BridgeUSA
The BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program is a U.S. government-sponsored initiative administered by the U.S. Department of State, specifically by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It is a unique program that allows foreign nationals to temporarily visit the United States for various purposes, such as cultural exchange, internships, education, and work-based training. The Exchange Visitor Program’s primary purpose is to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in educational and cultural exchange with the United States.
About the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is a non-immigrant visa category meant to promote international understanding by facilitating cross-cultural experiences and fostering cooperation between people from around the world.
The maximum length of stay for this visa is up to 12 months under United Planet’s internship designation. You will be required to verify proof of funding for the duration. Generally, if your program lasts a set duration (e.g. six months), you will only receive your visa for that duration.
Even if your internship is unpaid and/or short-term, such as under 90 days, you will still always need to apply for a J-1 Visa with a designated sponsor organization from the United States. You could be denied entry at the border if you try to enter the U.S. on an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in order to do an internship.
Who Can Apply for the Visa?
Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for people approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. United Planet is designated as exchange visitor category: intern. Interns must be foreign nationals who:
- are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or
- have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.
United Planet Intern Designation
United Planet is a proud sponsor of the Exchange Visitor Internship Program. Simply put, we guide you through your visa process by helping you with the application process and obtaining all the official documents for you to fill in. We’ll also give you a step-by-step explanation of what you can expect from the moment you start the visa application process until the moment you arrive in the United States to make sure you are fully prepared for your Quest.
We offer orientation for first-time travelers and the option to join our 5 Pillars of Global Citizenship training. The Five Pillars of Global Citizenship, which serve as the foundation for United Planet’s programs, include Relational Diplomacy, Global Leadership, Global Understanding, Civic Engagement, and Academic and Professional Competence. The Five Pillars offer a comprehensive learning model for both academics and practitioners, facilitating global learning and partnership development across various fields and disciplines. By connecting individuals from different backgrounds, United Planet aspires to build a more peaceful, cohesive, and sustainable world.
A former participant in United Planet’s Exchange Visitor Program said: “I highly recommend the Exchange Visitor Program with United Planet to anyone. The organization is very dedicated to its mission and the team is incredibly welcoming right from the beginning. I can’t wait to continue working with them and helping them reach their goals.”
Visa Application Fees
You are required to pay the one-time fee of $220 USD for obtaining your J-1 visa through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is a U.S. government system that manages data and application processes for J-1 non-immigrants in the United States. If you are beginning a new program in the U.S., you are required to pay a one-time fee before you may obtain a J-1 visa and enter the United States. The SEVIS fee is in addition to any visa fees you may be required to pay at a U.S. consulate. This fee is not a United Planet fee and provides no funds or services to United Planet.
United Planet Intern Benefits
All internships are designed to enhance skills and provide valuable work experience. An internship abroad with United Planet also builds character, provides a sense of fulfillment, and makes a meaningful difference in our world. When you do an internship with United Planet, you will return with skills, hands-on experience, and a profoundly changed perspective. It’s something you won’t find anywhere else.
As a United Planet intern, you receive:
- A personalized internship project placement based on your learning goals and objectives.
- Dedicated support from a Program Coordinator in the Boston office who will assist you throughout the internship placement.
- An experienced Site Supervisor at your host project who will meet with you to assign projects and tasks, support your learning objectives, and provide feedback through check-ins and evaluations.
- An official Letter of Reference and Certificate of Completion from United Planet.
- Assistance filling out and submitting any necessary forms for you to receive university course credit for your internship (if desired).
Want To Learn More About The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa?
Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html