J-1 Internship & Training Program Overview

Welcome to Bridge Aspire! We are thrilled to be your trusted partner as you embark on an extraordinary cultural exchange and professional development journey in the United States. “The Participant’s Compass” is designed to be your essential guide, navigating you through every step of your J-1 Visa program – from your initial application to a successful and enriching experience.

At Bridge Aspire, we don’t just facilitate programs; we empower futures. Our team comprises seasoned professionals with over 20 years of experience in international exchange and hospitality. This includes former Head Chefs with 25+ years of culinary expertise, dedicated hospitality human resource specialists, and cultural exchange veterans who are passionate about nurturing global talent. When you choose Bridge Aspire, you’re selecting unparalleled guidance from experts who genuinely understand your aspirations and the complexities of the U.S. training environment.

We want your time in the United States to be as rewarding and beneficial as possible. This comprehensive guide contains vital information about the regulations and best practices that apply to J-1 Internship and Trainee program participants. It will equip you with insights on the J-1 visa application process, essential pre-departure preparations, housing considerations, health and well-being, U.S. cultural nuances, and other important facets of your program.

Please explore this entire guide and use it as a continuous reference throughout your cultural exchange. We are confident that your experience on the J-1 Trainee/Intern program will be both personally transformative and professionally enriching.

To ensure you always know where to turn, here are your essential contacts and a clear understanding of the entities involved in your J-1 experience.

Our Dedicated Bridge Aspire Team: Your Expert Navigators

Our team is structured to provide you with seamless support at every stage of your journey. Each specialist brings a wealth of experience, ensuring you receive informed and personalized assistance.

• Program Placement & Matching: For questions regarding available training opportunities, or criteria for participant and host organization suitability, please connect with our Placement Specialists:
  • Dan S. – Program Director – [email protected]
  • Bianca B. – Placement Manager – [email protected]

Bridge Aspire Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Connect With Us: Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm UK time  Website: www.bridgeaspire.com

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered under the esteemed oversight of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). While Bridge Aspire, in collaboration with your designated J-1 Visa Sponsor, is your primary point of contact during your program, the U.S. Department of State also prioritizes your health, safety, and overall welfare throughout your cultural exchange.

U.S. Department of State Contact Information (for direct inquiries): U.S. Department of State Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation Private Sector Programs Division ECA/EC/D/PS – SA-4E, Room E-B001 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520

Email: [email protected] Phone: 1 (844) 300-1824 Website: https://j1visa.state.gov/

The U.S. Department of State also maintains a 24/7 toll-free emergency hotline for urgent situations. U.S. Department of State Emergency Hotline: 1 (866) 283-9090. Please reserve this emergency line for critical situations only. Non-emergency inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

To help you navigate your J-1 journey with clarity, here are some essential terms you will encounter:

