J-1 Exchange Visitors: Find an Authorized Sponsor

This guide helps J-1 exchange visitors locate an authorized program sponsor in the United States. You’ll learn how to use the official U.S. Department of State resources, understand what a sponsor does, and avoid common pitfalls. No prior knowledge is needed, just access to the internet and your J-1 visa category in mind.

What You’ll Need

• Internet access and a web browser
• Your J-1 visa category (e.g., intern, trainee, au pair, research scholar, teacher, camp counselor)
• Your current address or the address where you plan to stay in the U.S.
• Your DS-2019 form if you already have one (to check your current sponsor)

Step-by-Step

1. Identify your J-1 category. The J-1 visa has over a dozen categories, each with specific requirements. Your category determines which sponsors you can use. Common ones include intern, trainee, au pair, summer work travel, research scholar, professor, teacher, and camp counselor. Check your DS-2019 or your program invitation to confirm your category.
2. Go to the official U.S. Department of State website. Open your browser and navigate to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) website. The direct link is j1visa.state.gov. This is the only official source for the list of authorized sponsors.
3. Find the “Find a Sponsor� tool. On the J-1 visa homepage, look for a section called “Find a Sponsor� or “Sponsor Listing.� Click on it. This tool is maintained by the State Department and is updated regularly.
4. Select your visa category. The tool will present a dropdown menu or a list of categories. Choose the one that matches your J-1 category. For example, if you are an au pair, select “Au Pair.� If you are an intern, select “Intern.�
5. Review the list of sponsors. After selecting your category, the tool will display a list of approved sponsors. Each entry includes the sponsor’s name, city, state, and contact information. Some categories may have dozens of sponsors; others may have only a few. Take note of the sponsors that seem relevant to your situation.
6. Check for active status. The State Department list indicates whether a sponsor is “Active� or “Inactive.� Only contact sponsors marked as “Active.� If a sponsor is inactive, they are not authorized to issue DS-2019 forms.
7. Contact the sponsor directly. Once you have a shortlist of active sponsors, visit their websites or email them. Introduce yourself, state your category, and ask about their application process, fees, and any specific requirements. Many sponsors have online application portals.
8. Verify the sponsor’s authorization. Before paying any fees or signing any documents, double-check that the sponsor appears on the State Department’s list. You can also search the sponsor’s name in the “Exchange Visitor Program� database to confirm their status. If you have a DS-2019 form, the sponsor’s name and program number should match the official list.
9. Complete the sponsor’s application. Each sponsor has its own application process. You will likely need to provide personal information, proof of funding, and details about your program. Follow their instructions carefully. If you are applying for an internship or training, you may need to provide a training plan.
10. Receive your DS-2019 form. After your application is approved, the sponsor will issue you a DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility). This form is required for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The sponsor will send it to you by mail or electronically, depending on their process.

Common Mistakes

• Using third-party websites. Many websites claim to be official but are not. Always start from j1visa.state.gov to avoid scams or outdated lists.
• Choosing the wrong category. Selecting the wrong category will show you sponsors that cannot serve you. For example, a research scholar cannot use an intern sponsor.
• Ignoring “Inactiveâ€� status. Contacting an inactive sponsor wastes time and may lead to a denied visa. Always filter for active sponsors.
• Paying fees without verification. Some fraudulent entities may ask for payment before you have a valid DS-2019. Never pay a sponsor until you have confirmed their authorization on the State Department site.
• Assuming all sponsors are the same. Sponsors vary in fees, support, and program quality. Research each one before applying.

Tips

• Start your search early. Sponsors have application deadlines, and the DS-2019 process can take weeks.
• Use the State Department’s “Sponsor Searchâ€� tool to filter by state if you have a preference for where you want to live.
• Read the sponsor’s reviews on independent forums (like Reddit or Expat forums) to get a sense of their reputation.
• If you are in the U.S. already and need to change sponsors, contact your current sponsor first. They may be able to transfer your program without a new DS-2019.
• Keep a copy of your DS-2019 and all sponsor correspondence. You will need them for your visa interview and when entering the U.S.

Troubleshooting

• The sponsor list is empty for my category. This is rare but possible. If you see no active sponsors, double-check your category spelling. If it is correct, contact the State Department’s J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program office via their website for assistance.
• The sponsor’s website is not working. Try searching the sponsor’s name on a search engine. If you cannot find a working website, contact them via the phone number or email listed on the State Department’s page.
• You are denied by a sponsor. You can apply to multiple sponsors simultaneously. Each sponsor has its own selection criteria, so a denial from one does not mean you are ineligible for the J-1 visa.
• You lost your DS-2019. Contact your sponsor immediately. They can reissue a duplicate form, but there may be a fee. Do not wait.
• You suspect a scam. If a sponsor asks for payment before issuing a DS-2019, or if the contact information does not match the official list, report it to the State Department using their online reporting form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any sponsor listed for my category?

Yes, as long as the sponsor is active and you meet their specific requirements. Sponsors have their own application criteria, so you may not be accepted by every one.

How much does it cost to get a sponsor?

Sponsor fees vary widely. Some sponsors charge a few hundred dollars, while others may charge over a thousand. The State Department does not regulate these fees. Always ask for a breakdown of costs before committing.

Can I change sponsors after I arrive in the U.S.?

Yes, but you must transfer your program to the new sponsor. This requires both sponsors to agree and the new sponsor to issue a new DS-2019. The process is called a “program transfer� and is not guaranteed.

What is the difference between a sponsor and an employer?

Your sponsor is responsible for overseeing your exchange program and ensuring you comply with J-1 regulations. Your employer is where you work. In some categories, like intern or trainee, the sponsor and employer may be the same entity, but often they are separate.

Do I need a sponsor if I already have a DS-2019?

No. If you already have a DS-2019, you already have a sponsor. You only need to find a sponsor if you are applying for a new J-1 visa or transferring to a different program.

How long does it take to get a DS-2019 from a sponsor?

It varies. Some sponsors issue DS-2019 forms within a few days after approval, while others may take several weeks. Plan for at least 2-4 weeks after you submit your application.

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