BridgeUSA exchange visitors are authorized to participate for up to four (4) months during their long academic break, as determined by the U.S. Department of State. Extensions are not permitted.

After the employment period ends, exchange visitors have a 30-day grace period before they must depart the United States. Exchange visitors may travel or settle their affairs during this time, but no work is permitted during the grace period.

We encourage our participants to enter the United States no more than 5 days before their DS-2019 program start date.

To participate in the AWA BridgeUSA J-1 Summer Work Travel Exchange Visitor Program, applicants must:

• Be a full-time student enrolled at an accredited post-secondary academic institution located outside the United States
• Have successfully completed at least one full semester (or equivalent) of post-secondary academic study
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of program departure (AWA program policy additionally requires applicants to be no older than 28; this is an AWA requirement, not a federal age limit)
• Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English, verified through a documented interview and/or a recognized language assessment
• Hold a valid passport from their home country
• Demonstrate genuine intent to participate in the cultural exchange aspects of the BridgeUSA program
• Have sufficient funds to cover initial expenses upon arrival in the United States

BridgeUSA sponsors are required to conduct and document exchange visitor interviews (in person or by video conference) and verify English proficiency. AWA will assess your English proficiency and program suitability through interviews conducted by AWA staff, your overseas partner agency, and/or your host employer, in person or via video.

AWA arranges a confirmed, vetted job offer with an approved host employer before exchange visitors depart their home country. Full Placement includes:

• A signed offer from an approved AWA host employer
• A confirmed housing option at or near the worksite
• Pre-departure orientation materials and DS-2019 issuance

If you have already identified your own U.S. employer, or if your sending agency provides you with one, you may apply through our Self-Placement Program. Requirements include:

• Submitting complete host employer documentation for AWA review and approval
• Providing verified housing information before arriving in the United States
• Receiving AWA approval of your employer before starting work

AWA must fully vet all host employers regardless of whether the placement is sponsor-arranged or self-arranged. No exchange visitor may begin work until AWA has verified and approved the employer.

All program options include required J-1 medical insurance through Envisage Global Insurance for your program dates.

We place BridgeUSA exchange visitors in seasonal or temporary positions that require minimal training and are not on the U.S. Department of State's prohibited list. Examples include:

• Hospitality and resort work (front desk, housekeeping, room attendant)
• Food and beverage service (server, kitchen assistant, food prep)
• Recreation (lifeguard, ski/snowboard instructor, activity coordinator)
• Retail and customer service
• Amusement parks and entertainment venues

A small number of position types (for example, domestic household roles, commission-only sales, and positions covered by another J visa category) cannot be approved under U.S. Department of State rules. AWA reviews every job offer before it is approved; accepted exchange visitors receive the complete list in their program materials.