Trainee Placements in the USA - Starting at CAD $900

Level up your career with a Trainee placement in the U.S.

Our trainee placements are designed for Canadian young professionals, who have at least 12 months of full-time experience in their field since graduating university. The BridgeUSA Trainee Program (J-1 Visa) is your key to unlock a competitive edge for your résumé. This isn’t just a job - it’s your chance to glow up professionally and personally.

With placements ranging from 3 to 18 months, trainees work directly with U.S. industry leaders, gaining practical knowledge and skills, and expanding their professional networks. It’s a structured pathway to grow your expertise, strengthen your résumé and experience the scale and diversity of the U.S. workplace.

If you’re a current student or a recent graduate (less than 12 months since graduation) looking to start your journey, explore our Internship USA program as the right first step.

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Train. Travel. Transform.

The experience you’ll gain through a U.S. training placement will give you knowledge, skills, and perspectives that set you apart from your peers at home. No matter your industry, a BridgeUSA J-1 program is a proven way to strengthen your résumé and position yourself for long-term career success. 

A competitive edge

By living and working in the U.S., you’ll gain more than just professional skills — you’ll also create valuable cross-border networks that can open doors for years to come.

Career-Ready Skills

Employers look for candidates who are adaptable, resourceful, and globally minded. Showcasing your U.S. training experience demonstrates that you’ve tested yourself in new environments and are ready for the challenges of tomorrow’s workplace.

Accessible & Supported

Our program is designed to be as accessible as possible. We minimize costs, provide clear guidance, and offer personalized support throughout the application process, making it easier for you to pursue your career goals in the United States with confidence.

Trainee Opportunities

Work in the U.S. Stand out everywhere else.

You’ve secured your trainee placement in the United States - now it’s time to make it official. Whether you're chasing a career edge, seeking a unique experience, or both, we’re here to get you there smoothly.

The Trainee Program is designed for Canadian professionals with at least one year of full-time experience since graduation, ready to gain hands-on training with U.S. businesses and organizations. If you’ve already confirmed your host placement and know the industry you’re stepping into, you’re well on your way — and we’ll be here to guide you through every step of the process.

What’s next? A quick form, a few formalities, and then you’re on your way.

Application Steps 

  • We’ll review your form submission. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll receive an email inviting you to start your application in our ‘Beacon’ system.

  • Once you submit your application, we’ll send you a payment link for your initial CAD $150 deposit.

  • We’ll set up a short phone interview – as required by the U.S. Department of State. The interview consists of a few questions to get a sense of what you hope to gain from your time in the U.S.

Trainee Eligibility

First step: eligibility. Next step: the U.S.

This isn’t just another placement, it’s your launchpad. Work experience in the U.S., through our trainee program, is the kind of move that stands out. On your résumé. In interviews. In conversations that start with “Tell me something impressive about yourself.”

It’s not just about ticking a box. It’s proof that you’re bold enough to go further, and curious enough to grow outside your comfort zone.

The CIEE BridgeUSA J-1 Program is how it happens. First thing’s first: let’s make sure you meet the criteria before we get you on your way. To qualify for the J-1 BridgeUSA Trainee Program, we ask that you meet the following:

  • More than one year post graduation from a full-time academic program at a recognized Canadian university or college, AND

  • Have at least one year of professional work experience directly related to your field of study OR

  • Have at least five years of related professional work experience acquired outside the U.S.

Trainee Cost

Manage your application for only CAD $2,140 for 12 months plus a placement fee | deposit CAD $150

Interested in a program with longer duration? Contact us for more information.

What’s included?  

  • J-1 Visa application processing

  • DS-2019 – your Legal Work Authorization papers

  • Emergency Medical Insurance Cover for the duration of your stay in the U.S.**

  • SEVIS fee

  • Pre-departure Orientation

  • Support from our expert team every step of the way – and our team on the ground for emergency support, once you’ve arrived in the U.S.

**The insurance covers your emergency medical expenses while in the U.S. We recommend you also take out a separate ‘Travel Insurance’ policy to cover you for things like cancellation and curtailment, personal belongings, legal costs, flight delays and more. 

What’s Not Included? 

  • Traineeship placement in the U..S – but don’t worry, for an extra CAD $690 we can help you source the right position for you!

  • Flights to the U.S.

  • U.S. Embassy Interview Fee – The fee is USD $185 and is paid directly to the US Embassy when you book your appointment.

  • Your support funds – you must have a minimum of USD $1,500 when entering the U.S. You may be asked to show proof of this when going through U.S. Immigration, and we recommend you bring a copy of your bank statement to show you have access to these funds.

Sign up Today

Your traineeship. Your competitive edge

With CIEE, the process to secure your BridgeUSA Trainee program is simple and supported. Follow the steps below to start the process.

Apply

  1. Apply Online – Fill out a quick form to get started.

  2. Get Approved – We’ll review your info and send next steps.

  3. Secure Your Spot – Pay your deposit and schedule a short interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about the BridgeUSA Trainee Program?

You're in the right place. We’ve answered the most common questions asked by applicants just like you. If you can’t find the answer to your questions below, drop us a message or book a call and our friendly team will get back to you.

  • CIEE’s BridgeUSA Trainee program gives Canadian graduates and young professionals the opportunity to live and train in the U.S. for up to 18 months in a structured, full-time role that builds real career skills.  Participants gain advanced, career-ready skills while building international networks and exposure to the U.S. workplace — a standout experience that strengthens any résumé.

  • The maximum duration of the program is 18 months (12 months for hospitality/culinary roles). After your training ends, you get an extra 30-day grace period to travel and explore the U.S.

  • Yes, CIEE can help you source Trainee placement through our Job Portal for an additional placement fee of CAD $690. CIEE will guide you through the process, help ensure your Trainee program meets J-1 visa requirements and provide full support from application to arrival.

  • No - Canadians are exempt from applying for the visa at a U.S. consulate. Instead, once CIEE issues a DS-2019 form and SEVIS fee is paid, Canadians can go directly to the U.S. Port of Entry with their documents.

  • The DS-2019 form is your official Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. You need this document to enter the U.S. as proof of your J-1 status. CIEE will provide it to you, once you're hired and your program fees are paid.

  • SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the US government’s system to track visa holders. A USD $220 SEVIS fee is included in your program cost and must be paid before your embassy interview.

  • Yes, but you will need the J-1 Trainee visa. CIEE is a U.S. State Department–designated visa sponsor, which means we provide the documentation you need to book a U.S. Embassy appointment in Canada and apply.

  • It’s best to apply at least two to three months before your internship start date, especially to allow time for visa processing and travel plans.

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