Eligibility

To be eligible for the Work USA 12 Month program you need to:

• Be 18 years of age or older 
• Hold a New Zealand or Australian passport
• Currently enrolled in full-time, on campus studies at a recognised tertiary level institute, or recent graduate from at least 12-months (two consecutive semesters) full-time, on campus study at a recognised tertiary level institute.

If you are applying as a current full-time student you must have completed 12 months of full-time studies prior to departure.

Recent graduate 12 months eligibility commences from the actual end of full-time classes or study defined as the date of your last exam or last assignment submission.

The following is NOT eligible:

• Part-time courses
• Extramural study
• Certificates
• Short courses
• Online Study

These are the broad definitions of the eligibility requirements, and each case does need to be assessed on its own merit. If you have any questions or require further clarification please contact us on 03 9329 3866 or contact us here.

Proof of Student Status

If you are a current student you will need to have our eligibility form signed and stamped with the institution’s seal by the:

• TAFE/university registrar, or
• student administration officer, or
• supervising professor or tutor.

A photocopy of both sides of your student ID card is also required. If applying under the recent graduate status a letter detailing your eligibility of graduation is also acceptable.

Additional Visa Criteria

The J-1 visa that you get through Work USA 12 Month allows you to work in virtually any job, anywhere in the USA. The exceptions are that you cannot work as a Medical Intern, Nanny/Au-pair, Domestic help, Football/Soccer coach or Camp Counsellor (see Summer Camp USA pages), and a few others.

You cannot be accompanied by spouse or dependents. You cannot be a commercial driver.