FAQs - the questions answered here cover a wide range
of topics, however if you have any queries not addressed below we encourage you
to contact us.
Applying
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When should I apply?
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Applications for Work America 2012 will be accepted until 1st May 2012. However
we would recommend booking early so that you can space out payments and give yourself
plenty of time for your visa application.
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How do I apply?
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Simply book your place
online today and start applying for jobs through the online job zone.
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How long will it take to be processed?
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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.
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Do I need a job to apply?
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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.
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Jobs
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How can I find a job?
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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.
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Can I wait until I arrive in America before looking for work?
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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.
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Can I work with friends?
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Most Job Directory employers, particularly those looking to hire lots of participants,
will be willing to hire friends together. Just be prepared to be flexible and persevere
and mention if you are willing to do different jobs within the same company.
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How much will I earn?
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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 with other BUNAC members, making
it even easier to save money for travels! You must be paid, you cannot do unpaid
work/training or volunteering.
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Can I find a career related job?
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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
- Internship Directories – these feature companies who have standard internship programmes
and take on a set number of trainees each year. Try Internships for Dummies, Peterson’s
Internships, or the Internships Bible. All should be available in your careers library
or public library
- 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.
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Accommodation
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How do I find accommodation?
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Many Job Zone employers offer accommodation with the
job and our New York office is also on-hand to help you with your accommodation
search. Alternatively, you can try:
- Local newspapers (many are available online)
- University accommodation
- Accommodation websites such as craigslist.org
- Ask your employer for advice
If you do not pre-arrange accommodation we’d suggest booking into a hostel or motel
for the first few nights when you arrive.
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How much will it cost?
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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.
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Visas
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How long is my visa valid for?
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Your visa is valid for a maximum of four months between June 1st and September 30th.
So if, for example, you entered the US on June 1st, your visa would expire on September
30th. If you enter the US on or after June 10th, your visa would expire on September
30th. In any case, however, the effective programme dates are those which appear
on your DS-2019. It is not possible to extend this visa.
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I do not have a UK passport. Will this affect my application?
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Possibly. Download the overseas passport holder information sheet for more information.
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Is there a non-student version of the programme?
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Unfortunately not. You may want to consider one of our other programmes, or check
the US embassy website for details on other visas.
Not a student? Check out BUNAC's
non-student programme options.
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In America
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What if I have to come home early?
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Call the BUNAC New York office for advice. If you took the BUNAC Travel Package
they will be able to discuss how you would transfer your flight date.
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How long can I travel for after I finish working?
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During the 4 month 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.
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What is…
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The DS-2019?
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This is your official certificate of eligibility to apply for a
J-1 visa. Everybody needs 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.
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SEVIS?
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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.
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Useful links
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