J1 Visa USA: A Guide to Living and Working in the USA This Summer

Spending your summer in the United States on a J1 Visa USA programme is one of the best ways to explore a new culture, gain valuable work experience and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Summer Work Travel program, part of the J1 Exchange Visitor Program, gives international students and exchange visitors the chance to live and work across the USA for a few unforgettable months.

This guide is here to help you make the most of your J1 Visa USA experience. We will cover everything from finding a summer job and affordable accommodation to budgeting for your trip, staying connected with a local eSIM, and tips for everyday life in the US.

We have also included advice on what to expect during your visa interview and key documents to prepare, including Form DS-2019, though this is not a full visa application guide. You will also find tips for digital nomads planning to spend part of their summer living and working remotely in the US.

Whether you are getting ready for your first J1 Visa USA adventure or looking for ways to travel smarter this summer, read on.

For Students: The J-1 Visa
Whether it’s stepping into the wild wild west in Texas, walking through the streets of your favourite movie characters in New York or living it up in California . The J-1 Visa is a student favourite when it comes to travelling to the US and experiencing a slice of the ‘American Dream’. This visa lets you take part in summer work and travel programmes, with typical jobs including:

• Hotels and resorts
  
  
• Theme parks and entertainment venues
  
  
• Retail shops and restaurants
  
  

You’ll need to apply through an approved sponsor organisation and secure a job offer before your visa interview. A little paperwork now, a summer of adventure later.

For Digital Nomads: Tourist Visa or ESTA

Thinking of swapping your home desk for a US adventure this summer? Whether you’re looking to work by the beach or take Zoom calls from a campervan, here’s what you need to know about US visa options  If you’re planning to work remotely while in the US (for a non-US company), most digital nomads use an ESTA (Visa Waiver Programme) or a B-2 Tourist Visa. A few things to remember:

• You cannot legally work for a US company without a proper work visa.
  
  
• An ESTA typically allows you to stay for 90 days.
  
  

For longer stays, or to avoid any grey areas, a B-1 business visa can sometimes work, but tread carefully. The US does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. So double check the rules before you pack your laptop.

The right summer job can make your whole US experience. Whether you are lifeguarding on the beach, flipping pancakes in a national park diner, or pulling pints in a buzzing New York bar, the options are endless.

But do not stress about finding the perfect job. As one Reddit user put it, “A J1 job isn’t about the most money, it’s about the most fun.” The friends you make and the fun you have will matter more than the payslip.

That said, a well-paying job can give you more freedom to travel while you are there. Here are some tips for finding summer jobs in the USA.

Best Job Types for International Students

• Lifeguards and camp counsellors
  
  
• Servers, baristas, and bartenders. “If you get work in a good restaurant or bar you will make a killing. If it’s busy, tips can be insane.” says one reddit user discussing their past experience on a J1 visa.
  
  
• Retail associates in tourist hotspots
  
  
• Internships aligned with your degree to build your CV
  
  

One reddit user who had been on a J1 also mentioned country clubs as a great option. “I know some guys who got work at a country club and said the tips were amazing. Tough work though.”

Where to Find Summer Jobs

• CoolWorks, a goldmine for seasonal and adventure jobs
  
  
• J-1 visa sponsors, many have job boards and partner employers
  
  
• Facebook groups. Look for ones like "J1 Summer Jobs USA"
  
  
• Local staffing agencies in busy tourist towns
  
  
• UK & Irish organisations in the US. “Get in touch with Chicago GAA and see if they can help,” one Reddit user suggested.
  
  

Tips for Landing a Summer Job

• Apply early. Most employers start hiring between January and March for summer start dates
  
  
• Polish your CV and highlight any English or customer service skills
  
  
• Be ready for video interviews on Zoom or Skype. Pro tip: double-check your internet connection and background before the call
  
  

Key takeaway: Focus on early applications, lean into the fun of the experience, and do not be afraid to ask around through UK & Irish networks and J1 Facebook groups. The connections you make can be just as valuable as the job itself.

