
What are the necessary steps to obtain a J1 visa?
Your application must include the following documents:
- Form DS-3035 (with the barcode);
- Copies of every Form DS-2019/IAP 566 that you have received incident to your J-1 status;
- Two self-addressed, stamped legal-size envelopes;
- The application fee ($120 at the time of this writing, plus an additional $930 if you are also required to file Form I-612.) The application fee must be submitted by ...
What to do to become a J1 exchange program sponsor?
J1 exchange program sponsors must comply with government regulations, ensure a selection process is in place and appoint a Responsible Officer. What to do to become a J1 exchange program sponsor The United States Department of State welcomes fresh associations to be part of the exchange program sponsors to administer a program.
Is a visa sponsor allowed to terminate a J1 visa?
Yes, sponsors have the ability to terminate a J1 visa and do not need to consult any authorities or government agency prior to doing so. Your only real recourse, should a sponsor decide to terminate your visa, would be to contact the US Department of State, which oversees the program.
What are the requirements for the J1 visa?
- You have a no-objection statement from your country.
- You have a request for work by an interested US federal government agency.
- You may be persecuted if you go back to your country.
- Your US citizen spouse and children may suffer exceptional hardship if you go back.
- You have a request to stay from the Conrad State 30 Program.

Do you need a sponsor for a J-1 visa?
Do I need a sponsor? Yes. The State Department designates U.S. government, academic and private sector entities to conduct educational and cultural exchange programs. To participate in the Exchange Visitor Program, foreign nationals must be sponsored by one of the State Department-designated sponsors.
How do I sponsor J-1 visa?
How to Become a J1 Visa Sponsor?Register and obtain a SEVIS User ID.Complete the Designation process and add officials.Submit the Exchange Visitor Program Application form, which is Form DS-3036, for review. ... Submit relevant documents as mentioned in the user manual.Pay the application fee over the internet.More items...•
How much is it to sponsor a J-1 visa?
Fees for New J-1 ApplicationsJ-1 sponsorship fee – 15 business days$2,110Required SEVIS fee (effective June 24, 2019)$220Expedited processing – 5 business days (optional)$800J-2 dependent sponsorship for accompanying family members (if applicable)$750
What does a sponsor mean in visa?
A sponsor is a person who has helped an immigrant become a lawful permanent resident (a person with a green card) by signing an “affidavit of support.”
How much is a J-1 visa to America?
The US State Department charges a Visa Application fee for every applicant. Currently the fee is $160 USD, however the fee is subject to change and applicants are advised to check on the US Embassy website prior to their embassy interview for the most up-to-date fee.
How long J-1 visa takes?
On average, it takes six to eight weeks to apply for and be approved for a J-1 Visa.
Does J-1 visa allow to work?
Can You Work in the US with a J-1 Visa? Yes, you can! J-1 students are permitted to work while studying, as long as they obtain work authorization. There are certain restrictions, such as only working part time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Who pays for visa sponsorship?
You must pay the immigration skills charge if they're applying for a visa from: outside the UK to work in the UK for 6 months or more. inside the UK for any length of time.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)Minor, unmarried childrenU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sisters4 more rows
Can a friend sponsor me to US?
The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend. If a person seeks to enter the U.S. through a family member, the person entering the U.S. must have a financial sponsor.
How much is it to sponsor a visa?
How Much Will Sponsoring an H1-B Visa Cost an Employer? An H-1B Visa (or H-1B transfer) will cost you around $5000 (including government fees). Immigration lawyer fees should costs $2000 to $3000, while filing fees are around $3000.
How long is a sponsor responsible for an immigrant?
Responsibilities as a Sponsor When you sign the affidavit of support, you accept legal responsibility for financially supporting the sponsored immigrant(s), generally until they become U.S. citizens or are credited with 40 quarters of work.
Who can sponsor me in Canada?
The following categories of individuals can be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident:the sponsor's spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.a dependent child of the sponsor.the sponsor's mother or father.the sponsor's grandmother or grandfather.More items...
Who can sponsor me NZ?
Visa applications can be sponsored by New Zealand citizens and residents, and organisations like registered companies, incorporated societies, charitable trusts, and government agencies.
How to apply for a sponsor visa J-1?
The first step to the sponsor visa J-1 application is opening an account on SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System). Through this portal you will find the online application. There, sponsor candidates are required to fill out information about the company, program, and program officers.
Do you need a sponsor for an EVP?
Because the EVP is meant for cultural exchange, rather than as a path to citizenship, participants must secure themselves a J-1 visa before visiting. Having a sponsor is a requirement of this visa. Additionally, sponsors are experts at guiding participants through the proper documentation and application procedures.
Can host companies sponsor interns?
It is also possible for host companies to sponsor interns themselves. If you represent a company that would like to streamline your Exchange Visitor Program, you may be wondering how to sponsor J-1 U.S. visa for foreign interns as a company. We’ll let you in on the basics.
Is the Sponsor Right for You?
Whether you're a prospect ive EVP participant or a host company searching for new J-1 visa sponsoring organizations, we are here to provide an insider look.
