Before applying, please review our [Program Requirements] page to confirm which J-1 category fits your background. Use the checklist below to prepare your application. Incomplete applications may delay processing.
Important: Our application fee and processing fee are both non-refundable, regardless of application outcome. Please make sure you meet the requirements below and have the necessary funds available before applying. See our [Terms and Conditions] for full policy details.
Before You Apply
Review the requirements first. Before submitting an application, you must carefully review our [Program Requirements] page and confirm that you understand and meet the eligibility criteria for the specific program you are applying to. Our application and processing fees are non-refundable, so applying without first confirming your eligibility means risking your money for an application that cannot move forward. It is your responsibility to check that you qualify before you pay.
Honesty about your credentials is mandatory. All information you provide — including your education, certifications, work experience, and dates of employment — must be truthful and accurate. Misrepresenting or falsifying your credentials, experience, or qualifications in any part of your application is a serious violation of our policies.
It jeopardizes your own candidacy, damages the trust our sponsor and host employer partners place in BridgePoint, and harms our business reputation. We do not tolerate misrepresentation of credentials in any form. Applicants found to have provided false or misleading information may be permanently banned from applying to or participating in any current or future BridgePoint Exchange Services LLC programs and opportunities, in addition to any other action BridgePoint deems appropriate.
Checklist for All Applicants:
Regardless of which program you’re applying to, you will need:
[ ] Valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your intended program end date)
[ ] Updated resume/CV
[ ] Proof of English language proficiency (test score, academic transcript, or documented assessment)
[ ] A recent passport-style photo
[ ] Completed BridgePoint Candidate Intake Form
[ ] Application fee and processing fee payment
[ ] Proof of available funds to support your participation in the program (see below)
A Note on Funds
All J-1 applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient personal funds to support themselves during the program and to satisfy visa interview requirements. Costs to plan for typically include:
- Program/sponsor fees (separate from BridgePoint’s fees)
- Travel to and from the United States
- Housing and living expenses until your first paycheck
- SEVIS fee and visa application fee
- Any required program-specific insurance
We strongly encourage you to confirm you have access to these funds before submitting your application, as our fees are non-refundable regardless of your ability to proceed.
Additional Documents by Program
J-1 Trainee:
[ ] Proof of degree or professional certificate (if applicable)
[ ] Employment verification letter(s) confirming at least 1 year of related experience (with degree/certificate) or 5 years of related experience (without)
[ ] Description of your current occupational field/role
J-1 Internship:
[ ] Proof of current enrollment or proof of graduation within the last 12 months
[ ] Transcript or evidence of field of study
[ ] Brief statement connecting your field of study to your intended internship placement
J-1 Work & Travel:
[ ] Proof of full-time enrollment at a post-secondary institution
[ ] Proof of at least one completed semester (or equivalent) of study
[ ] Confirmation of your summer academic break dates
What Happens After You Apply:
- Application review — BridgePoint reviews your intake form, resume, and supporting documents.
- Candidate profile creation — if eligible, we build your candidate profile for host employer and sponsor review.
- Employer/sponsor outreach — we present your profile to host employers and coordinate sponsor placement.
- Interview coordination — if a host employer is interested, we help coordinate interview scheduling.
- Sponsor placement & DS-2019 issuance — once matched, our sponsor partner issues your Form DS-2019 for your visa interview.
- Visa interview — you attend your interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Final visa issuance is determined solely by the U.S. Department of State.
BridgePoint facilitates each of these steps but cannot guarantee placement, sponsor acceptance, or visa approval at any stage.
Questions? Contact us at [info@bpexchangeservices.com].