Application info

Work America is now closed.

Step 1

The easiest and quickest way to apply is online.

Alternatively, submit your completed Work America Application Form to BUNAC with the registration fee of £259 and, if you are not a current member, the £5 BUNAC membership fee.

Step 2

BUNAC confirms your place on the programme and sends you an Acceptance Pack which includes information regarding flights and insurance.

Step 3

Return your completed insurance booking form with payment along with SEVIS payment and proof of student status. Once you have sent BUNAC notification of a confirmed job offer or paid for the BUNAC Travel Package, the DS-2019 (the official document which allows you to apply for the visa) will be requested on your behalf.

Full information on how to apply for the J-1 visa will then be sent to you. For more detailed information on the application process, please refer to the Work America Application Form.

Programme Costs

To give you some idea of how much to budget, below is a summary of programme costs for a first-time Work America applicant:

Registration fee £259 (£215 for returning applicants)
BUNAC membership £5
Insurance £133
US Embassy visa processing fee £75*
US government SEVIS fee £23
BUNAC Travel Package £499 (if applicable)

* These costs are subject to change

Applicants are also required to take a minimum of $400 in support funds with them, $800 if working in a commission-based sales job or job hunting on arrival in the US.

Visas

The US Government requires participants to attend the US Embassy in person in order to obtain the J-1 visa. BUNAC will provide full instruction regarding this with your visa application pack. At this stage the visa application fee (currently £55) is payable to the US Embassy by all applicants.

Good news for returning Work America participants in 2008. Click here for more info.