Do I need to show proof of funds at the visa interview?

The officer can ask how the trip is paid for. Bring recent bank statements or a letter from whoever is funding you.

Will I make my money back?

Many participants do, but it depends on your wage, hours, rent and spending. Plan conservatively and do not count on overtime.

How much should I budget for the first month?

Ask your sponsor for their recommended amount and add a safety margin. Up Up and Away's Money Planner builds a budget for your city and shows your break even week.

← All guides

Money guide

How much money do you need for a J-1 summer?

A J-1 summer can pay for itself, but only after the first few weeks. The money goes out months before it comes in: fees and flights at home, then rent and food in the United States before your first pay day. Here is how to plan it.

Costs before you leave

Program fee to your agent or sponsor. This is usually the biggest cost and varies between agents, so compare written quotes.
Visa application fee for the J-1, paid in rand at the current rate. Check the official U.S. visa site.
I-901 SEVIS fee, paid online.
Return flights. Book early: flights to the United States around December and January are expensive.
Travel and health insurance if it is not part of your program fee.
Passport renewal, police clearance or other documents if you need them.

Money for your first weeks in the United States

Plan for two to four weeks before your first full paycheck. Many sponsors tell participants to arrive with a set minimum amount in U.S. dollars, often several hundred dollars, and recommend more. Ask your sponsor for their figure and treat it as the minimum.

In that time you may pay a housing deposit and the first rent, transport to work, groceries, a SIM card and work clothes or shoes.

What you can earn

Your hourly wage and hours are on your job offer. Multiply them out, then subtract federal and state income tax (J-1 participants are usually exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes, but confirm your situation), rent, food and transport. The week your total earnings pass what you have spent is your break even week.

Tips that save the most

Get every fee in writing and ask what is and is not included.
Share housing, cook, and buy a monthly transport pass if one exists.
Use a low fee way to move money between rand and dollars, and compare before you send.
Keep an emergency fund you do not touch, enough for a flight change or a gap between jobs.

Start with a free CV

Tell us your program and experience and get a CV written to your destination's hiring standard in about a minute. Free, no card needed.

Get my free CV

Questions people ask

Do I need to show proof of funds at the visa interview?: The officer can ask how the trip is paid for. Bring recent bank statements or a letter from whoever is funding you.
Will I make my money back?: Many participants do, but it depends on your wage, hours, rent and spending. Plan conservatively and do not count on overtime.
How much should I budget for the first month?: Ask your sponsor for their recommended amount and add a safety margin. Up Up and Away's Money Planner builds a budget for your city and shows your break even week.

General guidance only, not legal advice. Rules, fees and dates change. Always confirm with your sponsor, your employer and the official government site before you act.