Work Experience USA

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The Adventure
The Details
Applying
Returnees

The Adventure

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What is Work Experience USA

Our Work Experience USA program will allow you the opportunity to work, travel, and live the real American life!

Available to full-time students ONLY, this is the perfect opportunity to spend your University/College break (for up to 4 months) earning money and traveling around the USA. You will also gain valuable international work experience and meet new friends from all over the world.

Types of Jobs and Employers

With a few exceptions, the job you want is only limited to your imagination.  Imagine yourself working in a ski resort in Colorado, at a baseball stadium in Boston, a bar in California, a resort in Florida, or a national park in Wyoming . . . . the opportunities are endless!

Employer Categories

  • Amusement Parks
  • Bars
  • Beach Clubs
  • Casinos
  • Country Clubs Golf Clubs
  • Hotels/Inns
  • National Parks
  • Ranches
  • Ski Resorts Restaurants
  • Retails
  • Water Parks
  • . . . . and many more

Types of Jobs

  • Activities Attendant
  • Bartender
  • Busser
  • Bellhop
  • Cafeteria Worker
  • Cashier
  • Cook’s Assistant
  • Chambermaid/Housekeeper
  • Custodian/Janitor
  • Dishwasher Fast Food Worker
  • Food Runner/Server
  • Front Desk Clerk
  • Game Operator
  • Golf Range Attendant
  • Grounds Work
  • Guest Services
  • Host/Hostess
  • Lift Operators
  • Lifeguard
  • Maintenance
  • Park Cleaner
  • Parking Attendant
  • Retail Sales
  • Ride Operator
  • Ski Instructor
  • Supply Stocker/Grocery
  • Ticket Checkers
  • Waiter/Waitress
  • . . . . and many more

Skills

To be accepted in the Work Experience USA program, you do not need to be highly skilled. It is important, however that you have a good work ethic, strong references, and the understanding that this is a work program.

The Details

Eligibility

To participate in the CCUSA program and work in the USA, you will need to obtain a BridgeUSA J-1 visa. CCUSA will sponsor your visa and assist you through the entire process. Below is some basic information about the BridgeUSA J-1 visa and visa application process. If you require more information, please contact your local CCUSA office.

You will have to apply for the BridgeUSA J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa. This BridgeUSA J-1 visa allows you to work in most jobs, except: domestic employees in a US household, nanny, camp counselor, pedicab driver, adult entertainment industry jobs, crew member on ships or airplanes, as an airplane pilot, or a position that requires you to invest your own money to provide yourself with inventory for the purpose of door-to-door sales. You are also not eligible to work in jobs that require licensing under US law, such as doctors, nurses, lawyers, etc.

To obtain the BridgeUSA J-1 visa, you must have a face-to-face interview with your local US Consulate or Embassy. CCUSA will advise and assist you with booking the interview and obtaining the required documents. You will be required to pay a Visa Application Fee at the time of your visa interview.

As a BridgeUSA J-1 visa participant, you are expected to return home and share your experience of the American culture with friends and family members. You are expected to share your culture with Americans, helping them increase their knowledge regarding places and people different from themselves. Please be aware of this responsibility at all times.

You must also meet the following requirements to be eligible:
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Program Options

Through our ‘Placement’ and ‘Independent’ options, you get to tailor your experience by location, job, and salary.

OPTION #1 - PREFERRED JOB PLACEMENT

Our Preferred Placement option allows you to review and select what you want from our current job and employer list, based on your skills and English level. This list changes often as U.S. employers update their staffing needs throughout the season.

How does the ‘Preferred Job Placement’ option work?

  • Complete the online application and get interviewed.
  • Choose your employer and job position combinations.
  • CCUSA will submit your application and requests to our head office in the USA to start the placement process.
  • Employers will review applications and may offer you a job.
  • CCUSA will continue down your list of preferences until we have secured a job offer for you.

OPTION #2 - JOB PLACEMENT

Through Footprints, our online support tool, you can access our online Placement Employer Directory, which contains information about the employers on our Placement Program.

How does the ‘Job Placement’ option work?

  • Complete the online application and get interviewed.
  • Using the directory, you complete a Job Preference Form, and we will attempt to secure you a job based on your preferences. This option does not allow you to select specific employers or job positions.
  • Using the preferences you indicated on your Job Preference Form, we do our best to find you a job that meets your requests.
  • This option is ideal if you want to be placed with a friend.

OPTION #3 - JOB FAIR PROGRAM

Our fair program offers the opportunity to interview virtually or in person with an employer of your choice.

Placement Option

Our Placement Option secures you a full-time seasonal job and support throughout your work experience. For a little extra cost, CCUSA will save you time and money by doing all the work for you.

The Independent Option is perfect for you if:

  • You are interested in a specific employer not listed in our directory.
  • You are looking for a job more associated with your course of study or for a course placement.
  • You have connections for jobs in an area not listed in our directory.

The Independent Option Includes:

  • Access to Footprints, CCUSA’s online participant support site.
  • Assistance from CCUSA’s knowledgeable staff in your home country and in the USA.

Independent Option

The Independent Option gives you the freedom and flexibility to find a job on your own anywhere in the USA. How you find your job is up to you, but CCUSA is there to support you along the way.

