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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Finland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Finland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Finland.

If you decide to travel to Finland:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Finland.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Quick Facts

Six months recommended

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None required

10,000 Euros (or equivalent)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy helsinki.

Itäinen Puistotie 14B 00140 Helsinki Finland Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250 and select 0 Fax: +(358) 9-174-681 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Embassy of Finland website for the most current visa information.

• Students and prospective students must apply for a residence permit if you plan to study at a Finnish educational institution for more than 90 days. More detailed information is available on the  Finnish Immigration Service  website.

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Finland. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Crime : Finland has a low rate of crime and violent crime is uncommon.  Keep an inconspicuous profile and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

• The most common criminal threat is petty street crime such as pickpocketing.  Avoid leaving personal possessions unattended while in public. The most serious criminal threat is a lone-wolf terrorist attack.  Finland had one such attack in 2017, resulting in two fatalities and eight injuries.
• Motorcycle gangs and Russian organized crime have a limited presence in Finland, but expatriates are unlikely to encounter them. Remain vigilant with regard to your personal security and exercise caution.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime :  Report crimes to the local police by dialing  112 , and contact the U.S. Embassy at  + (358) 9-616-250 .  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

For information on shelters in Finland please see Shelters For Victims of Domestic Violence page published by the National Institute for Health and Welfare.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in Finland
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers : There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Finland.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance : Laws mandating access to buildings for persons with disabilities are generally enforced, but many older buildings remain inaccessible. Some public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities. You should check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Finland.

• Most forms of public transportation are accessible, but geographically-isolated areas can be especially problematic for travelers with disabilities.
• Call ahead to restaurants, museums, and other facilities to find out if they are wheel-chair accessible.
• Assistance for train travelers  is available at most stations but must be requested in advance. For more information, visit the  Finnish National Tourist Board’s website .

Students : See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Medical facilities and staff are generally excellent and widely available for emergency services. English is commonly spoken by Finnish medical personnel. The public hospital system and many private hospitals accept foreign credit cards.

• Local medical centers, clinics, or first-aid stations are located at hospitals and will provide a full range of services to tourist and temporary visitors.
• For emergency services in Finland, dial 112 .

Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance : Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the government of Finland  to ensure the medication is legal in Finland.

• You may bring a 90-day supply of most personal prescription drugs with a formal doctor’s note.
• Prescribed narcotics may only be brought into Finland for your personal use  for a maximum of 14 days and must be accompanied by a medical certificate  stating why you need them.
• Finnish customs regulations prohibit you from receiving medication shipments from abroad.  Local physicians may be reluctant to prescribe equivalent quantities or dosages. For more detailed information, please visit the  Finnish National Tourist Board website  or contact the  Embassy of Finland .

Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information, go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Finland has an extensive network of highways and excellent public transportation services throughout the country. Driving in Finland is on the right side.

• A valid U.S. driver’s license may be used while visiting Finland, but drivers must be at least 18 years of age.
• Traffic approaching from the right has priority, even if entering a primary roadway from a secondary one.  Stop signs are rarely used in Finland.
• It is common practice in Finland, including in large cities, to turn off traffic lights at certain intersections in the early morning hours.
• Road signs use standard international symbols and Finnish text.
• Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transportation only.

Winter driving in Finland can be hazardous . Daylight hours are very short and drivers should be comfortable driving in darkness.

• Icy road conditions are common.
• Your vehicle must have snow tires from December through February. Engine heaters are strongly recommended.
• When driving at night, drivers must be alert to moose wandering onto major roadways. Striking a moose can severely damage a vehicle and even fatally injure its occupants.
• If you are in a car accident, you must have your insurance paperwork with you.

Traffic Laws : Unless otherwise noted on traffic signs, the speed limit varies from 30 to 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on expressways during summer (100 km/h in winter).

• Vehicles must use headlights at all times.
• Use of seatbelts is mandatory for drivers and all passengers.
• Children under 135 cm (approximately 53 inches) in height must be seated in approved child or booster seats or use appropriate safety equipment as stated on the  Finnish Police website .
• Drunk driving laws are strict.

o   Police strictly enforce all traffic laws and institute random roadside breath-analyzer tests. Drivers who register a 0.05% or higher blood-alcohol content are subject to immediate arrest. For more information, please review the  Finnish Police website .

Public Transportation : Public transportation in Finland is of good quality and is the recommended method of travel.

• Passenger trains, intercity buses, and air flights provide regular service over longer distances.
• Public transportation in urban centers includes buses, subways, trams, suburban trains, and taxis.
• Taxis are more expensive than in major U.S. cities. Rates vary widely depending on the company providing the transportation service.
• Most local residents use public transport in Helsinki as parking is expensive and can be hard to find.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the  Finland National Tourist Board  and the  Finnish Road Safety Council .

