Applications for Work America 2013 will be accepted until 1st April 2013. However we recommend booking early so that you can space out payments, apply for plenty of jobs and give yourself plenty of time for your visa application.

Simply book your place online today and start applying for jobs through the online job zone.

You should allow at least 8 weeks for the complete process from submitting your initial application to having your visa issued, but it can take longer depending on when you can attend an interview with the US Embassy or if their processing time increases.

No, you do not need a job to apply to the programme, however we strongly suggest you pre-arrange work. You can begin looking for work before you are registered on Work America. 

If travelling to America after 8th July, you must have a job pre-arranged as jobs can be very difficult to find on arrival at this time.

The Job Zone lists employers across America who have hired BUNACers in previous summers and are keen to do so again. It also provides practical advice on working and living in America. You are not restricted to these jobs, you can find your own job if you prefer.

Yes but we would advise you to do some research beforehand. Consider where you want to live in America, what type of job you are going to look for, how you are going to begin your job search and how you will support yourself if you do not find work within a week.

Most Job Zone employers, particularly those looking to hire lots of participants, will be willing to hire friends together. Be prepared to be flexible and persevere and mention if you are willing to do different jobs within the same company.

It varies according to where you work and what you do, but the average wage is around $8 per hour. Most jobs will include accommodation, making it even easier to save money for travels! You must be paid, you cannot do unpaid work or training, or volunteering. 

If you are interested in an internship, take a look at Internship USA.

Yes, and you may find the following advice useful:

• University contacts – your university lecturers, tutors and careers advisors may have specific contacts in the field you are looking for in America
• Friends/family in America – may be able to provide you with more detailed local information and specific companies that you can apply to
• Speculative applications – a Google search along the lines of ‘law firms in Chicago’ or similar will yield a considerable number of results. It’s easy to prepare a resume and covering letter, which you could send to dozens of companies
• Highlight any relevant experience and selling points in your resume and covering letter – for example if you can be flexible with dates, mention this to the employer
• Be prepared to persevere and don’t give up if you get a few negative responses. Remember that you can still apply for Job Zone positions – any experience of working abroad always looks impressive on your CV.

You’ll need to ensure your US employer notifies BUNAC of the details of your job. Ask them to complete and return the Employer Job Form to you, then complete the participant section on the form yourself before returning it to BUNAC. Save a copy for yourself as well.

Many Job Zone employers offer accommodation with the job and our Boston office is also on-hand to help you with your accommodation search. Alternatively, you can try:

• Local newspapers (many are available online)
• University accommodation
• Ask your employer for advice
• Check out these useful websites for finding a place to live:

roommates.com 
craigslist.com 
subletsearch.com 
duderanches.com 
campusrent.com 
rent.net 
hostelworld.com 
hiusa.org 

If you do not pre-arrange accommodation we’d suggest booking into a hostel or motel for the first few nights when you arrive.

It varies. Participants renting accommodation from an employer can expect to pay somewhere between $50 - $100 per week, whilst those renting their own apartment can expect to pay more.

Your visa is valid for the dates on your DS-2019, plus an additional 30 days to travel. It is not possible to extend this visa.

Possibly. Download the overseas passport holder information sheet for more information.

Unfortunately not. However, you don't need to be a student for BUNAC's other work abroad programmes.

Call the BUNAC American office for advice. In America, you can reach them on 1-800 GO BUNAC

During the validity period of your visa, you can work and travel as much as you wish. Once your visa expires, you have an additional 30 days ‘grace period’ during which you may travel but not work.

This is your official certificate of eligibility to apply for a J-1 visa. You need a DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa. Once your J-1 visa is granted, this will be stamped inside your passport but you must keep your DS-2019 with your passport at all times. One is not valid without the other.

SEVIS is a state department system which tracks holders of J-1 visas while they are in America. You MUST validate your record upon arrival in America and keep it updated if you change jobs or move in to new accommodation. This can be done easily by logging onto a website and updating your details here. Full details on validating your SEVIS record will be given once you are registered on Work America.