Work plus ski USA

Why Go?

• Pre-arranged job before you travel
• Staff housing or assistance in locating accommodation and roommates!
• Pre departure parties (Meet your new friends before you depart)
• In-country orientation upon arrival (L.A, San Francisco or Lake Tahoe)
• 1st night accommodation in the USA
• Meet & greet arrival party
• 24 / 7 support while in the USA
• Season lift passes included at all resorts!
• Great social life
• Program fee refunded if application is unsuccessful
• Designed specifically for university, TAFE & college students/graduates
• Can fit in perfectly with your university break

Overview

Are you looking to take a break from your university, TAFE or college textbooks? Or have you recently graduated and are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain worldly skills and experience? Well, why not enlist in the OWH 3-4 or 12 month Powder Packs to live and work abroad in the USA!?

Whether you are a recent or current university, TAFE or college student the OWH Work and Ski USA Powder Packs are designed for you!

There is no better way for young Aussie’s and Kiwi’s to spend the upcoming summer break than calving it up at a world-class ski resort in the USA, and actually getting paid for it! Imagine waking up everyday to the sight of champagne powder, spectacular mountain views, and countless 'bluebird days' (no clouds). Not to mention the thriving social scene, the opportunities of national and international travel, and of course the prospect of improving your ski or boarding skills!

"The snow was amazing, powder all the time. However what I liked most about the experience was the social aspect, the camaraderie between staff and the fun and friendly atmosphere." (Andrew Stewart, 2010 participant)

The team at OWH are specialists in providing authentic working holiday programs to young people across the globe and will be able to ensure you have one of, if not, the greatest experience of your life.

Most resorts offer employment opportunities on the actual mountain – jobs such as ski or board instructors, retail and rental clerks and ski school administration, and lift attendants (aka 'lifties').

Other job opportunities within the resort are offered in areas of hospitality such as waitressing, bartending and food service cashiers, as well as areas of guest services such as front desk and season pass sales.

Due to visa restrictions, everyone wishing to partake in a working holiday in the USA must have a company to sponsor their J1 visa. OWH has been in this business for as long as anyone, and has a wealth of experience in dealing with any visa related issues. Choosing to go over on an OWH program also opens the door for participants to work at many otherwise unobtainable ski resorts and jobs.

OWH is proud to provide such a unique opportunity to one of the most desired working holiday destinations.

The Resorts

OWH currently works with the following ski resorts throughout the United States:

• Aspen, Colorado
• Park City, Utah
• Sierra-at-Tahoe, California
• Alpine Meadows, California
• Homewood Mountain, California
• Squaw Valley, California
• + Many more resorts and local businesses

PROGRAM COST

• 3-4 Month Powder Program $499
• 12 Month Powder Program $599
• 3-4 Month J1 Visa Sponsorship Only $299
• 12 Month J1 Visa Sponsorship Only $399

Inclusions

• Job interview/s with leading USA resorts
• 3 or 12 month J1 visa sponsorship * (required to legally work in the USA)
• 1 free night hostel accommodation upon arrival
• OWH A to Z Orientation Guide to live and work in the USA
• Huge resort discounts
• SEVIS registration assistance on arrival
• 24 hour in-country support
• USA phone and simcard!
• Discounts on our Jumpstart Tours to get you from LA out to your resort!
• Bank account set up assistance
• Social Security set up assistance
• SEVIS I-901 Fee

SUMMPLIMENTAL PROGRAM COST – Not Covered

• MRV Application Fee: US $131 (Paid to local US Consulate)
• Visa Issuance / Reciprocity Fee: US $105 (Paid to local US Consulate)
• Return International Air Fare

Compulsory 4 or 12 Months Full Comprehensive Health Insurance (inclusive of snow coverage)

• - 4 Month WAT Insurance Cost: $599
• - 12 Month WAT Insurance Cost $999

OWH can also help you with:

• Student and working holiday airfares;
• International Student Cards;
• Exciting tours and accommodation.
• Stand alone J1 Visa sponsorship Only

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility Criteria:

Participants must:

• Hold a valid Australian or New Zealand passport for the entire period of your intended stay in the United States (two years minimum validity is recommended);
• Be aged 18 – 30 years inclusive at the time of lodging your application with OWH. (Please note that you must have entered the USA after your 18th birthday and prior to turning 30);
• Be a current or recently graduated (within the last 12 months) university, TAFE or college student;
• Must attend a compulsory interview with the USA Consulate in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or Auckland.
• Have no prior criminal convictions

USA Consulate Interview

After you have had an interview with one of our resort partners, have been issued with an employment contract, and received your J1 visa sponsorship, participants must attend a US Consulate interview. US Consulates are located in Sydney, Melboune and Perth. During these interviews, participants will have their fingerprints taken and hand over their required documents such as passport, visa fees, proof of student status, proof of sufficient funds, employment contract, DS2109 (visa sponsorship form) and passport photos to a Consulate official.

It can take upwards of two weeks for your passport to be returned to you along with you new USA working holiday J1 visa!

JOBS & START DATES

TBA Mid April

As a general consensus 3-4 Month Summer Work & Travel participants should be available for work from the 1st December – 28th February/March

Our 12 month Work & Travel participants are expected to be available for the entire season. However, if you are graduating university, TAFE or college you are able to commence work in late November until the end of season (usually around April/May)

Applying for your Visa:

• The USA visa that you require is known as a J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa in which there are two categories a) 3-4 month Work & Travel or b) 12 month Work & Travel.
• OWH will forward and walk you through the step-by-step guide on how to apply for your USA J1 visa. You need to complete the relevant application forms and return them alongside a copy of your passport and confirmation of your student ‘status’ form your tertiary education provider.
• OWH will register your information with the ‘US Department of Homeland Security’ and advise you upon receipt of your DS-2019 number - your unique identification number – and your USA comprehensive medical insurance. Please ensure you do not lose these documents or you will have pay a reprint fee.
• Once you have been advised of your DS-2019 number by OWH, you will need to book your consulate interview with the USA consulate.

