J-1 Responsible Officer: RO and ARO Duties at Your Sponsor

What Is a Responsible Officer?

The State Department-approved official at your J-1 sponsor who oversees its exchange program and issues DS-2019 forms.

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Who Can Hold the Role?

The RO must be an employee or officer of the sponsor and a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. AROs must meet the regulation's definition of a United States person and also receive State Department approval.

AROs normally must be employees or officers of the sponsor. On a written request, the State Department may allow a non-employee to serve as an ARO. The RO trains and supervises the AROs.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.2: Definitions · 22 CFR § 62.9: General obligations of sponsors · 22 CFR § 62.11: Duties of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers

Forms and Records

ROs and AROs control and issue DS-2019 forms. Sponsors must limit their SEVIS access to these officials and ensure they enter accurate, current information.

They also conduct official program commu­ni­ca­tions with the State Department and Department of Homeland Security and must know the relevant program and immigration rules.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.11: Duties of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers · 22 CFR § 62.12: Control of Forms DS-⁠2019

Approvals and Participant Support

The RO can approve a Program Extension within the permitted limits and issue a new DS-2019. A Sponsor Transfer depends on the responsible officers' discretion and must stay within the same exchange category. A program extension does not replace a required USCIS extension of stay.

ROs and AROs must monitor that you receive sufficient advice and assistance. Your sponsor's orientation must provide their names, email addresses and telephone numbers.

Source: J-⁠1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions · 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors · 22 CFR § 62.11: Duties of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers · 22 CFR § 62.10: Program admin­is­tra­tion

FAQs

Can any sponsor employee sign my DS-2019?

No. Only the RO or an ARO named on the form may sign it, and that official must be physically in the US or a US territory.

Source: 22 CFR § 62.12: Control of Forms DS-⁠2019

The Bottom Line

The RO and AROs are your sponsor's approved officials for program records and support. Their program decisions do not replace USCIS approval where it is required.

Related Terms

• 
  J-1 SponsorAn organization designated by the US Department of State to run J-1 exchange programs. Every J-1 participant needs one.
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• 
  DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.
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• 
  SEVISThe US government database that holds the records of F, M and J visa holders and their families.
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• 
  Program ExtensionMaking a running J-1 program longer, possible only up to the maximum duration of your category.
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• 
  Sponsor TransferMoving a running J-1 program from one sponsor to another. Possible only within the same category.
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• 
  USCISU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that decides J-1 Visa stay extensions, status changes, waivers and J-2 work authorization.
  more

Sources

1. 22 CFR § 62.2: Definitions
2. 22 CFR § 62.9: General obligations of sponsors
3. 22 CFR § 62.11: Duties of Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers
4. 22 CFR § 62.12: Control of Forms DS-⁠2019
5. J-⁠1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
6. 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors
7. 22 CFR § 62.10: Program admin­is­tra­tion