Program Changes and Termination

Bridge Aspire staff welcomes communication from you by email or phone during your program. Another important way Bridge Aspire monitors your J-1 program is through regular monthly check-ins and program evaluations. Bridge Aspire staff will proactively follow up with you to address any questions or concerns expressed in these surveys or evaluations.

Your prompt responses to monthly check-ins and midpoint and/or final evaluations are a mandatory requirement of your J-1 visa program.

• Monthly Check-Ins: Once a month (typically around the 10th of the month), you will receive a monthly check-in survey from Bridge Aspire via email. The survey will ask questions designed to help you reflect on your experiences in the U.S. It is a program requirement, and you are required to complete your monthly check-in within 72 hours of receiving the email. We care about you and your well-being and are eager to know how your program experience is progressing. Your feedback is important to us and helps us ensure you are having a positive and enriching experience.
• Midpoint and/or Final Evaluation: For programs longer than 6 months, both a midpoint and a final evaluation are required. For programs shorter than 6 months, only a final evaluation is required. You and your Host Organisation supervisor will receive the evaluation by email approximately one month before its due date. To maintain good standing on your program, it is required by Bridge Aspire and the U.S. Department of State that both you and your supervisor complete and return the evaluation to Bridge Aspire in a timely manner. Please take the time to complete the evaluation thoughtfully and meaningfully.

During your internship or training program, you’re welcome to travel outside the United States for short trips — whether to visit nearby destinations or return home briefly. Before you make any plans, there are a few important steps to follow to keep your program and travel status in good standing.

🌍 Before You Travel

1. Check visa requirements for your destination.
   Each country has its own entry rules. Always confirm the visa and entry conditions with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

2. Get approval from your Host Organization.
   Your supervisor must authorize your travel dates in advance to ensure your absence doesn’t disrupt your training schedule.

📝 Travel Validation on Your DS-2019 Form

If you plan to leave and re-enter the U.S., your Form DS-2019 must first be signed for travel validation by Bridge Aspire.

• This signature confirms that your program sponsor has approved your travel and that your J-1 status remains active.

• Once signed, the travel validation is typically valid for one year from the date of signature or until your J-1 visa stamp expires — whichever comes first.

🔸 Important: You may not remain outside of the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days during your program. Extended absences may affect your program eligibility and SEVIS record.

💻 How to Request Travel Validation

You can easily request a travel signature by contacting Bridge Aspire or the J-1 visa sponsor:

1. Contact Bridge Aspire or your J-1 visa sponsor and submit a Travel Validation Request Form with your intended travel dates.

2. Once approved, our team will review and digitally sign your DS-2019 for travel.

3. You’ll receive the updated document by email, ready for your trip.

For more details, visit the Travel Validation section of your Bridge Aspire Participant Resources.

During your internship or training journey, you may find that your goals, learning opportunities, or timelines evolve. That’s completely normal — but it’s important to understand that any change to your program must be formally reviewed and approved by Bridge Aspire before it can take effect.

Whether you’re requesting a program extension, adjusting your training plan, or considering a host organization update, all modifications must first be submitted by you and authorized by Bridge Aspire staff.

This process ensures your experience remains compliant, structured, and beneficial for your professional development.

 Program Extensions: Continuing Your Experience

Not every participant is eligible for a program extension. Eligibility depends on your program category (Trainee or Intern) and whether your proposed continuation adds meaningful value to your training.

To qualify, your extension must:

• Stay within the official maximum program duration for your category.

• Show clear learning progression — meaning new skills, responsibilities, or training phases that build upon your previous experience.

 What You’ll Need for an Extension Request

To request a program extension, you must submit the following to your Bridge Aspire Program Monitor at least 45 days before your current Form DS-2019 end date:

1. Updated DS-7002 Training Plan

   • This must outline your new learning objectives, expanded duties, or advanced responsibilities.

2. Personal Statement Letter

   • A short letter from you explaining why you want the extension, how it aligns with your goals, and what you aim to achieve.

3. Updated Documentation & Extension Fee

   • Extensions include an administrative fee and may require additional documentation from you and your Host Organization.

⚠️ Please note: Bridge Aspire cannot process extension requests submitted after your program end date.

 Visa & Travel Considerations During an Extension

If your extension is approved, your official program dates will be updated — but your J-1 visa stamp will not automatically extend.

Here’s what that means for you:

• You can stay in the U.S. legally during your extended program period without applying for a new visa.

• However, if you plan to travel outside the U.S. during your extension, you’ll need to schedule a visa interview in your home country and obtain a new J-1 visa stamp before returning.

💡 Tip: Plan any international trips carefully to allow enough time for your visa appointment and re-entry process.

Bridge Aspire is here to support you every step of the way — from preparing your updated training plan to coordinating with your Host Organization.
By following the correct procedure and timelines, you’ll ensure your extended program remains compliant and continues to deliver valuable professional growth.