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Finland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Finland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Finland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Finland .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Embassy of Ireland, Finland

• Irish Embassies & Consulates

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, Finland website has moved and this  page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at  Ireland.ie/helsinki .

Visa Information

Please refer to the website of the  Irish Immigration Service for information on visas for entry into Ireland.

When making an application: complete the  online application form , pay the relevant visa fee (where applicable), and collate all the necessary supporting documents. List of necessary supporting documents depends on the type of visa and further information can be found on the Irish Immigration Service website  here .

The application summary sheet, proof of payment and all the required supporting documents may either be:

1) Posted to the Embassy  by registered mail or by courier:

Embassy of Ireland PL 33 00131 Helsinki Finland

2) Submitted to the Embassy in person on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 09.00-12.00. 

Visa fees: €60 single entry and €100 multi entry. Bank details can be found at the bottom of this page.  Please specify the name of the person to whom the payment refers.

If you wish for your passport and original documents to be posted back to you, please include an additional communications fee of €15 along with your visa fee payment.

Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be contacted directly. Visa applications may take up to 8 weeks to be processed.

To check if you need a visa to Ireland see  here .

All the current rules for travelling to Ireland can be found  here .

Who needs a Visa

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on what country you're from. Visit the Irish Immigration Service Travel Path for more information regarding your personal requirements for travelling to Ireland.

Information on visa requirements for transiting through Ireland is available here

Please note that Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement, and a Schengen visa or residence permit does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Unless you qualify for the  Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme  or the British Irish Visa Scheme a valid UK visa does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa. Further information on these schemes is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Note : A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.

Remember…

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

Types of Visa and Documentation

Full information on the different types of visas, required documentation, and how to apply can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service . 

Information on applying for a short-stay (less than 90 days) tourist visa is available here .

Information on coming to work in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to study in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to join family in Ireland is available here .

Visa Appeals

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter from the visa office telling you why it has been refused and if you can appeal the decision.

Further information on appealing visa decisions is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service

All appeals are handled directly by the Irish Immigration Service

How to Apply

You need to:

• Complete the  online application form  

This will generate an application summary form and declaration at the end, which you must print, sign and date.

• Gather your supporting documentation, passport photograph and fee.
• Submit your application

To complete the process, you must submit your passport and supporting documents for processing. Where you submit your application depends on where you are living. The summary application form will direct you to the relevant Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre.

Check the website of the relevant Embassy or Consulate for further information on how to submit your application for processing

If you applied at an Embassy or Consulate, they will contact you once a decision on the visa application has been made.

If you applied directly to an Irish Immigration Service Visa Office or if your application was referred to the Irish Immigration Service for a decision, you can check the Irish Immigration Service  Visa Decision Weekly Listing   using your reference number.

On Arrival in Ireland

Further information on what to expect on arrival in Ireland can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Information on entry for EU/EEA and Swiss nationals is available here . 

Information on entry for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals is available here .

Information on travelling with children is available here .

Information on transiting through Ireland is available here .

Check the website of the Irish Immigration Service for information on preclearance and entry visa fees, including information on visa fee exemptions.

You can also contact your local Embassy or Consulate for more details on fees and payment methods

Payment Details

We accept the following forms of payment:

We do not accept credit or debit cards.  Payment is by bank transfer only .

Fees must be paid by bank transfer to the following account:

Bank: Nordea Account Name: Embassy of Ireland IBAN: FI81 2153 1800 0247 79 Swift: NDEAFIHH

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Ireland considers halting visa-free travel for South Africa

• Ireland is considering revoking its visa-free travel for South African nationals as a measure to reduce the influx of people applying for asylum.

• Warnings have been issued regarding the use of South African passports by nationals of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo to gain entry into the country.
• According to Ireland's Department of Justice, 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland this year using South African passports.

Recommended articles

According to the Irish Times, the decision to revoke visa-free travel for South Africans follows reports of alleged abuse of the arrangement by individuals entering Ireland to seek protection.

Warnings have been issued regarding the use of South African passports by nationals of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo to gain entry into the country.

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According to Ireland's Department of Justice, 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland this year using South African passports. This number represents more than three per cent of the total number of applicants so far this year.

South African passport holders currently enjoy facilitated entry to 108 countries , according to Henley and Partners. This could change if Ireland decides to exclude South Africa from its visa abolition agreements.

In 2009, the United Kingdom implemented visa requirements for South African passport holders, citing concerns about safety due to the misuse of South African passports.

However, the Republic of Ireland maintained its visa-free entry scheme for South Africa. This privilege could be in jeopardy if Ireland decides to revoke the visa-free entry arrangement.

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Over 5,000 people have applied for asylum in the Ireland so far this year.

The country expects to see a higher number of arrivals in the coming months, and for this reason, it wants to tighten the existing measures.

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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Graduate 'The reality of the J-1 visa leaves Irish graduates vulnerable to exploitation'

WHEN I APPLIED for a graduate visa to live in the United States, I believed the advertising from sponsorship companies. 

