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The completed “Request for DS-2019/J-1 Status Sponsorship” application should be submitted along with the Exchange Visitor’s (EV) application and supporting documents to the Study America Program Officer at least two (2) months prior to the desired start date of the exchange program.

Host Organization:

Step 1.   Once the request for sponsorship and the EV application is reviewed and approved, IIE sends a Letter of Agreement to the host organization where program is to take place and outlines the responsibilities of both IIE and the host organization.
 
Step 2. Host organization returns signed Letter of Agreement and makes arrangements for payment of program fee.

Exchange Visitor:

Step 1. After receiving the signed Letter of Agreement, IIE sends the Terms of Appointment to the EV for signature. The Terms of Appointment will outline the program and the EV’s responsibilities under the  J-1 Exchange Visitor program. EV must return a signed copy to IIE. 

Step 2. Once the signed terms of Terms of Appointment are returned,  IIE will issue the SEVIS generated DS-2019 form and sent it to the EV along with a Welcome/Orientation packet via FedEx or DHL to their home country.  The Form DS-2019 is required in order to secure the visa (Except Canadian Citizens).  When applying  for the J-1 visa at the U. S Embassy or Consulate, the EV must take along:

  1. The Form DS-2019 (and DS 7002 Trainee programs only)
  2. A valid passport (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end date of the exchange program)
  3. A copy of the Terms of Appointment 
  4. SEVIS Fee Receipt

Step 3. After securing the J-1 visa, the EV or host organization must notify IIE of their travel itinerary.  If the EV is not able to enter the United States by the program start date listed on the DS Form 2019, our office must be notified immediately so that we can modify the start date information in the SEVIS System. 

The EV personally responsible, financially and otherwise for making all arrangements for the J-1 visa application. 

Exchange Visitor Program sponsorships are available only if  the J-1 visa is secured.

The processing time for a J-1 non-immigrant visa depends on the home country the exchange visitor and the procedures and policies of the United State’s Embassy or Consulate in that country. It can take anywhere from 2 days to 10 weeks for the exchange visitor to obtain the J-1 visa. For this reason the process should begin as early as possible.