BridgeUSA

Step 1 – Apply with a vetted APEI Agent or directly. Culturally minded prospective Exchange Visitors who meet the requirements of the BridgeUSA Trainee program sign up with an APEI vetted and approved overseas agent or can apply directly with APEI for self placement.

Step 2 – Placement. APEI works with our overseas agents to screen and place prospective Exchange Visitors with fully vetted host companies. For self placement, APEI properly vets each host company in all aspects of regulatory compliance.

Step 3 – Confirmation, Fees, Documentation. Exchange Visitor accepts the terms of the host company placement, and details listed in the Training/Internship Placement Plan. EV produces the required fees and documentation to verify eligibility, and confirm their understanding of and intention to follow all APEI and DOS regulatory compliance.

Step 4 – Arrival Preparation. APEI will provide you with orientation, guidelines, check lists, and dedicated support from screening through successful program completion.

DS-2019 Form

The DS-2019 Form is a controlled document used to administer the Exchange Vistior Program. Exchange visitors must present this form at the U.S Embassy in order to apply for their nonimmigrant J1 Visa.

The DS-2019 Form Start Date and End Date dictate the period of legal traineeship during the Exchange visitor’s stay in the United States. The maximum period of aproval is 18 months (12 months for Hospitality & Tourism programs). After which, each Exchange Visitor is granted a 30 day travel period within the United States.

DS-7002 Form

The DS-7002 Form, also known as the Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), is one of the most important documents for each Intern or Trainee program participant. It describes in detail what skills and knowledge the participant will learn during the program, how cultural exchange will be encouraged, and how their performance will be measured.

The DS-7002 must be signed by the Exchange Visitor, APEI, and designated supervisor of each of the phases listed. Each Exchange Visitor must follow their individual T/IPP at all times and may not accept any changes without APEI’s approval.

I-94

The I-94 is an electronic record of arrival/depature created by Customs and Border Protection at air and sea ports of entry. To obtain a copy of your most recent I-94, click here.

If you are unable to locate your I-94 electronic copy, you can wait 1-2 days and try again. If you still cannot locate your I-94 or you notice an error on your most recent I-94 , you must contact the Deferred Inspection office closest to your location. A list of Deferred Inspection Sites can be found by visiting this link. As your sponsor, we are unable to make any corrections on your behalf.

Program Check-In and 30 Day Monitoring

As a program participant you are are required to complete an initial program check in within 24 hours of arrival to your vetted program housing. You are then required to complete a monthly program check-in in addition to submitting all mandatory quarterly evaluations. Your program check in is completed by clicking HERE or by calling our office at 410-581-7788, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern. *Please utilize your existing account and do not create a new account to complete your program check in.

Failure to comply with monitoring requirements will result in the dismissal of your BridgeUSA cultural exchange program.

Evaluations

In addition to the monthly program check-in, all active Trainee participants are required to complete and submit mandatory evaluations. Evaluations are emailed out quarterly and must be completed, signed, and returned before the end of each quarter. The final program evaluation must be completed and returned to APEI prior to the program end date.

Social Security

Upon arrival you will complete a digital arrival check in with APEI to initiate the validation of your SEVIS. We must verify your check in and then validate your SEVIS manually, you are not able to login to SEVIS independently. SEVIS will send you an email to confirm your status has been moved to “Active” by your Sponsor. Please wait until you have your confirmation email from SEVIS to report to Social Security. If you are a returning Exchange Visitor who has already applied for and received a Social Security Number, you will not apply again after program check in. Please provide this number to your host company with your on-boarding paperwork.

Requirements for application, location and hours of operation for Social Security offices, and all other Social Security questions can be addressed by visiting, www.ssa.gov

Taxes

As a J1 Visa holder on a BridgeUSA Cultural Exchange Program you are exempt from paying FICA taxes. This includes Social Security and Medicare.

At the end of the calendar year you will be issued a W2 Form for your wages earned during that year. You are obligated by law to file your taxes by the annual deadline, regardless of total wages earned. You will file as a non-resident alien. Failure to file or filing a false tax return can lead to fines, penalties and issues with future status applications. Looking for more direction with your taxes? We have partnered with Sprintax for your education and filing needs – click HERE.

Department of State

The Intern and Trainee Program Resource Page for BridgeUSA can be found by clicking HERE!

Emergency Contact

• If you have a life threatening emergency and are in need of immediate police, fire, or medical attention, please do not delay – dial 911. Once you have reached safety, please contact United Work and Travel, a division of APEI to report your situation and obtain further guidance.
• If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate mental health support, please dial 988. This is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• For non-emergency program support please email [email protected] or call our office, 410-581-7788. Our team is available for assistance Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. Examples of program support that are not an emergency: program check in, SEVIS validation, start date queries, end date changes, placement challenges, roommate disagreements, lost documents, insurance claim assistance.
• For emergency program support that does not involve a general question please call 410-581-7788 and follow the instructions for our on-call emergency operator. Examples of emergency program support: reporting an incident after 911 attention, threat or fear of violence.

Accident and Injury Insurance

Exchange Visitors are equipped with accident and injury protection insurance for the period of time covering DS 2019 Form Start Date through DS 2019 Form End Date. Supplemental insurance is not provided for the travel period. United Work and Travel is not the insurance company or the claims adjuster.

Can I participate without an overseas agent?

APEI allows participants to apply directly with their own Trainee offer.

Can I work a 2nd job?

As a participant of the Trainee program, you are not authorized to engage in any form of employment or training with any company other than the host company listed on your DS 2019 and DS 7002. You are also not allowed to engage in any work‐related activities at your host company other than those outlined in your training plan. Failure to comply will result in program dismissal.

Can I shorten my program end date?

You may elect to end your program entirely at any time to return home. If you wish to shorten your program end date to engage in a travel period, a minimum notice of two weeks must be provided to your host company and Sponsor. This should be documented in writing.

What happens if I am dismissed by my Host Company?

Please contact your APEI Account Manager to report your situation and request more information. APEI will review your program status on a case by case basis after considering the terms of your placement dismissal. APEI will continue to prioritize your Health, Safety, and Welfare as we work through this process.

When planning for your cultural exchange program in the USA, it is important to compare your wages against your expenses. By using a budget calculator, you can estimate how much money you will have each week or for the entire program. This will be the money that you will have to support your food, recreation, and activities in the United States. This is not a program to save money, send money home, or become rich.