J-1 high school exchange: how to check a sponsor before you apply (65 sponsors on the State Department list)
A J-1 high school exchange is run by a sponsor — an organization the U.S. Department of State has designated for the Secondary School Student program. The sponsor issues the Form DS-2019, finds the school and the host family, and stays responsible for the student all year. Choosing the right sponsor is the most important decision.
How many sponsors are there?
On the State Department sponsor list dated 2026-10-10, 65 of 1,230 J-1 sponsors are designated for the Secondary School Student program. Most others run intern, trainee, research or camp programs and cannot place high school students. As of 2026-10-14.
| State (sponsor office) | Secondary School Student sponsors |
|---|---|
| California | 8 |
| New York | 6 |
| Washington | 4 |
| Michigan | 4 |
| Pennsylvania | 3 |
You can browse them on Agents & programs, filtered to J-1. Each profile shows which official list it is on and the date we checked.
Four checks before you pay
- The name is on the State Department list for “Secondary School Student”. A sponsor designated only for other categories cannot place high school students.
- The program number matches. Ask for the program designation number (P-… or G-…). It is printed in Box 2 of every DS-2019 the sponsor issues and identifies the organization, never a student.
- School and host family are confirmed in writing before departure. The rules require written school acceptance and a vetted host family (or an accredited boarding school) before the student leaves home — see the J-1 Secondary School Student rules.
- Optional: CSIET. CSIET is a private non-profit that lists programs meeting its standards. Being on its list is extra assurance, not a government approval.
J-1 or F-1?
J-1 is one or two semesters of cultural exchange. If your child wants to stay several years at one private boarding school and graduate, that is usually an F-1 student visa — read how to check whether a school can issue an I-20.
Cite this article as: USAnaru™ — https://usanaru.com/news/j1-high-school-exchange-check-a-sponsor
Questions
Where do I find a J-1 sponsor's program number?
In Box 2 (“Program Sponsor”) on the front page of the DS-2019 the sponsor issues — it starts with P- (or G- for government-funded programs). It identifies the organization, not the student, so it is safe to share.
Is a J-1 exchange the same as studying at a boarding school on an F-1 visa?
No. J-1 is a cultural exchange of one or two semesters arranged by a sponsor, usually with a host family. F-1 lets a student enroll at an SEVP-certified private school for several years and work toward a diploma.
Who can join a J-1 high school exchange?
Students aged 15 to 18 years and 6 months at the program start, or who have completed no more than 11 years of school (kindergarten not counted), and who have not done a U.S. semester or year exchange before.
Related documents
- J-1 secondary school student exchange: the rules (22 CFR 62.25) · Rule
- Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, J-1) · Official form or fee
- SEVIS I-901 fee (F-1 $350 · J-1 $220) · Official form or fee · $350
- Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) · Official form or fee
- F-1 / J-1 visa interview and the $185 application (MRV) fee · Official form or fee · $185
- Travel day checklist: what to carry to the U.S. port of entry · Checklist
Sources
- J-1 Visa — Designated sponsor search — U.S. Department of State
- 22 CFR 62.25 — Secondary school students — eCFR
- Certified programs list — CSIET
General information as of Oct 14, 2026, not legal, immigration or admissions advice. Each school, the U.S. Department of State and SEVP decide; check the school's own pages and official sources before you act.
