Interest in J-1 visas almost doubles despite new rule

Interest in J-1 visas for 2016 working holidays in the US is already nearly double last year’s levels despite controversial new rules requiring applicants to pre-secure jobs.

Usit, the student travel body, said last-minute applications are essentially a thing of the past and visa processing could take up to twice as long as in previous years, rising to as much as 12 weeks due to job-approval procedures.

The company said it has experienced “massive” amounts of queries from those seeking to travel next year and played down suggestions intensive new rules would seriously damage the popular working-holiday programme.

"Interest is huge and we have been blown away by the massive attendance [at preparatory events] around the country," said Lisa Collender, Usit's marketing manager.

On Wednesday, Usit is hosting an information event at its Aston Quay office in Dublin in which a number of "major" employers of Irish students – Landry's Bubba Gump Shrimp Co in San Francisco, Landry's Rainforest Cafe in Chicago, Roses Discount Store, Ocean City and the San Diego Coaster Company – will conduct Skype interviews.