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These frequently asked questions help hosts, advisors, attorneys, institutions, and prospective exchange visitors understand J-1 sponsorship basics before starting a request with IREX.

Q: What is BridgeUSA? 

A: BridgeUSA is the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program. It promotes educational and cultural exchange by enabling eligible international participants to take part in structured U.S.-based programs that support learning, training, research, teaching, consultation, observation, and cross-cultural understanding.

Q: Is J-1 sponsorship the same as employment? 

A: No. J-1 exchange programs are temporary, structured exchange opportunities designed for educational and cultural exchange. They are not intended to fill permanent or long-term positions of employment or displace U.S. workers.

Q: Do I need a U.S. host organization before contacting IREX? 

A: It is helpful to have a host organization identified, especially for workplace, research, teaching, or specialist exchange opportunities. If you are still exploring options, the request form can help IREX understand where you are in the process.

Q: Which J-1 category is right for our role? 

A: Category selection depends on the primary purpose of the U.S. activity, the desired program length, the proposed host environment, and the qualifications and prior J-1 history of the prospective exchange visitor. IREX can help assess whether the proposed opportunity may align with Intern, Trainee, Professor, Specialist, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, or another supported category. To help us review the request, be prepared to share a summary of the proposed role or activity, anticipated dates, host organization details, and the participant’s background or CV.

Q: Can private-sector companies host exchange visitors? 

A: Yes. Many BridgeUSA categories allow exchange activity at a range of host organizations, including private-sector companies, when the program is structured, supervised, and aligned with the category’s purpose. Host organizations must provide meaningful in-person collaboration with U.S. counterparts for at least three days per week. If a company has not previously worked with IREX, IREX will collect a host application as part of the review process. Companies with fewer than 25 full-time employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue may require a site visit arranged by IREX as part of the process.

Q: What is the Training/Internship Placement Plan, and is it required for all J-1 visa holders? 

A: The Training/Internship Placement Plan, also known as the DS-7002, is required for Intern and Trainee programs. It outlines the phases of the work-based learning experience, including objectives, activities, supervision, and how the experience connects to the participant’s background and goals. The DS-7002 must be agreed to by the participant, U.S. host organization, and IREX during the application stage and followed throughout the in-person internship or training program. It is not required for other J-1 categories. If a training plan needs to be updated during the program, IREX should review and approve the change in advance, and all required parties may need to re-sign the updated plan.

Q: Can IREX work with immigration attorneys and advisors? 

A: Yes. IREX routinely liaises with immigration attorneys and advisors as they support clients exploring J-1 visa options, requirements, procedures, and next steps.

Q: Are remote roles eligible? 

A: Positions that are primarily remote or virtual are not eligible. Exchange visitor programs must involve in-person collaboration with U.S. counterparts for at least three days per week.

Q: Is health insurance included in the sponsorship fee? 

A: Health insurance requirements are an important part of J-1 program compliance. Participants are required to purchase insurance that meets the minimum requirements of the J visa during the application process. IREX will confirm this requirement and provide a list of providers that meet the minimum requirements.

Q: Can J-2 dependents be supported? 

A: IREX can support eligible J-2 dependents as part of approved J-1 programs.

Q: I am a current IREX J-1 customer. Who should I contact for support or customer assistance? 

A: Current customers can contact the IREX J-1 Visa Sponsorship team for program support, customer assistance, or questions about an active sponsorship matter. Email jvisaexchange@irex.org or call +1.202.372.0818, and our j-1 Visa team will assist you.

Q: What happens after I submit the J-1 Sponsorship Request Form?

A: IREX reviews the information you provide and follows up with guidance on J-1 sponsorship eligibility, category alignment, documentation needs, and the appropriate next steps.

Q: Who should I contact for other matters or special assistance? 

A: For other questions, special assistance, or matters that do not fit neatly into the request form, contact IREX by email at jvisaexchange@irex.org or by phone at +1.202.372.0818. Please include a brief description of your needs so we can connect you with the right team member.

Q: Who should I contact about organizational exchange with temporary placement opportunities in the United States? 

A: If your organization is exploring an exchange, training, research, teaching, specialist, internship, or other temporary placement opportunity in the United States, IREX can help assess how J-1 sponsorship and broader program support resources may fit your goals. Contact jvisaexchange@irex.org or call +1.202.372.0818 to discuss the proposed opportunity, timing, host context, and support needs.

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