Train in the U.S. and embark on an adventure of a lifetime! This opportunity allows you to gain international experience in your field, which can help further your career when returning to your home country. CCUSA is a designated visa sponsor for the BridgeUSA J-1 Trainee Visa. CCUSA’s program, Practical Training USA, is designed to allow foreign professionals to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and receive training in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field. The BridgeUSA J-1 Trainee Visa gives you the opportunity to do a training program that can last from 3 months to the maximum length of 18 months and can start at any time of the year. We typically require at least two months before you wish to begin your training program, to allow for interview and visa processing time. We can also assist in expediting this process for an additional fee. On this visa, you are required to follow the approved training program, and you can only train with the approved host company.
This program is year-round. You may train in any U.S. state, on a CCUSA-approved training program in the following occupational categories:
As a trainee, you cannot train in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve childcare or elder care, or in any position involving medical patient care or contact. Nor can you train in positions that require more than 20 percent clerical or office support work. Use of the exchange visitor program for ordinary employment or work purposes is strictly prohibited. Trainees cannot be placed in positions that are filled or would be filled by full-time or part-time employees.
You must meet all the following requirements to be eligible for the PTUSA program:
*If you are currently enrolled in a college, university, or post-secondary academic institution or within one year of graduation, and you are not eligible for the Practical Training USA program, you may be eligible for our Intern USA program, where you can intern in the U.S. for up to 12 months.
The Practical Training USA programs offers two different options for your convenience.
You are responsible for finding your own host company to offer you a training program in one of the approved categories. Once a host company is located and the information is given to CCUSA, we will contact the company to verify the suitability of the host company. We will review their obligations and determine if the training program meets the appropriate requirements.
CCUSA is required to conduct site visits of host organizations that:
If a site visit is required, there will be an additional fee. Fees for site visits are determined on a case-by-case basis. If a site visit is necessary, CCUSA will notify you and the host organization of the costs to do such a visit.
You are responsible for making all arrangements with the company offering the training program, including negotiating compensation, if applicable. You are also responsible for accommodation and living expenses. CCUSA will review all agreements as part of the application process.
With the placement option, you apply for one of CCUSA’s approved training programs. You submit your application and do your interview.
If accepted to the program, CCUSA will forward your application to the host company, and the host company will set up an interview.
If you are offered the training program, CCUSA will sponsor you and guide the host company in completing the DS-7002 form (training plan), and CCUSA will prepare the Consulate/Embassy packet and assist you in preparing for the Consulate/Embassy interview.
CCUSA’s Practical Training USA program provides you the opportunity to enhance your skills and expertise in your academic or occupational field, through participation in a structured and guided training program. You will gain valuable skills, and improve your knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, and expertise. You will be provided the opportunity to network and make friends with professionals in the United States. You will gain confidence, independence, maturity, communication, and valuable lifelong skills that will broaden your horizons and your future career.
You will receive support from CCUSA and your host company every step of the way. You will also receive:
The following costs are not included in your program fees and set by independent bodies.
Follow the steps below if you would like to be participant in the Practical Training USA program or if you would like to be a host company in the USA for foreign participants.
To be a participant on the Practical Training USA program, follow these simple steps.
To be a Host Company for the Practical Training USA program, please visit our dedicated section on becoming a host for CCUSA.