What is a J1 visa?
The J1 visa is a great option for people who want to visit the United States. This visa allows you to gain experience by receiving on-the-job training, teaching, or conducting research. The J1 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the United States to participate in programs performing as:
What is a J1?
The J1 allows foreign nationals to gain experience. You can work in a wide range of fields. The J1 provides an opportunity for foreign nationals to improve their English. You can also learn about American culture and learn relevant career skills.
What is DS-2019?
The DS-2019 requires your biographic, exchange program, and financial information. This form is issued through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS). It enables the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to monitor your immigration status. This document is used to prove you have a sponsor and enables you to schedule a visa appointment with the consulate.
What do you need to show for a J1 visa?
All J1 and J2 visa applicants must show that they intend to return to their home country. Evidence to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent can include property deeds, mortgages, lease agreements, documentation of continued enrollment in school, documentation of future employment offers, or other indications of family or community ties.
How long do you have to stay in the US after J1?
Some J1 participants and their dependents are required to return to their home country for two years after completing their program. Both the participant and their dependents may be subject to this requirement. Additionally, those seeking new visa status may be subject to this requirement. Please note that you can ask for a waiver of this two-year requirement. Here, significant negative impact can be demonstrated. Alternatively, you can show that you would face persecution as a result of this requirement. An immigration lawyer can help you determine if you are subject to the two-year home residence requirement and/or qualify for a waiver.
What does a sponsor do?
A sponsor approves a program and oversees the foreign national working in the position. A sponsor often does not work directly with the foreign national. Oftentimes, a host organization or other third party does this. However, the sponsor is accountable for the third party and assuring the program’s success. Some of the duties of the sponsor include ensuring that the position satisfies all conditions for the J1 visa program, hiring foreign nationals, ensuring that both the program and the J1 visa holder uphold their responsibilities for the program, and updating the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) if there are any changes in the program.
How long does it take to get a J1 visa?
J1 processing time depends on many factors. This includes which host organization is used, consulate processing times, and the time of year you apply. An immigration lawyer with knowledge about your specific situation can provide more information.
How to contact J-1 Visa?
If you have any questions regarding your J-1 Visa training program you may contact us via telephone at 703-535-6365 or via e-mail.
How to contact SHRM for emergency J-1?
In the event of an emergency, any J-1 trainee or intern currently sponsored by SHRM or by the former Council for Global Immigration can also utilize SHRM's 24-hour J-1 participant emergency line at 1-888-330-4686. SHRM Exchange Visitor Program Team:
What insurance is required for exchange visitors?
federal regulations for the J-1 program. All participants must be covered by an acceptable insurance policy that includes coverage for medical care, medical evacuation and repatriation for the entire duration of their training or internship program. It is the responsibility of the U.S. host organization to provide this insurance or to verify that each of its participants is covered by such insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the following minimum coverage requirements:
Does SHRM cover J-1?
Below are several insurance options previously used to cover J-1 trainees and interns. These plans are not officially endorsed by SHRM, and host organizations and/or participants should ensure that they select a coverage option that meets the Department of State requirements listed above and that the coverage is valid in all states where the J-1 program will occur.
Does SHRM provide medical insurance for J-1?
SHRM currently does not provide medical insurance for J-1 program participants. If a trainee or intern will not be covered under his or her host organization's or foreign employer's insurance policy, or if the provided coverage does not meet or exceed the U.S. Department of State requirements listed above, the trainee or intern must obtain his or her own insurance (as well as insurance for any dependents).
What is a J-1 visitor?
The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.
Who is responsible for DS-2019?
An official who is authorized to issue Form DS-2019 is known as a responsible officer (RO) or alternate responsible officer (ARO). Your RO or ARO will explain to you what documents are needed in order to be issued a DS-2019.
What is a third party sponsor?
Third-party sponsors are responsible for monitoring all aspects of the program, including orientation, placement and periodic evaluations to confirm compliance. They also support participants throughout their stay and ensure their health, safety and welfare.
What are the biggest mistakes employers make when working with a sponsoring organization?
One of the biggest mistakes employers working with a sponsoring organization make is not thinking about the training plan early enough in the process, Jackson said. "Thinking through what the training is going to look like with the business unit as early as possible saves time down the line. Building out the different components—who will be supervising, what are the learning objectives—the earlier that process starts, the quicker it can be refined for sponsor approval."
What is the host employer responsible for?
One of the first things the host employer is responsible for is coming up with an individualized Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002). The plan—agreed on by the sponsor and the employer and then signed by the sponsor, employer and trainee or intern—details the internship or training location, whether there will be rotations through different departments, specific job duties, skills to be learned, and the amount and manner of compensation.
Do employers have to notify the sponsor organization of changes to the program?
Employers sometimes overlook the requirement to notify the sponsor organization if there are any changes to the program—whether the changes involve training; compensation; supervisors; work location; or the health, safety or welfare of the participant or any dependents.
Do multinational companies have J-1 visas?
A few large multinational companies manage their own J-1 visa programs, but most employers work with sponsoring organizations when looking to bring foreign trainees and interns to the United States for talent development.