CCUSA Benefits

CCUSA programs provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself into a new culture with like-minded, outgoing people from around the world. In addition to this, you will also get the following benefits when signing up for the Work Experience USA program through CCUSA.

A broad network of quality employers.

Convenient online application.

BridgeUSA J-1 Visa sponsorship provided by CCUSA.

24-Hour emergency support while in the USA.

Authorized 3-month health insurance policy.

Travel discounts and assistance.

Access to Footprints, your personal support website.

A pre-departure orientation with Social Security card application assistance.

1-month post-visa travel in the USA (grace period).

Completion certificate.

Support and advice from start to finish.

Fees and Costs

Total fees as low as

CA$595*

*Final pricing based on program options selected and time of payment.  Discounts available for returnees. Apply now for the best pricing.  For more information contact your local office.

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Supplemental Costs

Please note there are additional costs to consider as part of the program:
  • Flights
  • Insurance (if more than 3 months)
  • Health Clearance
  • Police Background Check
  • Secondary Job Fees

FAQs

Yes, in fact, we recommend to all participants that they find their job before going to the USA. If you are confident about finding your own job, then the Independent Option is the right choice for you. If you are too busy to spend the time it will take or not confident about approaching a U.S. employer, then you can choose our Placement or Job Fair Option.

If you choose the Placement Option, CCUSA will organize a job placement for you before you go.

In some countries, you will have a third option – Job Fairs. With this option, you will have the opportunity to interview face-to-face with U.S. employers who travel to your home country to hire staff on the spot or virtually via a Zoom Fair. A very popular option, and interview appointments fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up in advance.

Yes. A lot of students apply for jobs with their friends on the Independent Program.
No. It is NOT possible to extend your visa. You are only able to work during the legal program dates as indicated on the DS-2019 form, supplied to you by CCUSA.

Yes. Depending on the dates on your DS2019 form, 3 or 4 months CCUSA insurance will be added to your program fees. This policy is specifically designed for our international programs. There is no free health service in the U.S. and medical care is very expensive, so we want to ensure that you are adequately covered (this is a visa regulation requirement). If you have a pre-existing condition (have received medical care within the last 12 months), please call the CCUSA office for advice, as you may need additional coverage. When you receive the insurance policy leaflet, read the policy carefully so you know what is covered and what is not.

This depends on you. How much money you bring back will depend on how much you work and how you decide to spend your money while in the USA

Some employers provide employee housing options. However, you may need to arrange your own housing if employee housing is not provided by your employer. Your employer may be able to provide you with housing options or leads.

Applying

The Application Process

Register
First check if you are eligible for the Work Experience USA program (see above).

Click Apply NOW to register.
Complete an Online Application
If approved, you will be asked to complete your online application and pay your application fee.
Before the Interview
We will contact you to discuss your application and give you suggestions to make improvements. You will have to upload your support documentation, which include references, student status, introductory video, certifications, etc. You will also need to apply for your Police Check by following the instructions in the CCUSA Application Center.
The Interview
CCUSA will arrange an interview with your local CCUSA office or with a CCUSA Area Representative near you as soon as possible.
After the Interview
If you are being accepted to the program, you will be notified via email. You will then gain full access to our members-only ‘Footprints’ online website.

Placement

After your acceptance and as soon as your application is completed, the CCUSA Placement Team will work on finding you a job according to the program option you have chosen. You can keep track of your placement through your “Footprints” account. Placement can occur anytime up until the program deadline.

Once placed, CCUSA will prepare your DS2019 form. We send you detailed instructions on how to apply for your visa. The U.S. visa process requires that you attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country, in most cases. The BridgeUSA J-1 visa allows you to travel 30 days before your job start and 30 days after it ends.

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Travel

Once you are placed, you can book your travel. You will be provided with all the information you need to arrange your travel to your final destination, and the CCUSA team will work with you to help you get the best flights for the best prices. You are required to attend a Pre-departure Orientation, which your local CCUSA office will set up for you. The orientation will help prepare you for your upcoming adventure in the USA.

Once you arrive at your host employer, they will provide you with training and fun cultural activity opportunities to help you get to know other staff members and the area you will be living in. It’s important for you to work hard and be an ambassador for your country. Be positive, get involved, make friends! If you need anything while in the USA, CCUSA is just a phone call away for questions and 24/7 for emergencies.

Once your job contract is finished, you have 30 days to travel and do sightseeing around the USA. Travel with your new friends, visit fellow American staff members at their universities or hometowns, or take a tour – the choice is yours.

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Returnees

The Returnee Process

Step 1
Contact your employer and let them know that you would like to return the following season.
Step 2
Send your CCUSA local office a letter of invitation/contract.
Step 3
Complete the simple CCUSA online returnee application. If you were sponsored by CCUSA in the past, log in to your Footprints account. Then click APPLY NOW, choose the program, and click the button "Pre-Fill My Application" then update your address and previous Summer Work and Travel/Camp Counselor visa information.
Step 4
Sign the Electronic Program Agreement.
Step 5
Pay your Returnee fee to CCUSA.
Step 6
Apply for a new Police Background check.
Step 7
From here, CCUSA will confirm your job placement and prepare your DS2019 form so you can apply for your new BridgeUSA J-1 Visa.

Why Return with CCUSA​

To complete your application, APPLY NOW and follow the very simple instructions!
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LOGIN /APPLY