How do I know who my J-1 program sponsor is?
FAQ.
Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
How do I know who my J-1 program sponsor is?
Your J-1 program sponsor is the organization named on your Form DS-2019. It isn’t always your school. Sometimes a separate organization is your official J-1 sponsor.
If your school is not your sponsor:
This is common and can be confusing:
For campus matters (housing, registration, student activities), work with your school’s academic offices.
For all immigration matters, contact your sponsor’s Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). They are legally responsible for your J-1 status.
