Are you interested in a J1 Program but happened to come across certain terms you're not familiar with such as a J1 Visa Sponsor? No worries - we are here to give you some background of what J1 Visa Sponsors are.

Note: this article is here to inform you about the topic. If you started your visa process with us, you don’t have to find your own sponsor as we will assign you one depending on your education and program.

As a non-US citizen, you will generally need a visa to enter the United States. The J-1 exchange visitor visa allows participants to come to the United States for a temporary stay, if participating in one of the J1 Visa programs. If you are interested in pursuing one of these programs, you will need a sponsoring organization. But who are they and what exactly does a sponsor do?

The J1 Visa Sponsors are licensed by the US Government to issue the documents you need for your visa application, including the DS-2019 form. Host organizations include American businesses, nonprofit organizations, government offices, and educational institutions.

J1 Visa Sponsors are the ones who select the participants for the Exchange Visitor Program, and assist as well as advise the ones chosen. If you were the chosen one, they will support and monitor you for the duration of the entire program for your safety and keep track of your progress, health, and welfare. They should ensure that all the activities you are doing are consistent and aligned with the program category you identified on the DS-2019 Form that they issued for you.

All this may seem very complicated but that’s where Placement International comes in place. Once we find the perfect placement for you in the US, we guide you through the visa process and provide you with assistance. Our services include:

• Processing your program application
• Determining your eligibility for a J-1 Visa
• Finding your J1 Visa Sponsor
• Supplying you with the necessary visa paperwork
• Offering ongoing support and assistance throughout your program

Remember, international internships can help you advance your career by gaining international experience! Through structured and guided programs, you can increase your understanding of the American culture, while also enhancing Americans’ knowledge of foreign cultures, customs and practices. If you are still looking for the perfect placement, or you already have one and need your visa sorted out, sign up on our website and let us take care of the rest.