What kind of jobs can I apply for, and where can I work?

Job Opportunities

J1 BridgeUSA applicants are only eligible for seasonal employment in designated tourist areas within the U.S. Most participants find jobs in the tourism or sales sectors, including hotels, restaurants, pubs, beach clubs, yacht clubs, and souvenir shops. However, there are specific industries where J1 applicants are not permitted to work.

Applicants are required to work a minimum of 32 hours per week. When looking for a US Summer job, make sure the below tips apply: 

  1. The position offered is seasonal. Employment is of a seasonal nature when the position is tied to a certain time of the year by an event or pattern and requires labour levels above and beyond existing worker levels. 

  2. The position provides opportunities to work alongside and interact regularly with U.S. citizens. Participants must be able to experience U.S. culture during both the workday portion of their J1 BridgeUSA program as well as outside of work. 

  3. The position must not displace domestic U.S. workers 

  4. The position provides pay and benefits commensurate with those offered to their similarly situated U.S. counterparts and pay eligible participants for overtime worked in accordance with applicable State or Federal law. 

  5. The location must contain suitable, affordable housing (e.g., that meets local codes and ordinances) and reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation to and from work. For a full list of prohibited locations, see here

What We Do?

As one of the largest US Sponsors of J1 BridgeUSA visa programs, we handle all your employer vetting and provide the necessary paperwork for your J1 visa. Our dedicated J1 team assists thousands of Irish students each year, guiding you through the process every step of the way. 

And if you’re not a student, see our Camp Exchange program.

    • Jobs that are filled by a different type of J-1 visa (camp counselors, interns, etc.)

    • Jobs obtained through staffing or employment agencies

    • Jobs designated by the U.S. Department of Labor as “hazardous to youth”

    • Jobs where students are hired independent contractors (using 1099 forms)

    • Jobs where students works the majority of their hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

    • Sales jobs that require students to invest their own money to pre-purchase inventory

    • Jobs that are mostly commission-based and thus do not guarantee minimum wage

    • Jobs with exposure to dangerous chemicals (such as pesticides)

    • Jobs that require a professional license

    • Jobs that displace U.S. workers

    • Jobs with employers who have experienced layoffs within the last 120 days

    • Jobs with employers who have workers on strike or lockout

    • Domestic help positions in private U.S. households, such as au pair, servant, gardener, or chauffeur

    • Modeling or jobs in the adult entertainment industry

    • Jobs on casino gaming floors

    • Jobs in warehouses, factories/manufacturing, moving companies, or catalog/online distribution centers

    • Jobs in the fisheries industry

    • Jobs at mall kiosks or carts

    • Jobs as operators or drivers of vehicles or vessels for which drivers’ licenses are required

    • Operators of pedicabs, rolling chairs, other passenger carrying vehicles for hire, and/or vehicles requiring a commercial driver’s license

    • Farm or ranch jobs

    • Jobs with traveling carnivals / concessions

    • Jobs providing clinical care, medical services or involving patient contact, hands-on therapy, counseling, administering treatment or making diagnoses of medical, psychiatric or psychological patients, or veterinary work involving hands-on care

    • Jobs as ship or aircraft crew members or as pilots, except as crew members on ships that travel only within domestic U.S. waters

    • Jobs as teachers, teaching assistants, or coaches

    • Jobs entailing sustained physical contact with customers, such as, body piercing, tattoo parlor work, or massage)

    • Jobs with domestic cleaning companies