The J-1 Irish Work Travel visa – commonly known as the J-1 graduate visa – is promoted as an opportunity for graduates to “learn from the best in your industry, globalise your CV, and jumpstart your professional training.” Most people will be familiar with the idea of a J-1 summer visa, a chance for Irish students to sow their wild oats in the US between their college years. The graduate visa, however, is different because it allows graduates to live in the US for a year while working in their field of study, provided they find that employment within a certain timeframe. Sounds promising, right?

However, the reality is that the visa’s restrictions make finding that employment so difficult that many graduates turn to illegal work in Irish pubs to make ends meet, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by employers.

J-1 visa holders pay a sponsor company to facilitate their move to the US, the cost of which can amount to more than €2000 before travel insurance and flights. Visa holders typically move without a job, and have three months to find an internship in their field which will sign their visa papers. The job cannot be remote, you can only work one role at a time (work in hospitality and retail is forbidden), and you cannot go through a recruitment company.

Using ‘Irish connections’

Before I moved, I was told the job search would be tough, and that my best bet was to rely on Irish connections in the city – if I didn’t have any, I would need to make some. While I had no relatives in New York, I had worked as a news journalist for a year after college, with work featured in major US publications – naively, I thought this would make the job hunt easier. I applied to countless jobs and was met with no responses. I thought that my CV was letting me down, but a meeting with my sponsor’s career advisor revealed that my resume was doing me justice and I had more experience than a lot of J-1s who travel to the States directly after graduation.

Networking seemed like the only option, so I had over 30 meetings with professionals in journalism, public relations, producing and publishing – anything that could feasibly be considered my field of study. I chatted to former J-1s who told me not to give up, that they also had no connections when they first arrived. “So how did you end up getting your job?” “Well, my uncle has this business…” What I hadn’t realised was that a lot of people secured a job because someone they knew invented one for them, or signed their visa papers without employing them.

I continuously met fellow J-1s employed by someone they knew, who had fudged their visa papers to say they were working in their subject area.

The job market isn’t difficult for J-1 visa holders, it’s borderline impossible. The visa states you must find a paid internship, but most advertised internships are unpaid for US college credit. You can manipulate the description of a full-time position to sound like an internship, but many companies have a stipulation that they don’t hire anyone who would need future sponsorship, which is the case for all J-1s. Graduates work illegally not because they want to, but because the visa is so poorly set up that it’s rare for anyone to find a job in their field, let alone one that pays them.

I didn’t get a single interview until I removed any reference to my visa status. I wiped my CV clean of any trace of my visa, and almost immediately I got an interview for a publication I admired. It was going well until the final question: “Just for formalities, do you or will you ever need sponsorship?” I answered honestly that I had sponsorship for a year, after which I would need a sponsor to stay in the country. Her tone changed as she thanked me for my time, and I received an instant rejection email.

I’m not alone in this experience, but I was fortunate to have put aside enough savings to support myself during the three-month job search. Irish networking events in New York are riddled with young people who have paid thousands to move to the city with the promise of finding an incredible internship that will further their career but have to work illegally to survive.

I set up an informal, anonymous survey for J-1s asking about their experience, and the response was unsurprising and consistent: J-1s are getting no responses from American companies, and are resorting to bar work either during their months-long job hunt or after a company has bent the rules in relation to their papers.

One responder said the restrictions of the visa “made an already limited job hunt near impossible”, while others complained of applying to “hundreds of jobs” only to hear nothing back due to the reluctance of companies to engage with short-term visa holders. Of those who worked illegally, one said they had to resort to bar work because there was “no way” they could survive off the pay offered by their internship. Everyone who worked illegally said they worried about the frequency of their payments and about the possibility of their workplace being investigated.

Working for free

Anecdotally, the story is the same. One person I know works for free for the company that signed her papers and spends her spare hours working in a bar to make ends meet. Several others have been taken advantage of by companies who made them work for free under the pretence of eventually signing their papers, only to stop responding to emails directly before the three month job search window closed. Those who eventually find a legitimate job through a connection are doing work they are overqualified for; I’ve met people with master’s degrees spending their days converting documents to PDFs.

While the J-1 graduate visa is a wonderful idea in theory, visa sponsors need to look at the system they’re offering as it is not necessarily the real J-1 experience, and enables employers to take advantage of visa holders. I’m lucky to have been able to support myself throughout my job search and to have eventually found a position even tangentially related to my subject area. The J-1 graduate visa upholds a flawed system where personal connections trump professional experience, making it a costly gamble with potentially dangerous outcomes if you’re not one of the lucky ones.

Sarah Moran is a writer, editor, and researcher based in New York. She graduated from English literature and psychology in Trinity College in 2022 and has since worked as a news verification journalist and communications associate.

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