What is the BridgeUSA program?
The BridgeUSA program promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. To participate you need a designated sponsor who supervises the application process and is your main point of contact throughout the exchange program process. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences. For more information visit the US Department of State J-1 visa website
What is a J-1 visa?
In order to visit the United States for longer than a holiday, it is necessary to obtain a visa. Resort Leaders participants come to America on a J-1 exchange visa, as part of the BridgeUSA program. This program is regulated by the Department of State (DoS) through their Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Whose mission statement is “To increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through Educational and Cultural Exchanges that support the development of peaceful relations.” The US Department of State designates visa sponsors, who support and take responsibility for you while you are in the US. Resort Leaders partners with resorts, vetted by the visa sponsor, to ensure a safe environment for both staff and guests who attend. It is mandatory for you to know who your visa sponsor is and how to contact them.
When do I start my visa application?
To start your visa application process, head to the 'visa' section of your application for step-by-step instructions. This section will appear on your application when you reach the 'Ready to Hire' stage. Your visa section will cover all of the information you need to obtain your J-1 visa.
When will Resort Leaders order my visa paperwork?
Resort Leaders will order your visa paperwork when you have completed the steps outlined in your online profile. Please ensure you complete and upload everything in a timely manner so there is no delay in ordering your visa paperwork.
Why is my visa end date when I finish at the resort, not 30 days after?
Your visa end date will show as the last day that you work at the resort. This doesn’t mean you can’t travel, it just means can’t work from this date. Your 30 days of travel is often called a ‘grace period’. Your grace period lasts 30 days and begins from the last day of your contract.
Is there any way to speed up my visa processing?
Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up your visa processing. We suggest giving yourself as much time as possible to get your visa back in time.
Do I need an ESTA?
As you are working and you will be entering the US on a J-1 Cultural Exchange visa, you don’t need an ESTA. Please do not apply for an ESTA prior to leaving for the resort.
Prep days
Attendance at Prep days is a requirement of the Department of State and it is mandatory that you attend. Prep days are a crucial part of providing valuable information and also an introduction to your summer in America. Due to COVID-19, prep days will mostly occur online for the 2022 season and it is mandatory you participate in an online session before traveling.
Visa sponsor cultural experience questionnaire and check-in
Every 30 days you are required to fill out a short online questionnaire. This is a requirement of the US DoS (Department of State) and initiated by your sponsor to ensure your health, safety and welfare while on your program and to also share highlights of your program. You will receive further information on this via email, directly from your visa sponsor. If you need more information, log in to your Resort Leaders profile and head to the visa section.