J-1 Exchange Visitor Sponsorship
Amideast is a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA (J-1) Exchange Visitor Program, supporting meaningful academic and professional exchange between the United States and the MENA region.
BridgeUSA provides participants with hands-on experience in their academic and occupational fields while fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional development in the United States.
Program Overview
The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Programs are designed to:
- Enhance participants’ skills through structured learning.
- Promote mutual understanding between Americans and international visitors.
- Provide exposure to U.S. business and academic practices, methodologies, and culture.
Participants are expected to engage in cultural activities throughout their stay to enrich their experience and contribute to the program’s goals.
Intern and Trainee Programs
Advance Your Career
As a sponsor for J-1 visa intern and trainee Exchange Visitor programs, Amideast creates pathways for:
- Students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in their fields.
- Professionals seeking to deepen expertise through guided training.
Through our partnership with the Global Career Center (GCC), Amideast offers personalized placements that include mentorship and career readiness support.
For J-1 intern and trainee exchange visitor programs, Amideast works exclusively with U.S. host organizations or MENA-based institutional sponsors interested in supporting prospective exchange visitors under these categories. We provide end-to-end support to ensure compliance, cultural exchange, and a smooth sponsorship process.
Program Categories
J-1 Intern Visa
For current students or recent graduates (no more than 12 months since graduation) from non-U.S. institutions. Interns gain practical experience in their field of study
Duration: Up to 12 months
J-1 Trainee Visa
For professionals who have secured a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and who have at least one year of prior related work experience in their occupational field outside the United States; or professionals with five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which they are seeking training
Duration: Varies by field and training plan
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
- Demonstrate English proficiency.
- A valid TOEFL iBT score of at least 53.
- A TOEIC 4 Skills score of at least 400 on Listening/Reading sections, and 130 on Speaking sections.
- For details on scheduling and registration, please contact your local Amideast office.
- Show financial means to cover living expenses, insurance, and visa-related fees.
- Be committed to participating in cultural exchange activities.
Fields of Internship and Training
Participants may apply in the following areas.
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing;
- Arts and Culture;
- Construction and Building Trades;
- Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services;
- Health Related Occupations;
- Hospitality and Tourism;
- Information Media and Communications;
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance;
- Public Administration and Law; and
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations.
Benefits for MENA-Based Organizations
Amideast partners with companies, foundations, universities, and government entities across the MENA region to sponsor their employees, beneficiaries, and students in J-1 internship and trainee programs in the United States.
Through our collaboration with the Global Career Center, we can help design customized placements that align with organizational priorities and participant career goals.
By sponsoring participants through Amideast, MENA-based organizations can:
- Invest in workforce development by providing international exposure and professional growth opportunities.
- Strengthen institutional capacity through the transfer of knowledge, skills, and global best practices.
- Enhance global competitiveness by equipping participants with cross-cultural competencies and U.S. business or academic experience.
- Build strategic partnerships with U.S. institutions and companies through long-term collaboration and exchange.
- Support youth and talent development by offering high-impact learning experiences aligned with national and organizational goals.
Benefits for U.S. Host Organizations
By hosting international interns and trainees, U.S. companies and institutions:
- Enrich their workplace culture.
- Expand global networks.
- Contribute to international skill-building and cultural exchange.
Program Costs
Fees vary depending on program type and duration. To learn about sponsorship and placement fees, please contact us.
Costs must be covered by the host organization or the participant.
Partner with Amideast
Are you a U.S. host organization or a MENA-based institutional sponsor interested in supporting a candidate through Amideast’s J-1 internship or training programs?
Reach out to us at J1visasponsorship@amideast.org
Academic programs
We sponsor eligible individuals in the following categories.
- Research Scholars & Professors – For academic professionals engaged in research, teaching, or consulting at U.S. institutions
- Specialists – For experts sharing knowledge in specialized fields through short-term U.S.-based projects.
- College and University Students – For international students pursuing full-time study at accredited U.S. colleges and universities
For J-1 academic programs, Amideast works exclusively with U.S. host organizations or MENA-based institutional sponsors interested in supporting prospective exchange visitors under these categories. We provide end-to-end support to ensure compliance, cultural exchange, and a smooth sponsorship process.
Program Costs
Fees vary depending on program type and duration. To learn about Amideast sponsorship fees, please contact us.
Costs must be covered by the host organization or the participant’s institutional sponsor.
Partner with Amideast
Are you a U.S. host organization or a MENA-based institutional sponsor interested in supporting a candidate through the J-1 academic program?
Reach out to us at J1visasponsorship@amideast.org
