J-1 Visa Hosts

What is a J-1 Host?

A J-1 Host Organization is the U.S. employer, school, institution, or program that receives and supervises a J-1 Exchange Visitor. While the official visa paperwork is issued through a Designated Sponsor Organization, the host is the day-to-day environment where the exchange visitor studies, trains, teaches, or conducts research.

For example:

A university may host J-1 visiting scholars or researchers.

A New York City hospital may host J-1 medical residents.

A hotel, restaurant, or tourism company may host J-1 interns or trainees.

A public or private school may host J-1 teachers.

A family may host J-1 au pairs.

Responsibilities of a J-1 Host

While sponsors handle regulatory compliance, hosts have their own obligations, including:

Providing a safe, professional, and educational environment.

Ensuring the J-1 visitor receives proper supervision and mentorship.

Adhering to the terms of the DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (for interns/trainees).

Following U.S. labor laws, wage requirements, and working condition standards.

Supporting the cultural exchange mission of the program.

Examples of J-1 Hosts in New York City

Universities & Research Institutions

Columbia University – Hosts J-1 researchers, professors, and scholars.

New York University (NYU) – Sponsors exchange students and research fellows.

City University of New York (CUNY) – Campuses host visiting scholars and faculty.

Rockefeller University – Hosts biomedical research scholars.

Hospitals & Medical Centers

Mount Sinai Health System – Hosts J-1 physicians and medical researchers.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital – Provides residency and fellowship programs.

NYU Langone Health – Hosts J-1 medical trainees.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Offers J-1 research and training opportunities.

Cultural & Educational Programs

NYC Public and Private Schools – Host J-1 teachers from abroad.

Au Pair Host Families in NYC – Families welcoming J-1 au pairs through designated sponsors like Au Pair in America or Cultural Care.

Nonprofits & Museums – Some NYC nonprofits and cultural institutions host interns through J-1 programs.

Hospitality & Business Internships

Hotels and Hospitality Groups – NYC’s tourism industry frequently hosts J-1 trainees and interns.

Financial Firms & Startups – Some firms accept J-1 interns via designated sponsors.

Restaurants & Culinary Institutions – Provide J-1 culinary internships.

How to Become a J-1 Host

Organizations cannot independently issue J-1 visas; they must partner with a designated sponsor. To become a host:

Contact a J-1 Sponsor Organization that works in your industry (education, research, hospitality, business, etc.).

Submit a Training or Internship Plan (if applicable).

Demonstrate your ability to provide mentorship, training, or an exchange experience.

Follow program rules to maintain compliance.

Why Host a J-1 Exchange Visitor?

Hosting a J-1 exchange visitor allows U.S. organizations to:

Access global talent and fresh perspectives.

Build international networks and partnerships.

Support cultural understanding and global diplomacy.

Contribute to the educational and professional growth of future leaders.

✅ Key Takeaway: The sponsor issues the paperwork, but the host provides the experience. In NYC, J-1 hosts range from universities and hospitals to schools, companies, nonprofits, and families.