The J-1 visa is a United States nonimmigrant route that facilitates cultural exchange and professional development. It is widely used by students, researchers, interns, teachers, au pairs, physicians, and others who participate in structured exchange programs in the US. At the heart of the J-1 visa system lies sponsorship, a legal requirement without which an applicant cannot qualify for this visa. Understanding sponsorship is therefore essential both for applicants and for organisations involved in hosting or managing exchange programs.
What this article is about: This article provides a comprehensive guide to J-1 visa sponsorship. It explains what sponsorship is, why it is required under US law, and how it functions within the broader visa process. The discussion covers the different types of designated sponsors, the obligations imposed on them, and the practical steps applicants must take to secure sponsorship. It also highlights compliance considerations—such as the two-year home residency rule—and answers common questions about sponsorship. Employers, educational institutions, and individuals considering J-1 programs will benefit from this overview of the legal and procedural framework of sponsorship.
Section A: Understanding J-1 Visa Sponsorship
Sponsorship underpins the J-1 visa system. Unlike many other US visa categories, J-1 applicants cannot apply independently. They must instead be accepted into an exchange program operated by an organisation designated by the US Department of State as a J-1 sponsor. Only organisations, not individuals, may hold this designation. The sponsor ensures that the program meets the statutory objectives of cultural and educational exchange, and that the participant complies with immigration rules throughout their stay.
1. What is J-1 Visa Sponsorship?
J-1 visa sponsorship is a legal arrangement in which a State Department–designated organisation assumes responsibility for an exchange visitor’s program in the United States. The sponsor issues the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019), which allows the applicant to proceed with their visa application at a US embassy or consulate. Without a sponsor, an individual cannot enter the J-1 route.
The role of sponsorship goes beyond initial paperwork. Sponsors must monitor participants’ welfare, ensure program integrity, and act as the main liaison with the US government through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This oversight is designed to maintain the educational and cultural objectives of the J-1 program while safeguarding national security and compliance.
2. Types of Designated Sponsors
Sponsors come from a broad range of sectors, reflecting the diversity of exchange opportunities available. These include:
- Educational institutions such as universities and colleges, which commonly sponsor exchange students, visiting scholars, and teachers.
- Government agencies at federal, state, or local level, particularly for specialist training and public diplomacy initiatives.
- Private organisations including cultural exchange companies and professional training providers.
Each sponsor is authorised to manage specific J-1 categories, such as internship, trainee, au pair, camp counselor, research scholar, physician exchange, teacher, or short-term scholar programs. An organisation cannot act as a sponsor outside of the categories for which it is designated.
3. Sponsor vs. Host Organisation
It is important to distinguish between a sponsor and a host organisation. The sponsor is the entity officially designated by the Department of State to oversee compliance and issue the DS-2019 form. The host organisation, by contrast, is the employer, research centre, or placement provider where the participant undertakes their practical activity.
For example, a university may be the sponsor for a visiting researcher, while the researcher’s day-to-day work is carried out in a laboratory hosted by a private company. In such cases, the sponsor retains ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance, even though the host provides the environment for the exchange activity.
Section A Summary
Sponsorship is the foundation of the J-1 visa process. It ensures that programs meet federal objectives of cultural and educational exchange, while providing oversight and compliance mechanisms. Understanding the difference between sponsors and host organisations, and recognising the categories of designated sponsors, is the first step for applicants and institutions engaging with the J-1 route.
Section B: Sponsor Requirements and Obligations
To safeguard the integrity of the J-1 visa system, the US Department of State imposes stringent requirements on organisations seeking to act as sponsors. These requirements ensure that only qualified, reliable, and well-resourced entities can manage exchange programs. Once designated, sponsors must adhere to ongoing obligations, ranging from financial accountability to participant monitoring and regulatory reporting under 22 CFR Part 62.
