Students urged to prepare J1 visa applications early

College students thinking of going to the US on a J1 visa this summer are being urged to start the application process now.

Entry requirements have changed this year and potential J1 travellers must secure employment before receiving a travel visa.

Full information is available on the US Embassy's Ireland website - including a list of sponsors who have pre-approved positions on offer.

Embassy spokesperson Lauren Lovelace said its important to get the process started.

"It is a world wide programme so it would be important for Irish students to be as proactive as possible," she said.

"I'm glad that people are starting to think about this now.

"Get the jobs, get them in hand, go to the US Embassy and get the visa once you have the job."