Bridge USA

Official BridgeUSA Partner Program

J-1 and J-2 SEVIS Hospitality Internship in the USA

A government-recognized cultural exchange program designed to train the next generation of hospitality professionals in world-class U.S. hotels and restaurants. Secure your paid internship or training in the hospitality sector.

  • Program Type: J-1 Hospitality Internship or Trainee Program
  • Eligibility: Students, recent graduates, or hospitality professionals (depending on the program)
  • Duration: Typically 6–18 months
  • Training Areas: Front Office, Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Culinary, and Hotel Management
  • Training Format: Structured, hands-on practical training

About this program

This is a teaching-first program that opens up a multi-level scope for the participants and their careers. Participants are trained to be Junior Managers and Supervisors through a structured training plan across key hotel operations departments. Throughout the training, you also gain real U.S. hospitality experience while on a legally issued J-1 visa.

Bridge Usa Program

Department rotation

Structured training across front office, food & beverage, housekeeping, and culinary, covering all the critical departments.

Cultural exchange

Officially recognized by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Exchange Visitor program to promote the power of diversity.

Return required

This should not be confused with the immigration program, as participants are required to return home after completing the program.

Backed by Official Sponsors

A U.S. DoS-approved sponsor issues your DS-2019, SEVIS record, and DS-7002 training plan.
eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria

  • Age 34 or under at the time of application
  • Minimum 5 years (60 months) of experience in the same hospitality department
  • At least a high school education
  • Good command of English (IELTS/TOEFL not required unless specified by host)
  • Hospitality or hotel management education is an advantage, but not mandatory

Note: The eligibility criteria may change depending on different factors. Contact SAP Global experts to get a detailed and personalized criteria list.

Available programs

Most popular

12-Month All-Inclusive
One year of training among professionals with one host company

  • Placed with a single U.S. host hotel
  • 12 months duration
  • USD 120 bi-weekly after work begins

Route 66

6+6 Month Dual Placement
Two host companies, double the exposure for diverse work experience

  • Two different U.S. host companies
  • 6 months each placement
  • USD 120 bi-weekly after work begins

Fees and cost structure

Standard program cost ranges from USD 10,115 to USD 15,115. Airfare and visa fees are not included.

Payment Amount When
Enrolment fee USD 500 1st — upfront
Program fee + SEVIS fee USD 3,500 2nd — on job offer
DS-2019 received (visa guarantee letter) USD 3,000 3rd — on DS-2019
Remaining balance – –
Dental insurance USD 115 (one-time) Paid before departure
Visa fee Varies by nationality Paid locally at consulate
Airfare Varies Paid by candidate

Step-by-step application process

Registration

7–14 days

Submit your CV and Exchange Visitor forms, and once you get the approval, you will receive an invitation to pay the enrollment fee.

Sponsor welcome call

3–5 days

Approved candidates attend a welcome call with the sponsor company representative for initial consultation and guidance.

Choose job openings

7–14 days

Select three job openings to apply for. Based on the selection, interviews are scheduled with the host companies.

Job offer

7–15 days

Candidates who perform well in interviews will receive a formal invitation from the host company.

Filing & DS-2019 issuance

30–45 days

Pay SEVIS fee and program fees. Training plan (DS-7002) submitted; U.S. DoS issues the DS-2019 Visa Guarantee Letter.

Visa application

15–25 days

Complete DS-160 and book your visa interview at the U.S. Consular Section.

Travel arrangements

7–15 days

Medical insurance and travel are confirmed with the host company based on your program start date.

The duration mentioned is as per the most favorable conditions. It may vary depending upon individual circumstances.

Important things to know before applying

  • Housing is not always provided, and thus, it is highly recommended that you always confirm accommodation terms before enrolling.
  • Salary may feel lower than expected after U.S. taxes, rent, and living costs are factored in.
  • You cannot switch host companies, sponsors, or your visa status during the job program.
  • Visa approval is never guaranteed and primarily depends on the candidate’s eligibility. It is solely at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Your legal stay depends on your DS-2019 + SEVIS record, not just the visa stamp in your passport.
  • Some J-1 holders are subject to a 2-year home residency rule before applying for H-1B or Green Card routes.

Cancellation and refund policy

Non-refundable in all cases
Registration & processing fee (USD 500) and SEVIS fee (~USD 240) are non-refundable regardless of circumstances.

No refund if you withdraw after the start date or are dismissed
Once the program begins, withdrawing for any reason or being dismissed results in no refund of program fees.

In case of visa denial, the program fee is refundable less USD 895, provided you notify SAAP Global before the J-1 program start date and return the DS-2019 form.

Any questions or doubts? Please Reach Out to Our Experts

SAP Global experts will guide you from eligibility assessment through to visa and travel. We will help you with the legalities and ensure that you navigate through the complexities of the process without any stress.

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