Comparaison des sponsors du visa J-1 : choisissez le meilleur !

Qu'est-ce qu'un sponsor de visa J-1 ?

J-1 sponsors are private organizations certified by the U.S. Department of State that verify J-1 applications and issue SEVIS numbers and DS-2019 forms.

Your J-1 sponsor is not your U.S. employer. Additionally, your J-1 sponsor will not cover the visa fees. On the contrary, they will need to be paid to do their job, which includes issuing your SEVIS number and DS-2019.

What Makes J-1 Sponsors Different?

Although they all serve the same legal function (issuing the DS-2019 form), J-1 sponsors vary significantly in their operational approaches. Here are a few factors that matter when comparing them:
• Industry Coverage – Some sponsors specialize in hospitality and culinary traineeships, others focus on STEM or business internships, while a few handle broader cultural exchange categories.
• Processing Speed – The time it takes to review your documents and issue the DS-2019 can differ from sponsor to sponsor.
• Level of Support – Some only handle the paperwork, while others provide orientation, compliance monitoring, or cultural activities.
• Eligibility Flexibility – Certain sponsors are stricter on age, education level, or professional background.
• Costs & Fees – While fees are fairly standardized, each sponsor has its own structure and additional requirements.

Why Choosing a Sponsor Can Be Difficult

Most candidates don’t realize that:
• Some sponsors may not accept candidates in their industry or their host company. Some others might.
• Some only work with pre-approved U.S. employers.
• If you apply to the wrong sponsor, you could lose time or even face rejection.
• Sponsors generally don’t help you find a U.S. internship or traineeship—they expect you to already have one.

An Example of How Sponsors Differ

To give you an idea, here’s a simplified view of how different sponsors might look:

How to choose one

It’s very important you thoroughly investigate each one and choose wisely. You should focus on three primary elements: industry, pricing, service, and processing time.

Regarding pricing, also check with the sponsor organization to determine what services are included in their price. It’s very important to understand the price details, as you will have to pay mandatory fees to apply for the J-1 visa regardless.

So, make sure you are aware of these details, because choosing a cheaper sponsor can actually result in paying more, such as when their service fees exclude many mandatory fees. Check here for detailed information on the J-1 fees.

To do this, prepare a list of questions and write down all details about your case. Then, call various J-1 sponsors to see different prices, but also, most importantly, what services and fees are included in their prices.

Is there a way to get help choosing the right sponsor?

Yes! J-1 sponsor organizations partner with J-1 placement agencies around the world to make the process easier for you.

A J-1 agency guides the candidate and the company in selecting the right sponsor, prepares and submits complete J-1 visa applications, ensuring the file is properly assembled so that it will be accepted by the official sponsor. They assist with every step of the process, including gathering documents, writing the DS-7002, obtaining signatures, and adding supporting materials to strengthen your application. The agency also communicates and deals directly with the sponsor on your behalf until your SEVIS number and DS-2019 are issued.

Beyond that, the agency supports you with the DS-160, scheduling your U.S. embassy appointment, preparing for the interview, and providing guidance for pre-departure and arrival in the U.S. Throughout the entire J-1 journey, the agency serves as your primary point of contact, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.

While the sponsor organization charges the agency, the agency then provides the full visa-filing service to you and your host company. Contrary to what you might think, you will not pay more because you use an agency, as agencies have negotiated prices with the official sponsor.

Agencies also offer placement for candidates who do not yet have a host company. This can be an extra cost.

Where Do I Find a J-1 Agency?

Vous pouvez vous trouver dans deux situations :

1. The company has hosted J-1 holders in the past; they already work with a sponsor agency, and cover the costs of your visa. In this case, you may not have any other choice but to choose that sponsor.
2. The host company has no preference and leaves you the option to choose which agency you prefer. We, USponsorMe, are a J-1 agency that can assist you in submitting your J-1 application.

How Our Agency Simplifies the Process

Sponsors are essential for the J-1 visa process, but choosing one directly isn’t always simple. The right sponsor for one candidate may not be the right sponsor for you.

Our role is to assess your profile and connect you with the sponsor that best supports your program..

Instead of leaving you to guess which sponsor is right for you, we handle the entire process from start to finish:
• We help with your U.S. placement by matching you with host companies that qualify under J-1 rules.
• We partner with multiple designated sponsors and know exactly which one fits your background, industry, and goals.
• We manage the paperwork (documents collection, DS-7002 training plan, embassy interview prep).
• We provide personalized guidance and ongoing support during the visa process, pre-departure, and arrival, so you don’t feel lost in the process.

In short, you focus on your career and cultural exchange, and we make sure you’re connected to the right sponsor and host company, without the stress. Apply to our career program so we can connect you with the right sponsor (and the right company, if you don’t have one yet).

Est-il obligatoire d'avoir un parrain ?

It is mandatory for candidates to have a sponsor to obtain a J-1 visa. The sponsor assumes responsibility for the individuals and their actions during their entire stay in the United States under the J-1 program.

You and your company will have to comply with the J1 rules and regulations.