Every applicant to date guaranteed a J1 job interview in San Diego or Chicago. USIT, Ireland’s leading provider of international work and travel programmes, has launched its 2026 J1 Job Hub, opening with over 500 live roles across top US destinations, with hundreds more to follow before year-end.
The announcement follows a record summer that saw over 5,000 Irish students travel to the United States through the long-running J1 cultural exchange programme. Most spent their summers working in Chicago, San Diego, Boston and New York, while Newport, Rhode Island, emerged as a new favourite for 2025 participants.
With demand already high for 2026, USIT will host in-person hiring fairs at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on 14–15 January, giving students the chance to meet leading US employers and secure interviews on the spot. Among the highlights is a major San Diego employer offering over 100 seasonal roles, ensuring every student who books early is guaranteed an interview in their preferred location.
Lisa Collender, Head of Ireland and Advocacy at USIT, said: “The J1 Summer Work and Travel programme gives Irish students a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience, engage in a new culture, and make summer memories that go beyond the academic setting. If you’re eyeing destinations like Chicago or San Diego for next summer, now’s the time to act. Book your place before Christmas to secure the best opportunities.”
Building on more than six decades of experience and with close to 190,000 Irish students having taken part, USIT’s 2026 programme combines job placement, visa processing, and on-the-ground support to make the J1 experience structured and stress-free. The team also manages US Embassy appointments and guides applicants through every stage of the visa process.
Beyond work experience, the J1 has a life-changing impact on young people. A recent USIT survey found that 88% of participants improved their adaptability and resilience, 85% grew in confidence, and 82% developed stronger communication skills.
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said, “Ireland greatly values our strong people-to-people links with the United States. Many of these connections have been deepened through travel exchanges made possible by visas like the J1. Summer 2026 promises to be another exciting season for these links, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence – an opportunity to celebrate our shared history and future ambitions. We look forward to seeing many more students take up this excellent opportunity and encourage all participants to be TravelWise, look after each other, and make the right memories.”
For many, the J1 experience marks a defining moment of independence, discovery and friendship.
Grainne Cantwell
Gráinne Cantwell, who spent summer 2025 in Chicago, said: “I did my J1 in Chicago with USIT this summer and honestly had the best experience. USIT made the whole process super easy, from sorting my visa to helping me get a job at a baseball stadium. I met so many amazing people, experienced real American culture, and travelled to incredible places like San Diego, Lake Tahoe and even Hawaii. Don’t miss out on having the best summer of your life with USIT.”
Louise Finegan, who completed her J1 in New York, added: “I took part in the J1 Summer Work and Travel programme through USIT, which made the visa process simple and stress-free. I worked in a private members club in Manhattan, gaining valuable experience and meeting incredible people. Exploring New York City on my days off was unforgettable. I also travelled the East Coast, visiting eight amazing cities. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
For more information on the J1 USA programme, application details, and updates on hiring fairs and other events, visit www.usit.ie and follow @usittravel on social media.
