Eligibility

To qualify for the BridgeUSA J1 Visa program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Be of any nationality studying in Ireland, an Irish or Northern Irish national studying in Great Britain, or an Irish national participating in Erasmus. 

• Be enrolled in a full-time academic program at a recognized Irish university or college. Final year students may apply but must demonstrate an intention to return to Ireland after completing the program. 

• Be aged 18-30 on the date you enter the US. 

• Passport must be in pristine condition. If your passport is torn or damaged in any way you will need to apply for a new one. 

• Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your programme and ideally be valid for a further 6 months from when you return from the US. Irish passport holders are not subject to the 6-month rule but we recommend it, just to be on the safe side. 

• Be able to show proof of required support funds, USD$800, when clearing US Immigration. 

You are legally allowed to work in the US from 15 May-15 Sep, with a 30-day travel period after your job end date.