1. Designation Process
Becoming a J-1 sponsor requires formal designation by the US Department of State under the Exchange Visitor Program regulations (22 CFR Part 62). Organisations must apply through a rigorous process demonstrating their capability to administer an exchange program that serves the statutory purposes of educational and cultural exchange. Core elements typically include:
- Detailed program proposals explaining how activities advance educational and cultural objectives within the authorised J-1 category(ies).
- Evidence of sufficient staffing, governance, policies, and systems to manage participant screening, placements, monitoring, and issue resolution.
- Demonstrated financial stability to support operations, compliance infrastructure, and participant services.
- Agreement to comply with Department of State inspections, audits, and information requests, and to maintain records for post-program review.
If approved, the organisation is designated to sponsor specific J-1 categories and is listed publicly on the State Department’s Register of Sponsors. Designation is time-limited and subject to re-designation and ongoing oversight; sponsors must maintain full compliance to retain status.
2. Sponsor Responsibilities
Once designated, sponsors assume statutory responsibilities central to immigration compliance and participant welfare, including:
- Issuing DS-2019 forms: Only sponsors may issue the Certificate of Eligibility needed for J-1 visa applications, generated and tracked through SEVIS.
- Participant monitoring: Ongoing oversight of activities, site visits where required, and prompt intervention when issues arise to keep participation within the authorised scope.
- Orientation and support: Providing pre-arrival and post-arrival guidance on program rules, US laws, cultural adjustment, and emergency procedures.
- SEVIS reporting: Timely updates to participant records (e.g., address changes, category changes where permitted, program completion, early termination, or incidents).
- Health insurance compliance: Ensuring each J-1 (and any J-2 dependants) maintains insurance that meets minimum regulatory standards set out in 22 CFR §62.14 for the entire program period.
These duties place the sponsor at the centre of a participant’s lawful J-1 status, serving as the main liaison with the US government for the duration of the program.
3. Financial and Legal Obligations
Sponsors must maintain adequate financial resources to operate programs responsibly and transparently. This includes covering administrative costs, supporting compliance functions, and clearly communicating any program fees and refund policies. Legal obligations typically encompass:
- Liability coverage: Maintaining appropriate insurance to protect the organisation and, where applicable, participants and host sites against claims related to program activities.
- Employment law safeguards: Ensuring placements do not displace US workers and that any permitted employment-like activities align with the authorised J-1 category and wage/working condition protections where applicable.
- Record-keeping: Maintaining accurate records (e.g., screening documents, DS-2019 issuance logs, site visit notes, insurance evidence, incident reports) and retaining them for inspection for at least three years after program completion.
Enforcement and sanctions: Failure to meet financial or legal obligations may result in corrective action, fines, suspension, or revocation of designation by the Department of State. Sanctions can affect current and future participants, so sponsors must proactively monitor compliance and remediate any deficiencies without delay.
Section B Summary
The sponsor’s role extends far beyond program administration. Designation under 22 CFR Part 62 requires demonstrated capability and continued adherence to robust obligations covering participant welfare, SEVIS reporting, insurance standards (22 CFR §62.14), and transparent financial practices. These guardrails preserve program integrity and ensure J-1 exchanges remain lawful, safe, and aligned with the objectives of cultural and educational exchange.
Section C: Sponsorship Process for J-1 Applicants
For individuals applying to the J-1 visa route, securing sponsorship is the most critical step. Unlike some US visas where applicants deal primarily with USCIS or a US employer, J-1 applicants must first engage with a designated sponsor, who acts as the gateway to the program. The process requires careful planning, documentation, timely fee payments, and adherence to sequencing.
1. Securing a Sponsor
The first step is to identify a suitable sponsor by consulting the official US Department of State list of designated sponsors, filtered by J-1 category. Applicants then apply directly to the chosen sponsor, submitting documentation such as CVs, academic records, references, and (where relevant) training or research plans. Acceptance is not automatic; sponsors set their own eligibility criteria and selection processes, and some programs are competitive.
