BridgePoint Exchange Services LLC facilitates placements across several J-1 Exchange Visitor Program categories, each governed by the U.S. Department of State under 22 CFR § 62. Requirements vary by program. Please review the category that applies to you carefully before applying — eligibility is determined by the program category, not by BridgePoint, and final approval rests with our sponsor partners and the U.S. Department of State.
J-1 Trainee Program
Who it’s for:
Working professionals seeking structured, on-the-job training in the United States in their existing occupational field.
Eligibility requirements — you must meet ONE of the following:
- A degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary academic institution, plus at least one year of related, full-time work experience in your occupational field (gained outside the United States); or
- At least five years of full-time work experience in your occupational field (gained outside the United States), if you do not hold a related degree or certificate
- Additional requirements:
– Sufficient English language proficiency to function day-to-day in a U.S. training environment
– Training must be in your existing occupational field — not general or unskilled labor
– Training may not displace a U.S. worker
Program duration:
– Up to 18 months for most occupational categories
– Up to 12 months for Hospitality and Tourism training (unless the training is specifically in management, which may extend to 18 months)
Programs of 6+ months in Hospitality and Tourism must include at least three departmental or functional rotations
J-1 Internship Program
Who it’s for:
Current students or recent graduates seeking practical training related to their field of academic study.
Eligibility requirements — you must meet ONE of the following:
- Currently enrolled in a degree or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or
Graduated from such an institution within the 12 months prior to your program start date - Additional requirements:
– The internship must relate directly to your field of academic study
– Sufficient English language proficiency to function day-to-day in a U.S. training environment
– Training may not displace a U.S. worker
Program duration:
– Up to 12 months, regardless of occupational field (including Hospitality and Tourism)
Minimum program length is generally 3 weeks
J-1 Work & Travel Program
Who it’s for:
Full-time college/university students seeking temporary work and cultural exchange during their summer break.
Eligibility requirements:
- Currently enrolled full-time and actively pursuing a degree at an accredited post-secondary institution outside the United States
- Have completed at least one full semester (or equivalent) of post-secondary academic study
- Sufficient English proficiency to interact confidently in an English-speaking work environment
- A pre-arranged job offer is generally required prior to entry (unless from a Visa Waiver Program country)
Program duration:
– Generally 1–3 months per the U.S. Department of State’s official program guidelines, not to exceed 4 months total
Must be completed within your summer vacation period
General Notes That Apply to All Programs
- Meeting the eligibility criteria above does not guarantee a placement, sponsor acceptance, or visa approval. BridgePoint facilitates connections between candidates, sponsors, and host employers but cannot guarantee outcomes at any stage.
- All programs require sponsorship by a U.S. Department of State–designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor, who will issue your Form DS-2019 after you are matched and accepted.
- Final visa issuance is determined solely by U.S. Department of State consular officers at your visa interview.
- Before applying, you must review these requirements carefully and confirm you meet them. Our application and processing fees are non-refundable, so applying without confirming your eligibility risks losing your money on an application that cannot proceed.
- All information provided must be truthful and accurate. Misrepresenting your education, certifications, work experience, or any other credentials is a serious violation of our policies and is not tolerated. Applicants who provide false or misleading information risk being permanently banned from current and future BridgePoint programs and opportunities. See our [Application Checklist] for full details.
- Candidates should have accessible personal funds sufficient to support program-related costs (see our Application Checklist for details).
For questions about which program may fit your background, contact us at [info@bpexchangeservices.com] or visit our [Application Checklist] before applying.