa is an open work visa, and the Independent Option gives you the freedom and flexibility to find your own job anywhere in the U.S. You do not need a job before entering the U.S., you can work multiple jobs at the same time, and you can change employers at any time (with approval of CCUSA). CCUSA will support you during your job search by offering CV/Resume assistance and providing you with guidance on where to look.

Independent Option

CCUSA Benefits

Besides having fun and immersing yourself in the U.S. culture, the Irish Grad USA program has many benefits for personal growth and career advancement. You will also be partnering with CCUSA, an experienced BridgeUSA J-1 visa sponsor who has been operating Cultural Exchange Programs around the world since 1986.

Some of the other benefits included are:

Travel insurance for 6 or 12 months (depending on the option you choose)

24-hour emergency support while in the USA

Job placement assistance, if needed

Pre-Departure and Arrival Orientations

Social Security application assistance

Access to CCUSA's personal support website "Footprints"

Access to CCUSA’s Cultural Activities website

Completion Certificate

Tax return filing assistance

Fees and Costs

Program Fees

For fee information for the Irish Grad USA program please contact your local CCUSA office.

Supplemental Costs

Please note there are additional costs to consider as part of the program. These fees are not set by CCUSA and are payable to third parties:

Flights
BridgeUSA J-1 Visa Application Fee to the US Consulate or Embassy
Physician’s completed Health History Form
Police Background Check
Living Expenses while in the U.S. (housing, transportation, food, etc.)

Applying

The Application Process

Follow the steps below if you would like to be participant in the Irish Grad USA program.

Step 1

Follow the link below to begin an online application.

Apply Now

Step 2

Read and sign the Program Agreement

Step 3

Pay the Application Fee