Upon receipt of the host employer’s completed application and required supporting documents, ACIP will verify the participant’s program eligibility, process the J-1 sponsorship application, enter the candidate’s information into the SEVIS system, and issue the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) to the program participant for presentation with the participant’s visa application at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please refer to the process diagram below.

 

J-1 Processing Timeframe

The standard turnaround time for ACIP to process an application and issue the J-1 sponsorship paperwork is 15 business days; expedited processing within 5 business days is available for an additional fee. These time frames are contingent upon receipt of a complete application packet.  Procedures, timeframes and fees for issuance of the J-1 visa will vary depending on the country where the participant will be making his or her visa application and other factors.

 

J-1 Sponsorship Fees

ACIP’s standard J-1 visa program fees are as follows:

 

 

 

 

*A reinstatement application must be submitted in the event that a J-1 trainee/intern has received their visa but does not enter the U.S. and start their J-1 program within 30 days of the program start date listed on the DS-2019 form and a program amendment form has not been properly filed to adjust the start date.  When this occurs, before the program can officially commence, ACIP must work with the U.S. Department of State and SEVP to formally reinstate the J-1 program.

 

In addition to the above fees, the host employer is required to become a member of ACIP and maintain membership throughout the duration of stay of each program participant. Annual membership dues are $990 per host employer. For more information about membership, please click here.