Applying for j1 visa?

Question

Just wondering do you have to go through a company like USIT to get a J1 visa?

Answer 1

It sounds like you're trying to go on the Summer Work and Travel program. To get a J-1 to take part in SWT you will need to go through a facilitator in order to get the DS-2019 as well as a contract for employment in the U.S. and other documents that the consular officer will want to see when adjudicating your visa. There is no way to apply for SWT without going through one of these companies.

Answer 2

yes, you have to obtain DS-2019 first before you apply for J-1 visa

Answer 3

It depends on what sort of J program you want to apply for. In actuality, there are many different types of programs covered under the J visa umbrella. Medical training and residency, university reasearch and teaching,  au-pairs, summer work/travel, camp counselors, etc. However, each program has to have a sponsor who is registered with the State Department and has to issue you a J visa form with a program number before you can even apply for a J visa. So, depending on what it is you're trying to do, you probably do need to go through this sort of company.