What you already know
What you experienced or prepared provides context for understanding what you want to keep and what needs a fresh review.
If you previously had a Summer Work Travel DS-2019, that history counts. Whether you traveled or not, we review where you are now and what could come next.
ARCO starts with that experience to explore what comes next with you.
What happened in your process
If you experienced the season, we review work, housing, transportation and support. If the trip did not happen, we start with your documents and what remained pending.
What worked
We identify which conditions, decisions and support are worth keeping for a second experience.
What needs to change
We distinguish a preference from a real need, and an isolated bad experience from a current program restriction.
What is possible today
Then we review current requirements, academic stage and real options. Previous experience provides direction. The current review determines the next step.
A new season starts with a current review.
Your previous experience counts. It also changes what needs to be reviewed before moving forward.
A previous DS-2019 does not guarantee another participation. It helps us ask better questions and review whether Summer Work Travel is still viable for you.
Your next decision uses today's information.
Employers, cities, dates and requirements may have changed since your previous process.
ARCO starts with your history and reviews the route that actually exists now.
You do not need to explain the basics again.
We start with what you already prepared and, if you traveled, what you learned during the season.
Conditions change.
Employers, cities, dates and requirements must be reviewed for the season you are considering.
An honest answer also provides direction.
If the option you want is not available or does not fit your situation today, being clear about that is part of our job.
RETURN PASS
For Summer Work Travel 2027, the Return Pass recognizes people who previously had a DS-2019 in this category for an earlier cycle.
The discount applies to the first payment and is documented before contracting. You keep the same services and protections.
Evidence is verified before signing. Summer Work Travel 2027 eligibility and approvals from the sponsor and authorities are reviewed separately.
Questions about a second season.
Answers about participating again, your academic status, the calendar and Return Pass conditions.
Can I participate in Summer Work Travel again?
Yes, previous participation can be part of a new assessment. ARCO reviews your academic situation, previous experience and current requirements to determine whether another season remains possible. Having participated before does not replace a new review or the required approvals.
Can I return to the same employer?
Yes, it can be reviewed as a possibility. Having worked with that employer provides context, but it does not reserve a position. Availability, current conditions and the corresponding sponsor approval must be reviewed again for a new season.
What if I have already graduated?
Previous participation does not replace current Summer Work Travel academic requirements. We review your situation before offering another participation.
Is Winter Work & Travel available for Mexican students?
“Winter Work & Travel” is not a separate J-1 category. It is a commercial term for Summer Work Travel when a country's academic calendar allows participation during the U.S. winter.
The window depends on the official calendar for the country and cycle. We review the current one for Mexico before offering a route; we do not assume a December-to-March season. The linked chart is for 2026 and does not establish 2027 dates.
BridgeUSA · 2026 Summer Work Travel Program Date ChartUpdated 2026-06-16
Do I have to start the whole process again?
You are not starting from scratch: your previous season gives you experience to draw on. Still, participating again requires current information, a fresh review, and the approvals required for the program you are considering.
What do I need for the Return Pass?
A Summer Work Travel DS-2019 in your name for a cycle before 2027, issued before accepting your Annex. You do not need to have obtained a visa, traveled, completed that season or previously contracted with ARCO.
We verify that evidence before signing; you may hide unnecessary data. The discount does not apply to Camp Counselor. The full price and conditions are provided in writing before contracting.
Tell us your story. Let’s review what comes next.
We start with your previous process to review what you want to keep, what needs to change and whether another season is viable today.
We do not explain the program from scratch again. We review your next decision.
