J-1 Sponsor Transfer: Can You Switch Sponsors?
Table of Contents
What Is a J-1 Sponsor Transfer?
Moving a running J-1 program from one sponsor to another. Possible only within the same category.
Key Takeaways
- Possible at the discretion of both sponsors' responsible officers.
- Only within the same exchange category.
- The maximum duration stays the same after a transfer.
- Decided by
- Both sponsors' responsible officers
- Category
- Must stay the same
- New document
- New DS-2019
- Maximum duration
- Not extended
How a Transfer Works
The new sponsor's responsible officer checks your visa status and eligibility, issues a new DS-2019 and gets your release from your current sponsor, who approves the transfer by signing the new form.
Source: J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
Limits
Transfers have to stay within the same category, are not possible in every category and do not extend the maximum length of your program.
Source: J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
FAQs
Can I switch J-1 sponsors during my internship?
Possibly. Both sponsors' responsible officers have to agree, and you stay in the same category with the same maximum duration.
Source: J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
Does switching sponsors give me more time?
No. A transfer does not extend the maximum duration of your program. More time is only possible within that maximum, see Program Extension.
Source: J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
Can I change to another J-1 category?
Not through a transfer. A change of category is a separate request and only possible in unusual or exceptional circumstances. It must be closely related to your original exchange objective, and your sponsor's responsible officer has to request it from the US Department of State. If the request is denied, you are expected to return home no later than 30 days from the Department's notice or the program end date on your DS-2019, whichever is later.
Source: J-1 Visa: Adjustments and Extensions
The Bottom Line
You can switch sponsors, but only within your category, with both sponsors' agreement and without gaining extra time.
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.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- Program ExtensionMaking a running J-1 program longer, possible only up to the maximum duration of your category.more
- SEVISThe US government database that holds the records of F, M and J visa holders and their families.more
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
- J-1 TraineeA US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.more
