Become a Host Organization

Do you work in the arts, culture, design, or creative industries? Do you want to host an international student, professional, artist, or researcher? Then you’ve come to the right place! IA&A has over fifteen years of experience providing visa advice to American museums, galleries, design firms, and other cultural organizations.

Each year, hundreds of businesses and organizations across the United States welcome exchange visitors from around the world into their communities. Hosting an exchange visitor can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience for all involved. Host organizations can expand their international networks and benefit from global perspectives, while exchange visitors gain experience in their field and share their expertise.

The J-1 visa allows exchange visitors to complete internships, training programs, research projects, or residency programs in the United States. Programs can range in length from three weeks to five years, depending on the J-1 visa category for which the exchange visitor is eligible.

As a J-1 visa sponsor, IA&A is responsible for reviewing exchange visitors’ prior experience to ensure they meet the visa requirements. We also issue the J-1 visa forms that the exchange visitor must take with them when they attend their visa interview at an American embassy or consulate abroad.

For what IS the J-1 visa intended?

The J-1 visa is intended for international students, professionals, artists, and researchers participating in exchange programs in the United States. It is a non-immigrant visa, meaning that an exchange visitor is required to return to their home country following the end of the program.

For what ISN'T the J-1 visa intended?

The J-1 visa should not be used as a stop-gap measure for permanent employment and/or an immigrant visa. You should not host an exchange visitor if you intend on hiring them indefinitely or assisting them with changing their visa status. Abuses of the Exchange Visitor Program and the J-1 visa put cultural exchanges and their many benefits in jeopardy. Let’s keep exchange programs alive and well!

In addition to ensuring that the program being offered is consistent with the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program, there are a few things your organization should consider when determining whether the J-1 visa is the right fit.

Hosting an exchange visitor does come with some obligations, but committing time and resources to engaging with your exchange visitor ensures a rewarding experience for all! From the initial application process, throughout the exchange program, and ending with the program evaluations, the host organization’s involvement is a vital part of a successful exchange experience.

Host organizations must:

  • Provide a program that offers a minimum of 32 hours per week and a maximum of 40 hours per week.
  • Provide a program that is no more than 20% administrative; you should not host an international exchange visitor only to have them shred paper and answer the phones!
  • Provide qualified supervision for the exchange visitor at all times during the program hours.
  • Provide a copy of their Workman’s Compensation Insurance (WCI) or Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI).
  • Be a well-established businesses or organization that has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and have been operating in the United States for at least two years.
  • Have a well-developed website with clear and comprehensive information about the organization and its work.

If IA&A has not sponsored an exchange visitor at a specific host organization in the past or if a previous host organization has relocated to a different site of activity, a site visit is required. If required, the Form DS-2019 cannot be issued until the visit has been completed. The site visit is a one time cost of $250.