Visa Information

The BridgeUSA J-1 Program is a highly structured, highly monitored non-immigrant visa program which allows students and young professionals to visit America to further the goals of mutual understanding between cultures via person-to-person diplomacy. Unlike immigrant visas which allow relative autonomy after arriving in the U.S., a J-1 visa requires constant monitoring and proof that program goals (ie. cultural exchange) are being satisfied. The United States government designates sponsor organizations to screen, select and monitor J-1 exchanging visitors during their stay in the United States. Sponsors are legally required to uphold the rules and regulations of the J-1 program and ensure participant safety and satisfaction.

There are several scenarios where you may be eligible to receive another J-1 visa even if you have already participated in the past. Please refer to the information below:

• You completed a program as an Intern and you still qualify as an Intern

  • You must wait 90 days before beginning a new program

• You completed a program as an Intern and you now qualify as a Trainee

  • You must wait 2 years before beginning a new program

• You completed a program as a Trainee and you wish to do another Trainee program

  • You must wait 2 years before beginning a new program

• You completed a program as a Trainee and you now qualify as an Intern (returned to university to continue education)

  • You must wait 90 days before beginning a new program goes here

In general, we recommend interested candidates apply at least 3 months before the date they would like to begin their program.

This is to allow ample time to secure an internship or training offer, gather and submit all of the necessary documents, receive the DS-2019 and apply for the visa in your home country. For applications with shorter timelines that must be processed quickly, we also offer an expedited service.

As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you are responsible for:

• Maintaining contact with your sponsor. This includes responding to all sponsor communications and check-ins.

• Reviewing your Midterm and Final Evaluations that are completed by your immediate supervisor

• Staying in contact with Odyssey during the duration of your program

• Departing the country within thirty days of your end date.

During your program, Odyssey can be reached by email, phone, and emergency line.

Odyssey Advisors’ emails will be given to you before arrival along with their phone numbers. The advisors are available from 9AM to 5PM (PST) and the emergency line (for emergency purposes only) is open 24/7.

Odyssey will also send check-ins every month as well as evaluations at the mid and final points of the program.

If you found your own host company, we can assist you in securing the necessary DS-2019 and other resources. This is our "Self-Placed" service. Please contact Odyssey for more information.

A 30-day grace period is the period from the end date of your program as listed on your DS-2019 where you are allowed to travel the country freely. You may not train or earn money during this time. Each Exchange Visitor will receive a 30-day grace period upon completion of their program.

When you agree to participate in an Exchange Visitor Program and your program falls under the conditions explained below, you will be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement. This means you will be required to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. This requirement under immigration law is based on Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Two-year Home-country Physical Presence Requirement Conditions - An exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement if the following conditions exist:

• Government funded exchange program - The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the U.S. government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;

• Graduate medical education or training - The exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training;

• Specialized knowledge or skill:

  • Skills List - The exchange visitor is a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed the field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Review the Exchange Visitor Skills List 2009.

Restrictions - When you, as an exchange visitor are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total period of at least two years before you can do any of the following:

• Change status while in the United States to the non-immigrant categories of temporary worker (H) or intracompany transferee (L);

• Adjust status - Detailed participant handbook and orientation.

• Receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate;

  or

• Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fiancè (K) visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Odyssey recommends you do not purchase any non-refundable items (plane tickets, accommodations) until after you have received your J-1 visa from the US Consulate in your home country. While rare, delays and visa denials do occur unexpectedly. We understand that purchasing tickets and accommodations early can save you money. However, please be aware that Odyssey will not be responsible for any additional expenses due to delays or visa denials.

There may be opportunities to extend your program. However, extensions are not guaranteed. In general, extensions are only possible if your original program was less than 8 months in length. If you are enjoying your J-1 program and would like to extend your program at your current host company or a different host company, please contact Odyssey to confirm options.

Exchange Visitors are provided emergency medical insurance during their programs. Each Exchange Visitor will receive their insurance card upon arrival and will have assistance from Odyssey’s team and their medical insurance provider’s team regarding any questions pertaining to coverage. The insurance is intended for illnesses and medical emergencies only. It is not for routine examinations or pre-existing conditions.

Odyssey also offers optional travel insurance designed to reimburse you for most of the cost of your program and travel expenses if you program is cancelled or interrupted.

No. The purpose of your exchange visitor program is to visit the United States to participate in your approved exchange program then return to your home country at its completion. The J-1 visa is not intended to be a “stepping stone” towards another visa. Odyssey does not support changing visa types while in the United States. If you would like to apply for another U.S. visa, we recommend you return home first and do so from your home country.