• J-1 Trainee: An Exchange Visitor who is a foreign national and meets one of the following criteria:
  • Possesses a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and has at least one year of prior relevant experience in their occupational field outside the United States; OR
  • Has five years of relevant experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which they are seeking training.
  • Program Duration: The U.S. Department of State allows a maximum duration of 18 months for most Trainee programs. Training in the fields of Hospitality, Tourism, or Agriculture is typically limited to 12 months.
• J-1 Intern: An Exchange Visitor who is a foreign national and meets one of the following criteria:
  • Is currently enrolled in and actively pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; OR
  • Has graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.
  • Program Duration: The U.S. Department of State allows a maximum duration of 12 months for Internship programs in any occupational field.
• J-2 Visa Dependent(s): The spouse or unmarried children (under the age of 21) of a J-1 Trainee/Intern who either accompany or later join the J-1 participant in the United States. They apply for a J-2 visa to enter the U.S.
• Program Applicant: An individual who is applying for a J-1 Trainee/Intern visa with the support and facilitation of Bridge Aspire and our designated J-1 Visa Sponsor.
• Program Participant: An individual who has received their Form DS-2019 from the designated J-1 Visa Sponsor and is either actively applying for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa or has already arrived to commence their program in the U.S.
• Host Organization: A designated sponsor-approved business or entity in the U.S. that conducts J-1 Trainee/Intern programs for Exchange Visitors, in accordance with a formal agreement with a designated J-1 Visa Sponsor.
• Site of Activity: The specific physical location within the Host Organization where an Exchange Visitor participates in their exchange program. This location must be accurately recorded in SEVIS.
• Form DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (Training Plan): A crucial document issued by the U.S. Department of State. This form precisely outlines the specific goals, learning objectives, and details the knowledge, skills, or techniques to be acquired by the J-1 Trainee/Intern during their program. It is formally signed by the designated J-1 Visa Sponsor, the Program Participant, and the Host Organization.
• Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility): An official document of the U.S. Department of State issued by a designated J-1 Visa Sponsor to a prospective Exchange Visitor Program participant and their accompanying J-2 dependents (if applicable). This form, along with other necessary documents, enables the named foreign national to schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a J-1 visa to enter the United States.
• Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application): The electronic application form for individuals seeking temporary travel to the United States. This form is submitted online to the U.S. Department of State website before scheduling a visa interview.
• SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System): An online system managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track and maintain information on all Student and Exchange Visitor Programs. Your DS-2019 is generated through SEVIS, and it is a requirement to keep your SEVIS record up-to-date with any changes to your address, financial information, or training program details.
• SEVIS ID: A unique identification number assigned to you by the U.S. government once your program sponsorship is approved and your SEVIS record is created. A SEVIS ID number begins with the letter ‘N’ followed by 10 digits and can be found on the top right-hand side of your Form DS-2019.
• I-901 (SEVIS Fee Receipt): A mandatory fee, enacted by the U.S. Congress, that supports the program office and the automated SEVIS system. This fee helps monitor students and exchange visitors, ensuring they maintain their immigration status in the United States. All participants must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee after sponsorship is granted. The payment is linked to your unique SEVIS ID.
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): A federal government agency dedicated to managing lawful immigration to the United States, including citizenship services.
• DHS (Department of Homeland Security): A federal government agency primarily responsible for safeguarding the borders and territories of the United States. USCIS is a key component of DHS.
• United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP): A federal law enforcement agency under DHS, serving as the country’s primary border control organization. CBP facilitates international trade, collects import duties, and enforces U.S. regulations, including those pertaining to immigration at points of entry.
• Port of Entry: A designated location (such as an airport, seaport, or land border crossing) where an Exchange Visitor officially enters U.S. territory. At these points, immigration and customs officials inspect and authorize the entry of foreign travelers. You will present your travel documents, including your passport and visa, and may be subject to additional questioning or inspection by CBP officers.
• Form I-515A: In situations where you arrive in the U.S. with incomplete or missing required documents, a CBP officer, at their discretion, may issue you a Form I-515A. This form grants you temporary entry for 30 days. You are then required to submit your I-515A and all supporting documents to the U.S. government within these 30 days; otherwise, your SEVIS record will be terminated.
• Grace Period: Following the official end date of a participant’s J-1 program, USCIS typically allows a 30-day period, commonly known as the “Grace Period.” During this time, participants are no longer in active J-1 visa status and are under the jurisdiction of USCIS. It is important to note that participants are not authorized to begin or continue training plan activities with their Host Organization during this grace period. Participants are encouraged to travel within the U.S. but should be cautious about traveling beyond U.S. borders as re-entry may not be permitted on the expired J-1 status.
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): An official record documenting your legal entry into the U.S., your specific immigration status, and the authorized duration of your stay. This record can be accessed and retrieved from the government website.
• Social Security Number (SSN): A unique nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents authorized for training or other activities that generate income. It serves as a national identification number primarily for taxation and other official purposes.
• IRS (Internal Revenue Service): The U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing tax laws and collecting taxes for the U.S. government.
• Federal Income Tax: Taxes paid to the U.S. government by all income earners, including Exchange Visitors participating in J-1 Trainee/Intern programs, based on any U.S.-sourced income.
• State Income Tax: Taxes on income earned within a specific U.S. state. State income tax typically funds state budgets and services. J-1 Trainees/Interns may be subject to state income taxes depending on the state where their training takes place.
• Local Income Tax: Taxes imposed by cities, counties, local governments, and school districts. J-1 Trainees/Interns may be subject to local income taxes based on their training location.
• Social Security Tax: A tax levied on both individuals and entities to fund the Social Security program in the U.S. J-1 Exchange Visitors, when classified by the IRS as “nonresident aliens,” are generally not subject to this tax deduction.
• Medicare Tax: A federal employment tax that contributes to the Medicare insurance program. J-1 Exchange Visitors, when classified by the IRS as “nonresident aliens,” are generally not subject to this tax deduction.
• Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA): A U.S. federal law imposing a federal tax on entities, used to help fund state unemployment benefits. J-1 Exchange Visitors, when classified by the IRS as “nonresident aliens,” are generally not subject to this tax deduction.

