FAQs & Resources

YES. The program is open to full-time University, TAFE or College students or those they have just graduated from a full-time University, College or TAFE.

Graduates please note: You must arrive in the USA within 12-months of you finishing your final exam as a afulltime student.

You must be at least 19 at the time of arrival into the USA.

Yes, in fact we recommend to all participants that they locate their job before going to the US. If you are confident about finding your own job, then the Independent Option is the right choice for you. 

The Independent Option: CCUSA will give you plenty of assistance and contacts in finding your own job through our very comprehensive website, although ultimately you are free to choose your own job and area in the USA. This is ideal if you want a job more specific to your degree or careers ambitions.

Yes. A lot of students apply for jobs with their friends. Just make sure you both mention that you want to work with each other on your application forms and to the employers you are contacting.

This is the official US Government form that CCUSA issues on your behalf to allow you to apply for your Work and Travel J-1 Visa at your local US Consulate.

The process varies per US consulate. Your local CCUSA office will have all the necessary directions and paperwork you need to enable you to apply for your Work and Travel J-1 Visa.

Yes. Everyone who applies for a visa at through the US consulate must attend a personal interview. Your local CCUSA office will inform you how this is done.

No. It is NOT possible to extend your visa. If you want to continue traveling, you may want to consider combining our US programs with one of our programs in another country. If you are interested in this, you should contact your CCUSA office for more information.

Yes. You will need to purchase CCUSA insurance to cover the full length of the dates on your DS2019 form. This policy is specifically designed with young travelers in mind. There is no free health service in the US and medical care is very expensive, so we want to ensure that you are adequately covered. Be sure to read the policy carefully so you know what is covered and what is not. For more information, download the Insurance Brochures

This depends on you. All our participants earn enough money to cover the costs they have outlaid to get to and live in the USA. How much money you bring back will be affected by how much you party, shop or travel after working. Whatever the case, working in America is going to be a lot more fun than working at home.

Depending upon your employer, you will most likely need to organize your own accommodation. Your employer may be able to advise you or may have on a first come first served basis employee housing. Our Independent Option website also lists housing websites.

Yes. In addition to being on university campuses around the country, we will also be holding CCUSA Presentations. These will provide information about working, traveling, your visa, flights, insurance, etc. Details about when and where we will be visiting your campus are available on the website under “Local Information”. We strongly recommend you attend one. If you unsure about what is involved, what you would do, or if you just want to find out more before applying, then attend! If you have already applied on line, you may even be able to organize an interview time then and there.

No, it is easy to meet people through the Pre-departure meetings, on CCUSA group flights, even at your job. You won't be alone for long! Some people say it's better to be out on your own. It's often easier to meet Americans if you are not with a group of friends from home. Americans are really friendly so you won't be friendless for long.

Don't worry! Traveling alone doesn't mean you will be lonely.