Living costs can vary a lot depending on the city. Here's a look at average monthly expenses for students living in shared accommodation in four popular U.S. cities:

• Rent (Shared): Approximately $1,540 per month (source)
  
  
• Food: Around $343 per month for groceries (source)
  
  
• Transport: 30-day unlimited MetroCard is $132 (source)
  
  
• Entertainment: $50 to $200 monthly, depending on activities (source)
  
  

• Rent (Shared): Approximately $1,350 per month (source)
  
  
• Food: $300 to $400 per month for groceries (source)
  
  
• Transport: Daily fare cap of $5.65 for unlimited rides (source)
  
  
• Entertainment: Around $161 monthly (source)
  
  

• Rent (Shared): Approximately $1,420 per month (source)
  
  
• Food: Estimated $350 per month for groceries (source)
  
  
• Transport: Capital Metro 31-Day Pass is $41.25 (source)
  
  
• Entertainment: Around $150 monthly (source)
  
  

• Rent (Shared): Approximately $1,200 per month (source)
   
• Food: Around $350 per month for groceries (source)
  
  
• Transport: 30-Day Regional Transit Pass is $72 (source)
  
  
• Entertainment: About $180 monthly (source)
  
  

Budget Tip: Buy a local eSIM from our USA Plans to save money on your phone bill and get access to rideshare apps, Google Maps, and job alerts.

Where you stay can shape your whole summer. Whether you're sharing an apartment with new friends or diving into digital nomad life in a coliving hub, here are some of the best options students and remote workers use while in the U.S.

• Hostels with weekly or monthly rates
  Affordable and flexible, hostels often offer longer-term stays perfect for J1 students.
  
  
• University dorms
  Many colleges sublet student rooms during the summer months.
  
  
• Shared apartments through Craigslist or local Facebook groups
  A common route for students seeking affordable housing.
  
  

• Airbnb
  Many hosts offer solid discounts for month-long stays.
  
  
• Coliving spaces like Outsite, Selina, or Roam
  These provide a ready-made community along with your accommodation.
  
  
• Facebook groups and Reddit threads for nomads
  Great for finding both tips and potential flatmates.
  
  

A Redditor advises:

"Book the first week through Airbnb so you know you have a place to stay when you land. Then start asking around locally for a better deal for the remainder of your stay."

Another shares:

"Check out a college town in the Midwest. (Athens, OH; Madison, WI; Lexington, KY, etc.) You can rent a room well under your budget and have access to plenty of social activities in a walkable community." reddit.com

Pro Tip: Try to avoid peak-season tourist hotspots. Offbeat college towns and mid-size cities often offer lower rent, a better vibe, and lots of local culture. You'll also find it much easier to get affordable places outside the big tourist zones.

Staying Connected: Best eSIM Options for J1 Visa USA Students and Digital Nomads

Whether you are arriving on a J1 Visa USA programme, travelling as an exchange visitor or just planning a digital nomad summer in the US, staying connected is key to making the most of your trip.

From ordering your first Uber at the airport to finding your way to a new job, to keeping in touch with friends and family back home, reliable mobile data will make life so much easier.

Here is a look at some of Sim Local’s best USA eSIM plans, and which ones might suit you depending on how you are spending your summer.

3 GB eSIM, 30 days — €8.75

A great option if you just want basic coverage for Google Maps, WhatsApp, emails and the odd Instagram post. Good for the first few days, or for exchange visitors and international students who will be spending lots of time on campus Wi-Fi.

3 GB eSIM

United States

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$9.50

Buy Now

5 GB eSIM, 30 days — €13.00
If you are planning to work a lot and mainly be on Wi-Fi in your job or shared accommodation, this will easily cover navigation, messages, job alerts and casual use. Cheap and cheerful for any J1 student or summer work travel participant.

5 GB eSIM

United States

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$13.75

Buy Now

10 GB eSIM, 30 days — €23.50
A solid choice for most J1 Visa USA students or digital nomads. Enough data for everyday apps, job hunting, Spotify on the bus and regular FaceTime or Zoom calls home.

10 GB eSIM

United States

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$25.25

Buy Now

18 GB eSIM, 30 days — €23.50
One of the best value options if you think you will be using your phone a lot on the go. Great for road trips, busy city days, video calls with your exchange program group or if you are working as a creator.

18 GB eSIM

United States

+Roaming

Three UK (DI)

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G

Price

$25.25

Buy Now

Best Value

20 GB eSIM, 30 days — €39.00
Perfect for students and J1 exchange visitors who know they will be out and about constantly. Sightseeing, working remotely, uploading videos and keeping socials running. Gives you that extra bit of freedom and flexibility.

20 GB eSIM

United States

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$41.50

Buy Now

Top Seller

Unlimited data, 7 days — €44.75
Ideal for short trips, visiting multiple cities during your exchange visitor program, or if you just want unlimited data while you get set up in the first week.

Unlimited eSIM

United States

Smartroam

Duration

7 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$48.00

Buy Now

Top Seller

Unlimited data, 15 days — €59.00
Brilliant for digital nomads doing a shorter US stay, or for J1 Visa USA students who want to travel properly after their work placement ends.

