A J-1 Visa internship is a U.S. cultural exchange program that allows international students and recent graduates to work in the USA for up to 12 months. Unlike a standard work visa, it requires a structured training plan (DS-7002) to ensure you gain specific skills and cultural exposure, rather than just performing ordinary labor.

Yes, the vast majority are paid. Host companies typically provide a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. On average, Bridge Aspire participants earn between $2,000 and $4,500 per month, depending on the industry and city. Unpaid internships are rare and usually limited to short-term academic requirements.

To be eligible for a J-1 Intern Visa, you must currently be enrolled in a post-secondary institution outside the U.S. OR have graduated within the last 12 months. For the J-1 Trainee Visa, you need a degree plus 1 year of work experience, or 5 years of relevant work experience without a degree.

The total investment typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,000 USD (excluding flights and rent). This covers the agency placement fee, official visa sponsorship, SEVIS government fee, embassy interview fee, and mandatory health insurance. Most participants earn back this cost within their first 3-4 months of working.

Yes, a designated sponsor is mandatory. You cannot simply be hired by a U.S. company. A Department of State-designated sponsor must vet your host company and issue the DS-2019 Form (Certificate of Eligibility). Bridge Aspire facilitates this sponsorship process for both self-placed and agency-placed candidates.

The DS-7002 Form is your internship roadmap. It outlines your training goals, supervision structure, and how your work connects to your academic background.
It’s completed by your host company and approved by your J-1 sponsor before your DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility can be issued. Think of it as the backbone of your program — it ensures your internship is a true learning experience, not just time spent in an office.

We’ll work closely with your host to make sure this document covers all the bases (and then some!).

The process usually takes 8 to 12 weeks from application to arrival. This includes finding a placement, finalizing the training plan, sponsor vetting, and the embassy interview. We strongly recommend starting your application at least 3-4 months before your desired start date.

No, this is strictly prohibited. J-1 Interns and Trainees are legally authorized to train only at the specific host company and location listed on their DS-2019 form. Working a second job (like Uber or bar work) violates your visa status and can lead to immediate program termination.

You have a 30-Day Grace Period to travel within the United States. You are no longer allowed to work during this time, but you can explore the country as a tourist. Once you leave the U.S. during this period, your J-1 status ends, and you cannot re-enter on the same visa.

Yes, some fields are restricted to ensure safety and program integrity. You can’t participate in roles involving direct patient care, heavy manual labor, or unsupervised client interaction.

Examples of eligible vs. restricted placements:

• Healthcare/veterinary: No hands-on care or clinical duties—but research, observation, and nutrition roles are fair game.

• Education: No teaching/tutoring, but you can help design curricula or plan lessons.

• Oenology/Viticulture: Sorry, no grape picking, but you can assist with fermentation and distribution.

• Construction: No heavy machinery or crew labor, but you can work on management, drafting, and project support.

• Hospitality: Must be in 4-star+ hotels or fine-dining restaurants, with real cross-departmental learning.

• Social services: No direct client or patient work, but roles in policy, community outreach, or admin are encouraged.

• Sports and nutrition: Leave the coaching and PT to the pros; go for sports management, food product innovation, and so on.

• Retail: Positions must center on management, HR, accounting, or strategic operations.

• Sales: No commission jobs, cold calling, direct quotas, or lone-wolf sales on the road. Expect client presentations, forecast analytics, and learning sales tools instead.

Worried or unsure? There’s a world of creative, professional options that still suit your studies. If you’re unsure, we’ll confirm eligibility with your sponsor before anything moves forward.

J-1 internships are always full-time—that’s at least 32 hours a week, which means you’ll truly experience American business culture (and earn that resume boost).

Yes! We include U.S. medical insurance for correct visa compliance that meets the U.S. Department of State’s requirements, but it covers only accident/illness. You’ll also need standard travel insurance to protect your trip: cancellation, lost items, and all those “I never thought it’d happen to me” moments. We’re happy to recommend trusted partners with global experience.

The DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility is issued by your J-1 sponsor once your internship and training plan are approved.
It confirms your program details, sponsor ID, and eligibility for the J-1 Visa. You’ll need it for your U.S. Embassy appointment and to maintain your legal status while in the country.

Always keep your DS-2019 form with your passport — they’re a matching set. You’ll need both during your entire stay.

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System — think of it as the government’s friendly database for tracking all J-1 participants across America.
Before your visa interview, you’ll pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee (USD $220), which officially links your record to your sponsor and training program.
It’s a one-time step, but a crucial one — we’ll walk you through it when the time comes.

You’re not alone — this process can feel overwhelming at first, but that’s why we’re here.
Reach out through our contact page or schedule a call with one of our advisors.
We’ll break everything down, help you prepare, and make sure your J-1 experience starts with clarity (and maybe even a little excitement).

Yes! Eligible dependents can apply for the J-2 Visa to live, study, or work in the U.S. during your exchange program.

Official Resources

• U.S. Department of State: Exchange Visitor Visa Information

• BridgeUSA J-1 Program Details: 

• Pay Your SEVIS I-901 Fee: