Thirteen BridgeUSA Categories

BridgeUSA encompasses thirteen programs for which international participants can obtain a J-1 visa. The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa category on which approved individuals can combine work or study with cultural exchange. Each program has its own target audience and requirements. Some key points:

All participants must be proficient in English.
All participants must return home following the program.
These programs operate at no cost to U.S. taxpayers, as participants are typically self-financed or financed by their home government or hosting institution.

Expand the sections below to read more about each category. Learn more about the history of BridgeUSA here.

Individuals between 18- and 26-years old who will offer childcare to U.S. families for approximately 12 months.
Individuals over 18-years old who will work in camp settings throughout the U.S. for the summer season.
College and university students are individuals who will study in the U.S. for no more than 24 months to earn credit toward a degree in their home country or participate in a short-term degree program at an accredited U.S. institution.
College/university students (currently enrolled or recent graduates) who will receive hands-on experience in their chosen occupational field for 12 months.
Foreign physicians who will participate in U.S. graduate medical education programs or training at accredited U.S. schools of medicine.
Non-tenure track faculty (who have not previously spent extensive time in the U.S.) who will conduct research and promote mutual enrichment at academic institutions in the U.S.
Non-tenure track researchers (who have not previously spent extensive time in the U.S.) who will conduct research and promote mutual enrichment at institutions in the U.S.
Students between 15- and 18.5-years old who will study at accredited U.S. high schools and live with American host families or at an accredited boarding school for one academic year.
Professors, research scholars, and other individuals with significant accomplishments who will visit the U.S. to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills on a short-term basis.
Experts with specialized knowledge in a field who will visit the U.S. to exchange their knowledge and skills with American experts for short periods of time.
College/university students enrolled full time at post-secondary accredited academic institutions outside the U.S. who will participate in temporary work and travel opportunities during their summer vacations.
Professionals with a minimum of 24 months of relevant experience in their home countries who will teach in accredited primary and secondary schools in the U.S.
Professionals with at least five years of experience outside the United States and a degree from a foreign post-secondary academic institution who will train in their occupational field over 12 months.