What is a J-1 visa sponsor?
A J-1 sponsor is an organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to run an Exchange Visitor Program. You cannot apply for a J-1 visa on your own: a sponsor first accepts you into its program and issues Form DS-2019, the document you need for your visa application.
How does the J-1 process work?
- Choose your category. Intern, trainee, teacher, au pair, research scholar and the other categories each have their own rules and their own sponsors.
- Find a sponsor. Pick a sponsor designated for your category from the list above and apply through its website.
- Receive your DS-2019. Once the sponsor accepts you, it issues Form DS-2019.
- Pay the SEVIS fee. The I-901 SEVIS fee is paid after you have your DS-2019.
- Complete the DS-160 and attend your interview. Apply for the visa online and book an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
This list is taken from the U.S. Department of State’s public list of designated sponsors. Crosena is not a sponsor and is not affiliated with the Department of State. Places, sponsorship and visas are decided by sponsors and the U.S. government.