Once accepted, the sponsor becomes the applicant’s primary point of contact. The sponsor will confirm program category, proposed dates, site(s) of activity, supervision arrangements, and insurance requirements, and will collect the data needed to create the SEVIS record.
2. DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility
After acceptance, the sponsor issues Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) through SEVIS. This document is indispensable for visa processing and includes key details such as:
- The authorised exchange category (e.g., intern, trainee, research scholar, teacher, au pair).
- Program start and end dates aligned to the category’s permitted duration.
- Funding sources and amounts to demonstrate financial sufficiency.
- Sponsor identifier information and the SEVIS ID assigned to the participant.
The DS-2019 must be presented at the visa interview and again at the US port of entry. Sponsors may also issue a separate DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan for intern/trainee categories, which outlines objectives, supervision, and evaluation methods.
3. Visa Application at the Embassy/Consulate
With the DS-2019 in hand, the applicant completes Form DS-160 (online nonimmigrant application), pays the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee as instructed, and schedules a consular interview. Critically, the applicant must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (separate from sponsor or program fees) before the interview and carry the payment receipt to the appointment. Typical documents for the interview include:
- Valid passport meeting required validity periods.
- Form DS-2019 (and DS-7002 if applicable).
- DS-160 confirmation page and visa appointment confirmation.
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt and MRV fee proof, as applicable.
- Evidence of financial support and any sponsor-issued confirmation letters.
- Evidence of ties to the home country, where appropriate.
The consular officer uses the DS-2019 as the foundation for assessing eligibility for J-1 status. If approved, the J-1 visa is placed in the passport. Upon arrival in the US, participants must check in with the sponsor, confirm their address, and comply with any additional onboarding steps required by the sponsor and SEVIS.
Section C Summary
For J-1 applicants, sponsorship is inseparable from the visa process. Identify a designated sponsor, obtain the DS-2019 (and DS-7002 where required), pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160, and attend the consular interview with full supporting evidence. Proper sequencing and documentation ensure lawful entry and a compliant start to the US exchange program.
Section D: Common Issues and Compliance Considerations
While the J-1 visa offers valuable opportunities for cultural and professional exchange, sponsorship can present legal and practical challenges. Both sponsors and participants must remain alert to compliance issues that could jeopardise visa status or future immigration prospects. Understanding the most common problems helps reduce risks and ensures smooth program participation.
1. Two-Year Home Residency Rule
One of the most significant legal requirements is the “two-year home residency rule,” codified at Immigration and Nationality Act Section 212(e). This applies in circumstances such as:
- Where participation is funded by the US government or the visitor’s home government.
- Where the participant undertakes graduate medical education or training.
- Where the field of specialised knowledge appears on the State Department’s Skills List for the visitor’s country.
If the rule applies, participants must return to their home country for a cumulative two years before becoming eligible for certain US immigration benefits, such as H-1B status, L-1 status, or permanent residence. A waiver may be possible in limited cases (e.g., based on “no objection” statements, hardship, or persecution grounds), but it requires a separate application process and is not guaranteed.
2. Sponsor Withdrawal or Non-Compliance
A sponsor’s designation is subject to ongoing review by the Department of State. If a sponsor fails to comply with its obligations, its designation may be suspended or revoked. For participants, this can create serious disruption, as their DS-2019 and SEVIS records may be invalidated.
In such cases, participants may be able to transfer to another designated sponsor, but only if:
- The new sponsor is approved for the same J-1 category.
- The transfer is requested and approved by both sponsors in SEVIS before participation with the new sponsor begins.
Failure to secure an approved transfer risks falling out of status.
3. Maintaining Status
Participants themselves carry responsibility for maintaining lawful J-1 status. Key obligations include:
- Complying with program rules and not engaging in unauthorised employment or activity outside the scope of the DS-2019.
- Maintaining valid health insurance meeting 22 CFR §62.14 standards for themselves and any J-2 dependants.
- Reporting address changes, program completions, or early withdrawals promptly to the sponsor for SEVIS updates.
