Rian J-1 Intern and Graduate Visa Programs
At the Rian Immigrant Center, we proudly sponsor the J-1 visa, allowing current Irish university students and recent graduates to complete an internship in the U.S. for up to 12 months. We are a U.S. Department of State designated visa sponsor. As a welcome center, our role is not only to sponsor your visa and create a pathway to an engaging year in the US, but to provide support and guidance throughout every step of the process. Our Rian J-1 visa program offers the unique opportunity to gain unparalleled experience in your field of study, launching the career you have dreamed of!
About our Program
Rian’s J1 Visa programs allow Irish students and recent graduates of Irish universities to intern in the U.S. in their field of study for up to 12 months to gain experience and enhance their future career and academic pursuits. The Rian Immigrant Center has since supported more than 4,000 graduates and students since 2008.
We sponsor the following types of visas:
J-1 Irish Work and Travel (Graduate Visa)
For Irish citizens who graduated from Irish universities, the IWT visa allows for travel to the U.S. without having secured an internship in advance. It is a work-based learning experience for you to advance your skills in your field of study. Throughout the internship search process, we will assist interns by offering tips on networking, interviewing, resume building for U.S. companies, securing appropriate positions when available, and more.
J-1 Intern Visa
You may be eligible – if you studied at an Irish University but don’t have an Irish passport, or if you do have an Irish passport but graduated from a university outside of Ireland. This program allows you to live and work in the US for 12 months as well, working in your area of study, but requires securing a placement in advance of applying for the visa.
If you are interested in either of these visas, please register you interest via our J-1 website. Have questions about our visa program? Please email us at j1iwt@riancenter.org.
J-1 Intern Program Purpose & Policy Regarding Mandatory Return to Ireland Upon Completion
The J-1 visa programs are US public diplomacy programs designed to foster global understanding through cultural exchange visits. This visa is an opportunity to gain international work experience for up to 12 months. As a non-immigrant visa, the J-1 is not to be used for long-term stay in the U.S. as declared by the U.S. Department of State. All program applicants will be required to sign a declaration of understanding that you are applying for a J-1 Visa, which is not a pathway to permanent status in the United States.
J-1 Summer Support
Although the Rian Immigrant Center is not a sponsor of the J-1 SummerWork & Travel visa, we offer support to students as they settle into Boston and navigate life and work in the US. Please reach out to us on email j1iwt@riancenter.org, to take advantage of these services.
What Rian Immigrant Center’s J-1’s Are Saying
“The efficiency of the team coupled with the affordable price of the program makes it by far the best option for Irish graduates when compared to the other available options.”
— Cahaul McAuley, 2022/2023
English and History, University College of Dublin
“[Rian’s program is] overall a great service and exciting opportunity for many young people especially in Ireland. The Rian team has made it very accessible for me which I greatly appreciate.”
— Liusaidh Hopper, 2023/2024
Drama, Wolverhampton University
