Costs
The 12 month Work USA Programme is an officially sponsored US Exchange Programme and as such is only available as a total package which includes purchasing your programme and SEVIS fee, insurance and flights through USIT. This ensures that USIT and your US Sponsor are fully aware of your entry and departure dates to and from the USA, and that you fulfill the insurance requirements for the duration of your stay in the USA, as per US Government Programme Regulations.
| Programme Fee | €699 |
|---|---|
| 12 months comprehensive Work & Travel Insurance |
€399 |
| SEVIS Fee | $180 |
| Flights | You must book your flights through any USIT branch or via the USIT call centre |
| Mandatory US Embassy Interview Fee | $160 This fee must be paid by the participant directly to the US Embassy/Consulate. USIT does not take payment for this fee. |
| Postage Fee | €15 |
Programme Fee
The 12 month Work USA Programme Fee covers the cost of the administration and support services of operating the programme. It covers the cost of CIEE's service, pre-departure information, research and information on employment opportunities and general admin and staffing of the programme, both here in Ireland and in the US.
Applicants can not enter the USA prior to their 12 month Work USA Visa start date and may stay up to 12 months from the start date of the 12 month Work USA Programme. This visa CANNOT be extended past its 12 month validity!
Insurance
The US Government requirements state that all participants must be comprehensively insured for the entire duration of their stay in the US. The inclusive policy for 12 month Work USA is specially tailored to meet the needs of those traveling abroad over an extended period and involved in a combination of work and leisure activities. It also includes special cover for those having to withdraw from the programme and travel home early after their arrival in the US or those who fail exams while on their programme and would like to return to the US following the repeats.
There is also a special cover for 12 month Work USA participants which provides for loss of earnings due to prolonged hospitalisation. Details of the insurance cover are available from your local USIT Branch. When you pay in full for your programme, each applicant is emailed an Insurance Confirmation Certificate and your policy details, which comprehensively details your full policy cover.
SEVIS Fee
As of the 1 September 2004 the US Government introduced SEVIS, the Student Exchange Visitor Information System, for all applicants whose DS-2019 (Work Authorization document) is printed on and after that date. Due to processing times USIT collect this fee for all applications submitted. The fee is $180 and must be paid at the time of application. USIT will arrange the transfer of these funds to the US and will supply you with the proper documentation for proof of payment, the SEVIS receipt (I-797 or I-901). You will have to furnish proof of payment to the US Embassy/Consulate in order for them to issue your visa. This fee goes directly to the US Government in order to maintain the SEVP and SEVIS systems which are used to track all International students while they are in the US.
Flights
The Programme regulations oblige all participants traveling on the 12 Month USA Programme to be in possession of a return ticket that covers the duration of his/her stay in the US. Your flight arrangements must be booked through USIT. To book, you can contact our call centre on 01 602 1600 or drop into any USIT Branch. You MUST allow approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the time we receive a complete and thorough application for the complete processing of all paperwork. We would always ask that participants make flexible flight arrangements when purchasing your flights with USIT and allow as much time as possible between the time you submit the initial programme application and the date you expect to depart for the US. You must book your flights and pay in full before we can release your DS-2019 to you
You must have your DS-2019 in order to attend your Interview at the US Embassy. Failure to book your flights could lead to delays in obtaining your visa. While USIT and CIEE will endeavor to meet all deadlines and flight dates we cannot be held responsible for money lost due to the purchase of restricted tickets; please keep this in mind when reserving flights.
US Embassy/Consulate Interview Fee
The US State Department charges a Visa Application fee of every visa applicant. The current fee is $160 USD and must be paid by bank draft to the US Embassy in that exact amount and currency. The current fee for the US Consulate, Belfast is $160 USD and will be paid over the phone when the appointment is booked by Northern Irish applicants. Please note these fees are subject to change at any time.
Proof of Financial Status
For your US Embassy/Consulate interview, you must submit a recent (within 90 days) bank statement to confirm that you have access to at least US$1500 (Euro equivalent) of self-funding upon arrival in the US. You will be required to show this to the US Embassy at the time of your interview. It must be an original copy with your full name and address on it. Be sure to order this from your bank in advance of your appointment.
Legally, participants are also required to be in possession of at least US$1500 when entering the US on the programme. However, you should give some thought to the types of costs you are likely to incur during your first few weeks in the US. You should bring enough money to support yourself for at least a month and a half, since you are often not paid for two weeks, and a deposit is usually required to move into housing or to install a telephone. You'll also have to consider the cost of short-term accommodation until you secure a place to stay for the duration of your internship.