- Departing the US upon completion of the program or within the permitted grace period.
Failure to meet these obligations can lead to SEVIS termination, which results in loss of lawful status and the accrual of unlawful presence. Accumulating unlawful presence can trigger serious immigration penalties, including three-year and ten-year re-entry bars.
Section D Summary
Compliance issues are central to the J-1 visa experience. The two-year home residency rule, sponsor withdrawal risks, and participant responsibilities all affect status validity and future immigration options. By staying informed, maintaining insurance, and communicating with sponsors, participants can safeguard their status and achieve the intended benefits of the J-1 exchange.
FAQs
Can I apply for a J-1 visa without a sponsor?
No. Sponsorship is mandatory for all J-1 visa applicants. Only a US Department of State–designated sponsor can issue the DS-2019 form required for the visa application.
What is the difference between a J-1 sponsor and a host company?
The sponsor is the designated organisation responsible for compliance and issuing the DS-2019. The host company provides the placement or training environment but does not have authority to sponsor independently.
How long does it take to secure J-1 visa sponsorship?
Timeframes vary by program and sponsor. Some placements may be confirmed within weeks, while competitive programs can take several months from application to DS-2019 issuance.
Do sponsors charge fees for J-1 visa sponsorship?
Many sponsors charge program fees to cover administration, orientation, and compliance services. Fees vary between sponsors and categories, so applicants should review costs before applying.
Can I change my J-1 sponsor after arrival in the US?
Transfers are possible but subject to strict conditions. The new sponsor must be designated for the same category, and the transfer must be requested and approved in SEVIS by both sponsors before participation with the new sponsor begins.
Do I need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, and when?
Yes. The SEVIS I-901 fee is separate from any sponsor or program fees and must be paid before your consular interview. Bring the payment receipt to the interview and keep it for your records.
What health insurance is required for J-1 (and J-2) participants?
J-1 exchange visitors and any J-2 dependants must maintain health insurance that meets minimum standards for the entire program period, as set out in 22 CFR §62.14. Sponsors are responsible for ensuring compliance with these requirements.
Conclusion
Sponsorship is the cornerstone of the J-1 visa process. Without the involvement of a State Department–designated sponsor, it is not possible to apply for or maintain J-1 status in the United States. Sponsors play a dual role: facilitating cultural and educational exchange while ensuring strict compliance with immigration law.
For applicants, the process begins with identifying and securing a sponsor, obtaining the DS-2019 form, paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, and following through with the visa application at a US embassy or consulate. For sponsors, the responsibility lies in upholding program integrity, supporting participants, and meeting financial and legal obligations, including health insurance requirements under 22 CFR §62.14.
Compliance risks—such as the two-year home residency rule, sponsor withdrawal, or participant non-compliance—underscore the importance of communication and adherence to program rules. Unlawful presence following status violations can trigger significant penalties, including three- and ten-year re-entry bars. By understanding these requirements and working with a reliable sponsor, both individuals and organisations can benefit from the opportunities the J-1 visa provides.
Glossary
| J-1 Visa | A US nonimmigrant visa route for exchange visitors participating in cultural, educational, or professional programs. |
| Sponsor | An organisation designated by the US Department of State under 22 CFR Part 62 to administer J-1 programs, issue DS-2019 forms, and monitor compliance. |
| Host Organisation | The employer, institution, or entity where the exchange visitor undertakes their placement, training, or research activity. |
| DS-2019 | Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, issued by the sponsor via SEVIS, and required for J-1 visa applications. |
| DS-7002 | Training/Internship Placement Plan required for J-1 intern and trainee categories, outlining objectives, supervision, and evaluation. |
| SEVIS | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used to track and manage records of exchange visitors and dependants. |
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | A mandatory fee paid by J-1 applicants before attending the visa interview, separate from sponsor or program fees. |
| 212(e) | Section of US law imposing a two-year home residency requirement on certain J-1 participants, based on funding, graduate medical training, or the Skills List. |
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Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.