What is BridgeUSA?
Since 1961, the U.S. Department of State’s Private Sector J-1 Visa Programs – collectively known as BridgeUSA programs – have built interpersonal connections between Americans and participants from around the world.
According to the Department of State, they “annually attract around 300,000 individuals to the United States from 200 countries and territories to study in U.S. high schools, universities, and research institutions; build professional networks; enhance English language and intercultural skills; and teach in U.S. schools, colleges, and universities.”
More than 4.4 million people have traveled to the United States on BridgeUSA programs since its creation in 1961.
of Summer Work Travel participants who are non-native English speakers responded that their English language abilities improved
According to a 2024 U.S. State Department survey:
99%
of Camp and Summer Work Travel participants indicated increasing knowledge of U.S. culture
97%
History of BridgeUSA
1961: U.S. Congress passed the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (commonly known as the Fulbright-Hays Act) to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries. This Act built on the history of other exchange programs, such as the American Field Service and the International Visitor Leadership Program.
While earlier programs focused on commercial diplomacy, degree-seeking students, and opinion leaders, the Fulbright-Hays Act added a series of short-term programs to empower everyday people to experience the U.S.
1969: The Summer Work Travel program gave international college students the chance to use their summer vacations to work with local businesses in the U.S. and explore the country.
1978: The U.S. Information Agency (USIA) was tasked with managing U.S. government exchange programs, taking over the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Relations from the Department of State.
1984: University students received the right to travel to the U.S. for internships under J-1 visas.
1986: The Au Pair program was added to the list of J-1 eligible opportunities.
1999: USIA reorganized under the U.S. Department of State. BridgeUSA programs moved under the auspices of the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
2012: After a series of concerning reports about the well-being of participants in the Summer Work Travel program, the Department of State limited the number of visas that would be issued for that designation. They limited the number of visas awarded to facilitate greater oversight of the program and enhance student well-being. The cap remains in place today.
2020: The Exchange Visitor Program was rebranded as BridgeUSA. The Department of State described the rebranding as an effort to unify “ECA administered private sector programs under one umbrella and [bring] the mission and global impact of our programs front and center in the name and creative tagline.”
Today there are thirteen BridgeUSA categories: Au Pair, Camp Counselor, College and University Student, Intern, Physician, Professor, Research Scholar, Secondary School Student, Specialist, Short-Term Scholar, Summer Work Travel, Teacher, and Trainee.