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 are 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: 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 send 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:
• Form DS-2019 (and DS 7002 Trainee programs only)
• A valid passport (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end date of the exchange program)
• A copy of the Terms of Appointment
• 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 Form DS 2019, our office must be notified immediately so that we can modify the start date information in the SEVIS System.
The Exchange Visitor is 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.
Please select the appropriate application form
If you are a prospective Exchange Visitor (Short-Term Scholar, Professor, Research Scholar, Trainee, Specialist, Student- Post-Secondary [College and University])
Exchange Visitor Application (66KB, PDF)
If you are a Host Organization (Academic organizations, NGO, Business)
Request for Sponsorship - Short Term Scholars, Professors, Research Scholars, Specialist (136 KB, PDF)
Prospective Trainee Programs: Please complete the Request of Sponsorship and Training Plan and submit them together.
Request for Sponsorship (519 KB, PDF)
Training Placement Plan (370 KB, PDF)
Student, Post-Secondary (College and University):
Request for Sponsorship - Student (102 KB, PDF)
Regulations governing this Exchange Category requires that students must be supported substantially by funding from an identified source other than personal or family funds.
Please remember to submit the Request of Sponsorship Application along with the Exchange Visitors Application and supporting documents.
If you have any questions regarding these forms, please feel free to contact the Study America Program Officer.
1 - Copy of current passport's bio-data page. The passport must be valid at least six (6) months beyond the end date of program.
2 - Copies of diploma(s), transcripts, degree certificate(s) attained in home country or country of last legal residence with English translation.
3 - Resume or curriculum vitae documenting years of related academic and professional experience in English.
4 - At least two (2) letters of reference recently dated (within six months) in English from either: current or former employers, professors, academic advisors attesting to:
- Years of knowledge or skills and experience
- Good reputation
- Good character