Common Questions for Interested Sponsors

WHO ARE SPONSORS?

  • The U.S. Department of State designates U.S.organizations such as government agencies, academic institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and corporations to administer exchange visitor programs. Sponsors screen and select prospective exchange visitors based on the criteria set forth in the governing regulations contained in the U. S. Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR Part 62). The Department lists all designated sponsors on our website at https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/sponsor-search/.

WHAT ARE THE EXCHANGE CATEGORIES?

  • There are 15 different categories of exchange: Alien Physician, Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Government Visitor, International Visitor, Intern, Professor, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist, Student-Secondary, Student-College/University, Summer Work Travel, Teacher, and Trainee. Specific regulations/requirements govern each exchange category.

WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR DESIGNATION?

  • An applicant must meet two specific prerequisites for designation as a program sponsor - previous experience in the field of international exchange and financial requirements. The User Manual for Temporary Users of SEVIS includes a full discussion of the prerequisites. Please note this additional information when considering whether your organization is eligible for designation:
    Minimum Program Size: Sponsors, other than Federal government agencies, must ensure a program has no less than five exchange visitors per calendar year.
    Citizen of the United States: An organization must meet the definition of Citizen of the United States as set forth in 22 CFR 62.2.

IS THERE A FEE ASSOCIATED WITH DESIGNATION?

  • Yes. The required application fee for designation as an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor is non-refundable. The fee must be submitted electronically to the Department of State using the Pay.Gov Web site. See 22 CFR 62