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IREX is a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program, supporting structured professional exchange and cross cultural engagement at U.S. host organizations—including private sector companies.

Whether you are an intending visitor to the United States, or an organization seeking to host an international intern, welcome a visiting specialist, or collaborate with a research scholar or professor, IREX helps ensure your exchange program is well structured, compliant, and focused on meaningful learning and mutual understanding. We also routinely liaise with immigration attorneys as they advise clients regarding J-1 visa options, requirements, and procedures. 

Have a question now? Email jvisaexchange@irex.org or call 1-202-372-0818.

Exchange Program Categories IREX Sponsors 

IREX sponsors the following BridgeUSA exchange categories. Each category is designed for structured professional exchange and cross cultural learning—not ordinary employment.

• Intern & Trainee
• Research Scholar
• Short-Term Scholar
• Professor
• Specialist

Intern & Trainee

BridgeUSA Intern and Trainee programs enable participation in structured and supervised work-based learning at a U.S. business. Each applicant and their proposed U.S. host organization will develop and agree to a Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002) that outlines objectives and activities and is tailored to the Intern/Trainee’s experience and goals. 

• Intern
  • The Intern program enables foreign university students or recent graduates to gain exposure to U.S. culture and receive hands‑on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field for up to 12 months.
  • Best for: Current or recent students seeking an entry‑level, structured learning experience.
• Trainee
  • The Trainee program allows foreign professionals to gain exposure to U.S. culture and receive training in U.S. business practices in their occupational field for up to 18 months.
  • Best for: Early- to mid-career professionals seeking guided, skills-based training that advances their expertise. Eligibility generally requires a degree plus at least one year of related work experience—or at least 5 years of experience without a degree

Intern & Trainee Occupational Fields We Support

For J‑1 Intern and J‑1 Trainee programs, IREX provides sponsorship in the BridgeUSA occupational fields below. If your proposed role sits outside these fields, contact us—IREX can help assess fit and discuss options.

• Arts and Culture 
• Information Media and Communications 
• Management, Business, Commerce and Finance 
• Public Administration and Law 
• The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations

Restrictions: BridgeUSA sponsorship is not available for the following roles:

• Unskilled/casual labor and excessive clerical roles
• Clinical roles that involve patient care, elder care, student care, veterinary care, etc.
• Employment that displaces U.S. workers
• Positions that are primarily remote/virtual (Exchange visitor programs must involve in-person collaboration with U.S. counterparts for at least 3 days per week)

Research Scholar

J-1 Research Scholars enter the U.S. primarily to conduct research, observe, or consult for up to 5 years in connection with research projects at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, or accredited post secondary institutions (and similar organizations). 

• Best for: Professors, researchers, postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, doctors, (or similar) seeking longer term research collaboration, R&D engagement, or advanced project based research exchange. 
• Research Scholars may also teach or lecture if permitted by the sponsor and consistent with program objectives.
• The position must be temporary. Must not fill a permanent or long term position of employment. 

Short‑Term Scholar

Short‑Term Scholars come to the U.S. for a brief visit to lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, and accredited post‑secondary institutions (and similar organizations). 

• Best for: Time‑bound projects, short engagements, guest collaboration, or short academic/professional visits where speed and flexibility matter. 
• Maximum duration is six months; no extensions. 

Professor

The Professor category is for foreign nationals whose primary purpose is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at accredited post‑secondary institutions, museums, libraries, or similar organizations; research may be permitted if allowed by the sponsor. 

• Best for: Visiting faculty appointments and academic exchange with teaching as a core function. 
• Tenure-track positions are not possible. Must not fill a permanent or long‑term position of employment. 

Specialist

Specialists are experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skill who come to the U.S. to observe, consult, or demonstrate their expertise as part of an exchange of knowledge and skills with American counterparts. 

• Best for: Short, expert‑driven engagements, such as consultations, demonstrations, knowledge transfer, or targeted technical/professional exchange. 
• Must not fill a permanent or long‑term position of employment. 
• Maximum duration is one year. 

Ready to Discuss a J‑1 Sponsorship?

Tell us about the proposed U.S. host organization, the proposed role, preferred start date, and proposed candidate's background. We’ll help you identify the appropriate J-1 visa category and outline next steps.

Email jvisaexchange@irex.org or call 1‑202‑372‑0818.