🌍 BridgeUSA J-1 Visa Program

Intern in the USA and Launch Your Career

Gain 12 months of hands-on professional experience at a U.S. company, build your résumé, and experience American culture — through the official J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Apply Now → Watch How It Works

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Open to university students & recent graduates

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65+ countries accepted

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10 occupational categories available

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12-month paid internship programs

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Ready to Apply?

Scroll down or click below to start your application

Submit Your Application → ▶ Watch the How-To Video Have your own host employer? →

Watch Before You Apply

How to Apply as an Intern

Watch our step-by-step walkthrough to understand exactly how the application process works — from submitting your form to arriving in the USA.

Ready to get started after watching?

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Simple Process

How It Works for Students

From application to arrival — here's what to expect at each stage of your J-1 internship journey.

Submit Your Application

Fill out the student application form below with your details, field of study, and the type of internship you're looking for.

Get Matched to a Host

We match your profile with available host employers. You'll receive CVs, and the host will invite you to a video interview online.

Visa Processing

Once accepted, GEC Exchanges issues your DS-2019 form. You visit the U.S. Embassy in your home country to get your J-1 visa.

Arrive & Start Working

Book your flights, arrive in the USA, and begin your internship! Your sponsor monitors your program to support you throughout.

Self-Arranged Option

Already Have a Host Employer?

If you've already found a U.S. company willing to host your internship — or your school has a partnership — you can apply as a "Self-Arranged" intern. This means you bring your own host rather than waiting to be matched.

This is a great option if you want to move faster, or if you have a specific employer in mind that you've already been in contact with.

Self-Arranged Instructions →

Who should use the Self-Arranged option?

You've already been offered an internship by a U.S. company
Your visa sponsor or travel agency doesn't have a host that fits your field
You want to start your internship sooner without waiting for a match
Your university has a partnership with a specific U.S. organization
You've connected with an employer through LinkedIn or another network

Note: Your self-arranged host employer still needs to be vetted and approved by GEC Exchanges (the visa sponsor) before your DS-2019 can be issued. We'll guide both you and your employer through that process.
        

Apply Now

Student Intern Application

Complete the form, and GEC Exchanges will review your application and be in touch about next steps.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program
At least 18 years old
Citizen of a country outside the United States
Sufficient English to work in a professional U.S. environment
Internship field matches your area of study or work experience

Are you a host employer? This form is for student applicants only. Employers please use the host employer form on the main page.

Student Application Form — Will be sent to GEC Exchanges

Common Questions

FAQ for Students

Current university students or graduates who completed their degree within the past 12 months can apply for the Intern category. If you have at least one year of professional experience in your field, you may qualify for the Trainee category instead. Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S.

Most programs run for 12 months. Some positions offer 6-month programs, and Trainee programs can run up to 18 months. The length depends on the host employer's needs and your availability.

Yes. Host employers pay interns a stipend comparable to local market rates for the position. You are not working for free — your compensation should be fair and reflect the value of the work you're doing.

No — we match you with host employers through our network. However, if you've already found a U.S. company willing to host you, you can apply as a "Self-Arranged" intern, which often results in a faster start date.

From application to arrival is typically 60–90 days, depending on how quickly you're matched and how soon you can get a U.S. Embassy appointment in your home country. Self-arranged interns with an approved host can sometimes move faster.

The DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) is the official document issued by GEC Exchanges that authorizes your J-1 visa. You need it to apply for your visa at the U.S. Embassy. GEC Exchanges handles issuing this on your behalf once you're accepted by a host employer.

Yes. J-1 interns are permitted to travel within the United States during their program. You can explore different states on weekends and during any approved time off. After completing your program, you also have a 30-day grace period to travel before you must leave the country.

Where do interns come from?

We accept applications from students and recent graduates in 65+ countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and beyond.

🇪🇸 Spain 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France 🇧🇷 Brazil 🇮🇹 Italy 🇯🇵 Japan 🇰🇷 South Korea 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇵🇱 Poland 🇬🇧 UK 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇦🇷 Argentina 🇹🇭 Thailand + many more

Not sure if your country is eligible? Submit an application and we'll let you know.

Apply Now →

Success Stories

What Employers Say About Our Interns

The businesses that host our interns keep coming back — here's why.

★★★★★

"My resort has a large Food & Beverage operation and our HR team had real trouble filling Culinary Artist positions. We reached out to Try Interns, and now we have a full program with 25 interns arriving each year."

Jason Mohler

General Manager, Resort Group