How to Apply

To be eligible for designation as a program sponsor, an organization must demonstrate its ability to comply and remain in continual compliance with all provisions of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations (22 CFR Part 62) and meet its financial obligations and responsibilities attendant to successful sponsorship of its exchange program; see 22 CFR 62.3(b) and 22 CFR 62.5(b) of the regulations. Also, with the submission of an application, it is expected that the organization will be fully prepared to begin the administration of the program upon designation. If you are interested in applying for designation to become an exchange visitor program sponsor, please refer to the Department of State's User Manual for Temporary Users of SEVIS (How to Complete and Submit the Form DS-3036, Exchange Visitor Program Application. If you have questions regarding the application process or the regulations regarding the category of exchange in which you are interested, please send an e-mail to the category mailbox that applies to your application here.

Exchange Visitor Program Application (Form DS-3036)

To submit an application for designation to the State Department for review, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Exchange Visitor Program regulations (22 CFR Part 62.3) and must submit an electronic Form DS-3036. Please refer to the Temporary Users Manual listed directly below for instructions and procedures for filing an application. The manual explains how to complete the Form DS-3036 and identifies the materials that must be submitted to the department in order to initiate a review. The application fee for designation as an exchange visitor program is $3,982; this fee is non-refundable. Prior to submission, applicants should have read this manual and be thoroughly familiar with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations (22 CFR Part 62). To be eligible for designation as a program sponsor, an organization must demonstrate its ability to comply and remain in compliance with all provisions of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations (22 CFR Part 62) and meet its financial obligations and responsibilities attendant to the successful sponsorship of its exchange visitor program, if designated.

Important to Note: Designation as an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor will not be considered if an applicant cannot meet the following two prerequisites that are discussed in detail in the Temporary Users Manual:

  • Previous experience in the field of international exchanges; and,
  • Financial requirements.