Prior to arriving:

• Participants must complete their online ‘orientation’ prior to their arrival into the United States. A link will be provided to you a few weeks prior to your departure.

Upon Arrival:

• Participants must register for SEVIS – Student & Exchange Visa Information System is an online facility, which records arrival, living and departure information on all J1 participants living in the USA. Your OWH representative will walk you though this in your in-country orientation;
• We will also help you set up a local bank account and provide you with a US phone so you can stay in contact with your new friends and family once you have arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to be a student to work and travel to the USA and do I have to be enrolled full time?

A: Yes, all participants must be full time students to undertake the work and travel programs. However if you are a qualified instructor we have resort partners that may be interested in sponsoring you on an H2B visa. The consulate recognizes a full-time student as someone who is enrolled in 3 subjects or more per semester.

Q: How old must I be to travel?

A: You must be at least 18 years of age before applying for your consulate interview.

Q: What positions are available:

There are a wide variety of positions for those who love the snow and those who just want to be there.

The more flexible you are with your choice the more likelihood of getting offered a job.

Jobs include:

• Lift Operator
• Rental Technician
• Greeter Rental Host
• RR Sales Associate
• RR Cashier
• Group Sales Ticketing Hosts
• Reservation Host
• Guest Relations Host
• Retail Technicians
• Rental Cashiers
• Retail Sales Associates
• Repair/Tuning Technicians
• Retail Merchandiser
• Retail Boot fitters
• Ticket Seller
• Rental and Retail Shop Clerk
• Lift Operator
• General Snowmaker
• OGS Parking
• Admin Assistant
• Indoor Attendant
• Outdoor Attendant
• Snow school - Admin
• Night Security Officer
• Food and Beverage Lodge Supervisor
• Server

Q: If traveling on the J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa will I definitely be back in time for Week 1 Semester 1 of University?

A: Sure will, our resort employers understand that university students must be back in time to commence week one, semester one so you will not miss out on any classes.

Q: Will I have to pay for a season lift pass at the resort I work for?

A: No, that is one of the many great perks of working for the ski resorts. All employees receive a free season lift pass – many resorts also have loyalty programs where you may be offered day passes forfamily and friends.

Q: Can I work with my friends?

A: Sure can – When filling out your application make sure you put down the name of your friends that you want to travel/work with. As long as they are legally able to work and are flexible with your job opportunities there is rarely a problem with friends working at the same resort.

Q: Can I just get the J1 4 month Summer Work & Travel Visa and find myself a job when I get over there.

A: No, all participants must have an employment contract before their consulate interview to be considered for a J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa. 12-month applicants can enjoy the freedom of not having a job before departing though.

Q: What is the latest I can apply for a J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa?

A: It varies, the USA Powder package is very popular among university students so positions do fill quickly so get in early. Although we do have positions come up throughout the year so check with OWH to see if there are any availabilities.

Q: What is a DS2019 form?

A: This is the official US Government form that OWH applies for on your behalf to allow you to apply for your J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa at your local USA Consulate.

Q: How do I apply for my J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa?

A: The process varies per US consulate/embassy. Your OWH representative will forward you all documentations and will provide directions on how you will need to apply for your J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa.

Q: Do I need to attend a personal interview at the US consulate?

A: Yes. Unfortunately ALL participants must attend an interview with the USA consulate in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or Auckland in order to gain your J1 Summer Work & Travel Visa. Don't worry, OWH will guide you through this process.

Q: Will I make enough money to live?

A: Almost all participants are offered full time employment contracts that mean you will be working 30-40hrs per week – of course this is dependant on how much snow there is and naturally dependant on how much you spend and how much you need to live is entirely up to how much you party, travel, work and spend.

Q: Is housing provided in my employment contract?

A: It varies, some employers provide staff accommodation for some or all employees, while other resorts do not. At the time of your interview it is important to ask the OWH team if the position you are applying for offers staff housing. If not, the OWH team can point you in the right direction to securing your home-away-from-home.

Q: Can I extend my visa after it has expired?

A: No. It is NOT possible to extend your visa. You must leave the country after your visa has expired. Speak with your personal OWH representative about your travel plans and they help you organize alternatives.

Q: I have more questions and would like to speak with someone further about the USA and the programs on offer?

A: Great – please give us a call or shoot us an email. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

When should I apply for the program if I am traveling in 2008?

Now! Space on the program is already filling fast so the earlier the better. Positions in the more well known resorts always go first.

What is the orientation night and the orientation handbook?

The orientation night is a great opportunity to get those last minute questions about the USA answered, hear more details about what happens upon arrival, and meet others who are off to the US as well. Your handbook will give you all the information you need to know about taxes, Social Insurance Numbers, bank account, directions to your resorts and other very useful information. It is a very informative and social evening that is always lots of fun.

Will I need to take out travel insurance?

Yes, OWH makes its compulsory for participants to take out their travel insurance. It is also required by the US State Department.

Should I book my flights with Overseas Working Holidays?

Absolutely! We have negotiated special working holiday airfares for people on our programs that are not available to the general public. This will save you heaps of money. We are also part of Flight Centre Limited, so we have access to all of their airfares as well.

How about tours and accommodation?

Absolutely again! We have great deals on tour packages and accommodation options - just let us know what we can do for you.

How do I get started?

Complete an application form and send it along with your $200 registration fee to Overseas Working Holidays, or contact us for more detailed information.