At Bridge Aspire, we understand that sometimes unexpected situations arise during your program.
While our goal is for every participant to complete their full internship or training experience with their original Host Organization, we also recognize that certain circumstances may require a transfer.

First, Try to Resolve Any Issues Professionally

If challenges come up at your Host Organization — whether related to communication, workload, or cultural adjustment — we strongly encourage you to address them directly with your immediate supervisor.
Most issues can be resolved through open conversation and professionalism.

If the situation remains uncomfortable or unresolved, contact your Bridge Aspire Program Monitor right away.
Our team can step in as a neutral mediator to help find a solution that protects your well-being and supports a positive outcome for everyone involved.

When a Host Organization Change May Be Necessary

A Host Organization transfer is considered only in exceptional circumstances — typically when your training no longer aligns with your approved DS-7002 plan or when unsafe or inappropriate conditions exist.

You should contact Bridge Aspire immediately if you experience:

• Unsafe, hostile, or unsuitable workplace conditions

• Harassment, bullying, or threats

• Any incidents involving violence or the criminal justice system

• Violations of training hours, compensation, or housing agreements

• Unprofessional or sexually inappropriate behavior

• Major deviations from your approved training plan

Your Bridge Aspire Program Monitor will assess your situation, help you document the issue, and guide you through the next steps — always prioritizing your safety, well-being, and compliance with program rules.

The Transfer Process and Requirements

If a transfer is approved, Bridge Aspire will assist you in identifying and securing a new Host Organization that matches your training goals.
Please note:

• A transfer fee applies (see the Supplemental Fees section in your participant resources).

• Both you and your new Host Organization will need to provide updated documentation, including a revised DS-7002 Training Plan.

• Once you stop training with your original Host Organization, you generally have 30 days to secure and confirm your new placement.

If a new Host Organization and updated DS-7002 are not secured within 30 days, your program may be officially shortened and closed early.

Our Commitment

Bridge Aspire’s priority is your safety, growth, and compliance throughout your U.S. experience.
If you ever feel uncertain, uncomfortable, or unsafe in your placement, you are never alone — our team is here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way

If you need to return home early and withdraw from your program, you must notify your Bridge Aspire and your J-1 visa sponsor as soon as possible. You will be asked for a written explanation about your decision, a copy of your completed Final Evaluation, and a copy of your flight information departing the U.S. to ensure your program is ended in good standing. If your program is shortened by at least 15 days, then you will receive a revised Form DS-2019 that reflects your new, shortened end date.

If you reduce your program duration, your grace period will be automatically adjusted according to your new program end date. You must leave the U.S. within 30 days of this new, shortened program end date.

Participants are subject to the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program regulations, as well as to the rules specified by their sponsors (Bridge Aspire) and their Host Organization.

In cases where a program participant willfully and knowingly violates Bridge Aspire program rules, U.S. government/immigration laws, or the Host Organization’s rules, Bridge Aspire reserves the right to withdraw sponsorship. Program Termination requires the completion of the Final Evaluation, a copy of your flight information departing the U.S., and immediate departure from the U.S. There is no grace period after a program termination.

The following could result in immediate program termination:

• Unauthorized employment (working outside the scope of your approved DS-7002).
• Failure to maintain communication with Bridge Aspire (e.g., not completing monthly check-ins).
• Failure to provide your J-1 visa sponsor with an updated U.S. living address within 10 days of moving.
• Any other serious violation of J-1 regulations, Host Organization policies, or U.S. laws.

Your Bridge Aspire experience doesn’t have to be the end of your U.S. journey.
Many participants return for new internship or training programs — expanding their skills, advancing their careers, and building on the foundation they’ve already created.

If you’ve completed a previous program, here’s what you need to know before applying again.

 For Interns

You may apply for another internship program if you still meet the standard intern eligibility requirements:

• You’re currently enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, or

• You’ve graduated within the past 12 months from such an institution.

Each internship must provide new learning experiences and cannot repeat the content or structure of your previous training plan.

 For Trainees

You may be eligible for another training program after you’ve:

• Lived outside the United States for at least two years following the completion of your previous program, and

• Gained at least one year of full-time work experience in your professional field.

This two-year period (often referred to as a “home-country physical presence” requirement) applies to all returning Trainees and ensures you continue developing your expertise before beginning a new program.

 Moving Forward in Your Career

Each new internship or training program must represent a clear progression — offering advanced skills, deeper knowledge, or experience in a different area of specialization.

To verify this progression, Bridge Aspire will review your previous DS-7002 Training Plan to ensure that no elements of your past program are repeated.

💡 Think of each program as the next chapter in your professional journey — an opportunity to build on what you’ve already learned and take your career to the next level.

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