The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program has several categories. Two of them are often confused by summer applicants: Summer Work Travel and Camp Counselor. They have different eligibility rules, allow different kinds of work, and are run by designated sponsors under U.S. Department of State rules.
This guide explains the difference using the official BridgeUSA program descriptions, so you can see which route matches the summer work you want. Xpath focuses on U.S. summer camp roles and helps you prepare your profile, documents, and interviews for your sponsor and camp.
What the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, also called BridgeUSA, is a cultural exchange program administered by the U.S. Department of State. It is not a general work visa. Each category has its own purpose, rules, and eligible participants.
You do not apply to the State Department directly. You apply through a designated sponsor organization. Designated sponsors are authorized to issue Form DS-2019 to exchange visitors they have screened and selected, and you use that form to apply for the J-1 visa.
Xpath is not the U.S. government and does not issue DS-2019 forms or visas. Your DS-2019 comes from your designated sponsor, and visa decisions are made by U.S. consular officers.
Summer Work Travel: who it is for
Summer Work Travel lets foreign post-secondary students work and travel in the United States during their summer vacation. BridgeUSA requires participants to be enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited, classroom-based post-secondary institution outside the United States.
Participation can last up to four months during the student's summer vacation, and students must return home before their academic year begins. Sponsors must make sure participants are paid the prevailing local wage, which must meet the higher of the applicable state or federal minimum wage, including overtime pay where it applies.
- Currently enrolled post-secondary student, actively pursuing a degree or full-time course of study.
- At least one semester, or equivalent, of post-secondary study completed.
- English good enough to interact successfully in an English-speaking environment.
- Pre-placed in a job before entering the United States, unless you are from a Visa Waiver Program country.
Summer Work Travel is only for currently enrolled post-secondary students. If you have finished your studies, this category does not apply to you.
Summer Work Travel dates for applicants from Pakistan
The State Department publishes Summer Work Travel program dates for each participating country. For the 2026 season, the window for Pakistan was 1 June to 14 August, about two and a half months. Students can only participate during their own university's official break, within that window.
Pakistan is not a Visa Waiver Program country, so Summer Work Travel participants from Pakistan must already be placed in a job before they enter the United States. Dates for the 2027 season are set in the State Department's next published chart.
Xpath's program focuses on U.S. summer camp roles under the Camp Counselor category, not Summer Work Travel job placements.
Camp Counselor: who it is for
The Camp Counselor category lets participants work at U.S. summer camps, supervising and working with American youth. BridgeUSA lists the eligible participants as foreign post-secondary students, youth workers, teachers, or individuals with specialized skills.
Camp counselors must be at least 18 years old and speak English well enough to supervise and interact with American youth. They are paid at the same rates offered to their American counterparts at the camps.
- At least 18 years old.
- A post-secondary student, youth worker, teacher, or person with specialized skills.
- English strong enough to supervise and interact with American youth.
- Screened by the sponsor, including an in-person interview and references about your suitability.
Why camp counselor jobs are not Summer Work Travel
BridgeUSA rules say Summer Work Travel sponsors cannot place participants in positions covered by another specific J-1 category, and they name Camp Counselor as an example. Counselor jobs at summer camps belong to the Camp Counselor category.
The Camp Counselor category is also specific about the work. Counselors may help with some non-counseling duties that are part of camp life, but they cannot be placed as administrative staff, kitchen workers, or custodians.
Your designated sponsor decides which J-1 category your placement uses and issues the DS-2019 for that category. If you are unsure which route fits your profile, ask us before you apply.
Which route fits you
If you want to work with children at a U.S. summer camp as a counselor or activity leader, the Camp Counselor category is the route that matches that work. It can also include applicants who are not currently students, such as youth workers, teachers, or people with specialized skills.
If you are a currently enrolled university student looking for other seasonal summer jobs, Summer Work Travel may be relevant, but it has its own requirements, including being pre-placed in a job before entry unless you are from a Visa Waiver Program country.
Xpath's program focuses on U.S. summer camp roles. To see whether you qualify, read the eligibility guide. To see which camp roles suit your skills, read our guides to USA summer camp jobs and camp counselor work.
The steps from application to departure
The path follows a clear order: prepare your profile, get screened, be accepted by a sponsor and matched with a camp, receive your DS-2019, then apply for the J-1 visa.
Our J-1 visa guide explains the DS-2019, DS-160, and interview stage, and the Summer 2027 application guide covers timing and the documents you need.
- Apply and complete your Xpath profile.
- Attend your pre-screening and skills review.
- Prepare documents, references, and camp-ready profile details.
- Interview with your designated sponsor.
- Match with a suitable camp and complete camp interview steps.
- Receive your DS-2019 from your sponsor, then complete your DS-160 and visa interview.
- Attend pre-departure guidance and travel to the United States.
QUESTIONS
Quick answers before you apply.
Can I do camp counselor work on Summer Work Travel?+
No. BridgeUSA rules do not allow Summer Work Travel sponsors to place participants in camp counselor positions, because Camp Counselor is its own J-1 category.
Can I apply if I am no longer a student?+
Not for Summer Work Travel, which is only for currently enrolled post-secondary students. The Camp Counselor category can include youth workers, teachers, and people with specialized skills, so contact us to discuss whether your profile fits.
Can Xpath guarantee my visa?+
No. Visa decisions are made by U.S. consular officers. Xpath helps you prepare honestly, organize documents, and understand the process, but no consultancy can guarantee approval.