Grad USA

Yes, but for no more than 30 days. Our visa sponsors will need to approve and sign off your DS-2019 form before you can leave the USA. Please note that you cannot leave and re-enter on the J-1 visa during either of your 30-day grace periods.

No, it is not possible to extend your visa.

You must be aged 18-35 and be a New Zealand or Australia passport holder. Plus, fulfil the below student status:
- Be a full-time tertiary level student currently in a nationally accredited institution of higher education and have already completed one year of study. You can apply and have your visa approved during your first year, but you must have completed your first year before you enter the USA.
OR
- Be a recent graduate from full-time tertiary study. You must have applied, had your application approved and have entered the USA within 12 months of the date you finished studying.

Yes, you’ll need to select an arrival date that will be printed on your work permit. (If you’ve already graduated, this date must be within 12 months of you graduating). You can arrive into the USA up to 30 days prior to your start date – this is your 30-day grace period. 

Your start date can be changed, but if you’ve already attended your consulate appointment, you’ll need to pay for another interview to get your visa re-printed.

This is the official US Government form that our sponsor issues on your behalf to allow you to apply for your J-1 visa at your local US Consulate.

SEVIS stands for Student Exchange Visitor Information System. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operates the tracking system called SEVIS for all J-1 visa holders. Compliance with SEVIS is simple and straightforward. However, failure to comply with any of the regulations of this system could have devastating effects on your visit and any future travel to the USA. We’ll run through all the details with you on your initial call with the BUNAC team and in your pre-departure orientation.

Yes, everyone who applies for a J-1 visa must attend an in-person interview at their designated US Consulate. These are located in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. Our BUNAC team will help to prepare you for your interview.

Yes, the US State Department requires all J-1 visa holders to be covered for the full length of their visa. Our policy is specifically designed for J-1 visa holders to ensure they meet the visa requirements. Click here to read more about the insurance policy. You’ll automatically be issued with a 13-month policy, but you’ll have access to your policy online for if you want to extend it to 14 months or upgrade it to cover any trips you plan to take while in the USA.

No, you don’t need to have a job lined up before you go. We’ll provide you a handbook with guidance on finding work, such as hospitality and retail positions. If you’re looking to do a more career-focused role related to your academic course, then we’d advise putting out some feelers before you get there. Check out our job page for more advice and information.

Apart from a few restricted professions, you can do pretty much any kind of work when you’re there. Restricted jobs include:

• Farm work. This is covered by a different agricultural visa.
• Childcare such as working as an au pair or nanny.
• Camp counsellor or sports coach. See our Summer Camp USA program if you’d like to work with children and young people or teach an activity. 
• Medical professional.
• Maid or domestic helper.
• Casino dealer, cashier or croupier.
• Driving with passengers.
• Starting your own business or being self-employed (includes freelancing).