Department Sponsor Responsibilities

To ensure that the program is suitable to the participant's background, needs, and experience, sponsors must screen and select their program participants according to the eligibility criteria for the appropriate approved university program category. A personal interview may be necessary as part of the screening/selection process. The participant must be engaged primarily in conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with a research project. They cannot be a candidate for tenure-track appointments. All university programs do not support academic or graduate medical education and/or training. Sponsors are required to ensure that participants possess sufficient proficiency in the English language.

Program regulations require sponsors to offer appropriate orientation for all exchange visitors and their immediate family. Orientation includes, but is not limited to, the following information:

Life and customs in the United States Local community resources (e.g., public transport, medical centers, schools, libraries, and banks), to the extent possible;
Available health care, emergency assistance, and insurance coverage;
A description of the Program Rules that participants are required to follow under the sponsor's program;
Address of the sponsor and the name and telephone number of the Responsible Officer;
Address and telephone number of the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation of the Department of State;
A copy of the Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure.

Pre-Arrival Information

Department sponsors are required to provide the J-1 Exchange Visitor Brochure to the participant to ensure that they have met the orientation requirements.

Department sponsors must also provide any information pertaining to contractual obligations between themselves and the participant; pay and benefits, if applicable; training plans, multiple placement/program locations; deadlines for submissions of requests for specific placements.