Unlimited eSIM

United States

Smartroam

Duration

15 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$63.00

Buy Now

10 GB North America eSIM, 31 days — €30.00
Planning to visit Canada or Mexico as well as the US during your exchange program? Grab this plan so you can stay connected across all three without switching SIMs mid-trip.

10 GB eSIM

North America

13 countries

Orange FR

Duration

31 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G

Price

$32.00

Buy Now

Why J1 Students and Digital Nomads Love Sim Local

• You can buy your eSIM before you even fly. You will be connected the second you land.
  
  
• You can choose a plan that actually suits your budget. No more paying €10 a day in roaming fees.
  
  
• It is fast and easy to set up. Takes two minutes and no messing with physical SIMs.
  
  
• The Sim Local team are on WhatsApp 24/7 if you ever need help.
  
  
• You can change your plan or top up easily if your summer plans change.
  
  

And honestly? Loads of students and nomads will tell you. Having proper data the minute you land is a game changer. 

Get it sorted before you go and thank yourself later.

Where you choose to spend your summer is a big part of the adventure. Some cities offer great job options, others give you a lifestyle you will remember for years. Here are a few favourites among J1 students and digital nomads, and what makes them worth considering.

New York City
The classic. You will find endless job opportunities here in restaurants, bars, shops and events. When you are off the clock, the entire city is yours to explore. Rooftop bars, Central Park in the sunshine, vintage markets in Brooklyn. The energy of this place hits you the second you land. It is fast, pricey, but unforgettable.

Orlando, Florida
Sunshine, palm trees and a constant buzz. Orlando is home to Disney World, Universal Studios and so many other theme parks, which means there is always demand for summer workers. Expect plenty of hours and good tips if you are in hospitality. The bonus is spending your days off by the pool or heading to the beach.

Chicago, Illinois
If you want big city vibes without the New York price tag, Chicago is a great choice. Summers here are beautiful with lakefront picnics, outdoor festivals and nights out in neighbourhoods like Wicker Park. There is plenty of work in tourism and hospitality and lots of free things to do once you are settled.

Austin, Texas
A city that embraces its weirdness. Austin is a hub for remote workers, creatives and musicians. You will find quirky coffee shops, endless food trucks and a thriving coworking scene. It is also surprisingly affordable compared to other big cities in the US, which makes it a favourite base for digital nomads.

Portland, Oregon
Laid-back, green and full of indie charm. Portland is perfect if you enjoy slow mornings, bike rides and great coffee. The remote work community here is strong and the city is packed with cool bookshops, farmers markets and vintage stores. You are also surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains if you want to escape into nature.

San Diego, California
For anyone dreaming of a bit of California lifestyle, San Diego is a great pick. Golden beaches, year-round sunshine and a relaxed vibe make it easy to settle in. The tech and startup scene is growing, so you will find plenty of remote workers balancing surf lessons with Zoom calls.

Can I work in the USA with a tourist visa?
No. You cannot legally work for a US company on a tourist visa. Remote work for non-US employers is a bit of a grey area. The safest thing is to speak to your employer before you travel and get clear on what is allowed.

Do I need a US bank account?
If you are on a J-1 visa and working in the States, you will probably need a US bank account so your wages can be paid in. If you are a digital nomad, you can often get by using international banking apps like Wise, Revolut or Payoneer. Just make sure whatever you use will work smoothly while you are there.

What is the best way to get paid for summer work?
Direct deposit into a US bank account is the most common way employers will pay you. If you do not want to open a US account, check that your banking app can handle receiving payments and that you will not get hit with fees.

Can I travel within the USA during my stay?
Absolutely. It is one of the best parts of being there. Plan short trips to nearby cities or explore some of the national parks. Budget for flights if you want to go cross-country, or use affordable bus options like Greyhound or Megabus if you are keeping things cheap.

Spending your summer in the USA is one of the best ways to gain work experience, improve your English and explore a country full of culture and opportunity. Whether you are heading over on a J1 visa or planning a digital nomad adventure, this is your chance to create memories that will stick with you for life.

From scooping ice cream on Cape Cod to running a busy bar in New York City, from working in a theme park in Orlando to freelancing from a sunny coworking space in Austin, there are so many ways to experience an American summer.

Plan the key details early, stay flexible and take every chance you get to explore. And remember, having a reliable eSIM will make everything smoother while you are there. Grab a USA local eSIM from Sim Local before you fly so you can stay connected on the go.