For Trainees
The BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program for J-1 Trainees allows foreign professionals to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive training in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field. The programs range in duration, up to 18 months. Trainees must have a confirmed U.S. Host Organization willing to provide the training experience while Teachers Council serves as your J-1 visa sponsor.
If you are a foreign trainee with a confirmed host organization and in need of a J-1 visa sponsorship, please submit a J-1 Trainee Initial Eligibility Form.
If you are a US host organization in need of a Trainee or in need of sponsorship for a J-1 Trainee, please reference our For Organizations page for more information.
We are also available via email j1trainee@teacherscouncil.com for any questions you may have.
Please note we are designated by the US Department of State to sponsor J-1 Trainee Visas in the following three occupational categories:
- Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
J-1 Trainee Eligibility:
Non U.S. Citizenship (Foreign National)
18 years or older
Proficiency in the English Language
Has a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his or her occupational field acquired outside the United States
OR
Has five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which they are seeking training
Secure placement with an eligible host organization
Are of good reputation and character
Intend to utilize the J-1 BridgeUSA Program to train in the U.S. on a temporary basis only and return to your home country after your program ends to share what you have learned with your local community
Are pursuing a Training Program that matches your background in one of the following categories:
- Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services (up to 18 months duration)
- Hospitality and Tourism (up to 12 months duration)
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance (up to 18 months duration)
Please click on the links to review our J-1 Trainee Program Fees and J-1 Trainee Sample Budget.
For more information please email j1trainee@teacherscouncil.com.
Take the next step – submit an Initial Eligibility Form.
**If you are interested in coming to the US to teach, or are looking to hire a teacher, the J-1 Trainee program is not the correct program to pursue. Please refer to our J-1 Teacher Program.
Thank you!