The Exchange Visitor Program, established under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act), was conceived to allow foreign nationals to temporarily reside in the United States and participate in a variety of training programs. Its fundamental goal is to foster mutual understanding and promote cultural exchange between the United States and other countries, serving as a cornerstone of U.S. public diplomacy.

Overseen by the U.S. Department of State, the program encompasses various categories designed to facilitate deep cultural engagement. Participants have the invaluable opportunity to interact with Americans, share their own cultures with their U.S. Host Organizations and communities, and significantly enhance their English language proficiency during their program. To participate, Exchange Visitors must be sponsored by one of the U.S.-based designated sponsor organizations authorized by the State Department to administer the program.

The Purpose of Your Trainee and Internship Program: As articulated in 22 CFR 62.22, the primary objective of both Trainee and Internship programs is to elevate the skills and expertise of Exchange Visitors in their academic or occupational fields. This is achieved through participation in structured, guided, and experience-based training programs. A key aim is also to enhance participants’ knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, and technology. A core tenet of the Fulbright-Hays Act is that you will return to your home country upon successful completion of your program, sharing your enriched experiences and newfound insights with your community.

It is paramount to understand that J-1 programs are strictly designed for structured, on-the-job training and supervised learning experiences. They are distinct from ordinary employment or merely accumulating additional work experience.

• Training involves a structured and guided learning environment where you, as the program participant, will acquire and develop new skills under mentorship.
• Ordinary Engagement (or “work”) typically fulfills a core, ongoing function at a business with minimal supervision, without the primary focus being on the participant’s structured learning and skill acquisition.

The J-1 Trainee/Intern visa is fundamentally a cultural exchange visa, not an engagement visa. Engaging in activities outside of your approved training/internship program while participating in the J-1 program is strictly prohibited and constitutes a violation of U.S. immigration regulations. A program participant who engages in unauthorized activities will be in violation of their program status and is subject to termination from the Exchange Visitor Program.

Bridge Aspire, in collaboration with our designated J-1 Visa Sponsors, carefully selects Host Organizations that meet stringent program requirements. These organizations commit to facilitating training in accordance with program regulations and fostering a rich cultural exchange environment. We empower a wide range of distinguished businesses across the U.S. in various industries that enthusiastically agree to host our international interns and trainees.

As your program facilitator and partner to designated J-1 Visa Sponsors, Bridge Aspire, along with the sponsor, is required to meticulously screen and closely monitor every organization that intends to host a J-1 program participant. An eligible Host Organization must provide the Exchange Visitor with an enriching, supervised training environment at its designated location. The assigned supervisor/mentor is one of the most pivotal figures in your program, committed to providing professional mentorship and facilitating a meaningful cultural exchange with you and their team.

Our Rigorous Host Organization Screening Process: Not every entity is eligible to serve as a Host Organization for these programs. Bridge Aspire, alongside the J-1 Visa Sponsor, applies stringent criteria when evaluating potential hosts to ensure full compliance with program regulations. Organizations with negative public perception, unfavorable team member feedback, a history of legal disputes, or any other factor that could potentially bring the Exchange Visitor Program or the U.S. Department of State into disrepute will not be approved for program participation.

Our comprehensive screening process includes:

• Reviewing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.
• Thorough examination of the organization’s website and business activities.
• Confirming the number of J-1 trainees or interns currently participating at the site of activity.
• Verifying their appropriate coverage (e.g., Workers’ Compensation Policy) or exemption status.
• Conducting a detailed interview with the Host Organization.
• Reviewing evaluation feedback from previous J-1 participants.
• (Where required) Conducting site visits to new Host Organizations, especially those with fewer than 25 team members or less than a specified annual revenue.

Commitments of an Approved Host Organization: To engage in the program, Host Organizations must:

