The United States of America is one of the hardest countries to obtain a work visa for. That is, unless you’re a full-time tertiary student or recent graduate.

The 12 month J-1 Visa allows current students and recent graduates that hold a New Zealand or Australian passport to work in virtually any job anywhere in the U.S.

The Visa programme was originally launched as a two-year pilot programme in 2007. The pilot programme expired this September; however, the US Government has chosen to retain and extended the programme until further notice.

International Exchange Programs (IEP) is a non-profit work and travel organisation and was thrilled to hear about the Visa extension. “With the current economic climate governments are reassessing their immigration policies. The fact that the US government has chosen to extend this visa shows that they believe in the value of reciprocal travel between USA and New Zealand for students,” said IEP’s Company Director Bex Gilchrist.

Past participants of the Visa programme have worked in a range of diverse and exciting jobs, such as: journalism, engineering, and viticulture. While others focused more on the travelling and picking up small jobs along the way.

“On a 12 month work and travel visa you can experience the real USA. Our participants come back from their time in the states with a real appreciation of the diversity of the people and experiences it offers” says Ms Gilchrist.

To find out more about the 12 month work travel visa contact IEP on 0800 443 769 or
visit www.iep.org.nz