• Adhere strictly to U.S. Department of State program regulations and Bridge Aspire guidelines.
• Possess sufficient resources, facilities, equipment, and qualified personnel to effectively facilitate the training of the program participant.
• Provide continuous onsite supervision and dedicated mentorship to the program participant.
• Comply with all federal, state, and local occupational health and safety laws.
• Provide a full-time training schedule (typically 32-40 hours per week).
• Offer training experiences that are professional in scope and do not involve more than 20% of clerical or administrative support duties.
• Not place the program participant in unskilled or casual activities as defined in 22 CFR 62.22.
• Formally sign and meticulously follow the Training Plan, Form DS-7002.
• Complete mandatory Midpoint and Final Evaluations of the participant’s progress on time.
• Assist Bridge Aspire, or the J-1 Visa Sponsor, in communicating with the program participant, if requested.
• Ensure the program participant acquires new skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities, which may include classroom learning, seminars, departmental rotations, hands-on guided tasks, and other similar enriching experiences.
• Notify Bridge Aspire and the J-1 Visa Sponsor immediately of any concerns, changes in, or deviations from the DS-7002 Training Plan.
• Notify Bridge Aspire and the J-1 Visa Sponsor immediately in the event of any emergency involving the program participant or if they cease their program participation for any reason.
• Understand that this program is not to be used for: substituting ordinary engagement, displacing U.S. citizens or residents, duplicating a program participant’s prior experience, or as a means for the participant to change their J-1 status to another visa status.
• Notify Bridge Aspire and the J-1 Visa Sponsor if the program participant engages in activities outside their approved J-1 program.
• Provide a valid copy of their appropriate coverage (e.g., Worker’s Compensation Policy) confirming protection for the participant and ensure timely renewal. If applicable, provide evidence of state exemption.
• Accurately report and process applicable state, federal, and local taxes as required by U.S. tax authorities, recognizing that most program participants are considered nonresident aliens who are typically not subject to Social Security, Medicare (FICA), or federal unemployment tax (FUTA).
• Allow the J-1 Visa Sponsor to conduct a site visit, if necessary, as per U.S. Department of State regulations.
• Organize and encourage cultural activity opportunities for the program participant, fostering integration and mutual understanding through activities such as holiday celebrations, team-building events, local festivals, and cultural performances.
• Refrain from any involvement with a staffing or employment agency to recruit, screen, orient, place, evaluate, or train participants, or in any other way involve such agencies in the J-1 training/internship programs, as this is strictly prohibited.

Bridge Aspire has the highest expectations for all our program participants, anticipating professional conduct and a mature approach to your training. Fulfilling the following responsibilities will significantly enhance your experience both before and throughout your program:

• Adhere to Program Guidelines: Closely follow Bridge Aspire’s program Terms and Conditions and all guidance provided in “The Participant’s Compass.”
• Engage with Communications: Promptly respond to check-in emails from Bridge Aspire and your J-1 Visa Sponsor.
• Complete Evaluations: Promptly complete any midpoint and/or final evaluations of your training progress.
• Maintain Status: You are solely responsible for maintaining your lawful Non-Immigrant J-1 status in the U.S. throughout your program duration.
• Effective Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with Bridge Aspire, your J-1 Visa Sponsor, and your Host Organization.
• Respect Host Organization Guidelines: Adhere to all guidelines and best practices of your Host Organization (e.g., procedures for illness, requesting time off).
• Punctuality: Be punctual and avoid arriving late for your scheduled training activities.
• Voice Concerns: Do not hesitate to voice any concerns you may have. If you encounter any issues, please contact Bridge Aspire staff and/or your J-1 Visa Sponsor representative immediately. We are here to support you.
• Be a Cultural Ambassador: Embrace your role as a cultural ambassador by actively sharing your culture with others while on the program. Your Host Organization and colleagues will greatly benefit from learning more about you and your home country.
• Community Engagement: Actively engage with the local community, participate in activities, and immerse yourself in American culture beyond your training site.
• Prioritize Safety: Your safety is paramount. Immediately report any safety concerns to Bridge Aspire staff or your J-1 Visa Sponsor.

Bridge Aspire, in partnership with designated J-1 Visa Sponsors, facilitates training and internship programs across a diverse array of industries and businesses, within the following broad occupational fields. Our focus is primarily on those that offer robust learning opportunities within hospitality and related sectors, but we also engage with programs in:

• Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing
• Education, Social Sciences, Library Science
• Information Media and Communications
• Public Administration and Law
• Arts and Culture
• Hospitality and Culinary (A core focus area for Bridge Aspire, leveraging our deep industry expertise!)
• Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance
• The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations

Important Program Exclusions: Please be aware that certain types of programs and fields are not eligible for J-1 Trainee and Internship sponsorship. Bridge Aspire does not facilitate programs in:

• Construction and Building Trades
• Health-Related Occupations
• Counseling or Social Services

Furthermore, the following types of training experiences are not eligible for sponsorship:

• Training that constitutes unskilled or casual activities.
• Training positions that require or involve childcare or elder care.
• Training that involves clinical or any other kind of interaction that requires patient care or patient contact. This includes any activities that would require participants to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical care (e.g., sports or physical therapy, psychological counseling), nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine or animal care, social work, speech therapy, or early childhood education.
• Training in quick-service restaurants or other counter-service focused activities is also prohibited.